Scout Notes

Mitigating factors for Ings’ latest blank but owners begin to lose patience

Southampton 0-1 Newcastle United

  • Goals: Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m)
  • Assists: None
  • Bonus: Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) x3, Saint-Maximin x2, Federico Fernandez (£4.5m), Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) x1

Newcastle won away for the first time since Gameweek 15 despite a heroic performance from Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (£4.5m).

The winner came from Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m), the mercurial winger bursting into the area and poking the ball past McCarthy with just over 20 minutes to go.

That ended a long stretch of defiance from the Saints, who were reduced to ten men when Moussa Djenepo (£5.2m) was sent off after 28 minutes for a nasty, if clumsy, tackle on Isaac Hayden (£4.3m).

Saint-Maximin’s goal was only his second of the season – in a pleasing display of symmetry, his first came in the Magpies’ previous away win, 2-0 at Sheffield United.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce was keen to stress his player’s good and bad qualities post-match:

His natural ability is scary. He has a bit to learn too, and if he does, if he sorts the other bits out, we have a hell of a player on our hands.

Those ‘other bits’ involve Saint-Maximin’s decision-making and defensive duties, with the latter a major side of Newcastle’s game in recent weeks – Saturday’s clean sheet was their second in a row and fourth in seven Gameweeks.

Once Djenepo was dismissed, following an intervention from VAR, a Newcastle shut-out was always likely, although Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) was still called into action three times; enough for him to earn a combination of both save and bonus points for only the sixth time this season.

Decent returns from well-priced defenders is the major Fantasy attraction of Newcastle players of late, but Matt Ritchie (£5.3m) blew the chance of a big haul at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Scottish international, classified as a defender in FPL this season, has been used by Bruce as a midfielder for the past two weeks. His out-of-position credentials would have been given a big boost had he converted a penalty, awarded by VAR for a Sofiane Boufal (£5.5m) handball at the end of the first half.

Unfortunately for Ritchie, McCarthy brilliantly saved the spot-kick as Newcastle’s attacking woes – they hadn’t scored for four league matches going into the encounter – continued.

To be fair to Bruce’s men, their lack of an end product was as much down to McCarthy as their own profligacy.

The Southampton keeper was a man inspired on Saturday, producing a superb triple-save to deny Dwight Gayle (£5.0m) and Miguel Almiron (£5.8m), twice, before pulling off another fine stop from a Gayle header and sealing the deal with the penalty.

McCarthy’s heroics earned him the maximum bonus award and his first double-digit haul of the campaign as Newcastle were kept to just the one goal scored from seven shots on target and a chance every 6.9 minutes.

Gayle, preferred up top to Joelinton (£5.5m), missed a big chance, while Almiron again caught the eye in an advanced role just off the striker, but the midfielder still lacks an end product to justify Fantasy investment.

The same could not be said of Saints striker Danny Ings (£7.2m), whose ownership and price tag went through the roof during a 13-goal run from Gameweeks 7 to 22.

He’s scored just once since then and was kept to only one attempt, off-target, against Newcastle. Playing in a side with ten men for 60-plus minutes certainly didn’t help, particularly as he was shunted out to the left flank of a 4-4-1 once Djenepo had been dismissed.

Whatever the mitigating circumstances, Fantasy managers have clearly had enough. Ings lost a net 248,005 owners going into the match and he’s currently leading the way for Gameweek 30 transfers out among FPL forwards.

A Gameweek 31 blank and a patchy schedule that follows won’t inspire investment in any Saints assets, particularly as there’s a nagging sense that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team, who sit a comfortable seven points above the relegation places, could be the first thinking about what this summer’s must-have beachwear might be.

The manager couldn’t fault his players’ commitment, however:

I cannot criticise my team for not doing everything, they left everything on the pitch. It was a good performance on our side.

Newcastle also have a Blank Gameweek 31, so Fantasy interest might be minimal in the short term, particularly for those FPL bosses who are stockpiling assets who actually have an unaffected game in that decimated round of matches.

The Magpies will then have to face Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City during a mixed bag of a run-in but there are some more favourable fixtures around those clashes and the potential for an appealing-looking Double Gameweek 37 against Brighton and Aston Villa – although that hinges on the results of the FA Cup quarter-finals, with other permutations possible.


Southampton XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Bertrand, Bednarek, Stephens, Valery; Boufal (Obafemi 85′), Ward-Prowse, Højbjerg, Djenepo; Ings, S Long (Adams 77′).

Newcastle United XI (4-4-2): Dúbravka; Rose, Lascelles, Fernández, Manquillo (Lazaro 72′); Saint-Maximin, Hayden (S Longstaff 79′), Shelvey, Ritchie (Joelinton 61′); Almirón, Gayle.

Members Analysis

653 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Donkey problem for GW31. A or B ?

    A Keep Dendo
    B Dendo to Jota (-4)

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      If it’s purely a GW31 move, A

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I can do it this week, Ings to Jota but maybe should give Ings one last chance

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I’d save it then mate, might be useful having 2FTs ahead of 31.

          1. Buck The Trent
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Cheers

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Surely keep.

      You can get more playing players another way.

  2. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Alonso or Maguire next week?

    1. Geriatric Unathletic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I've gone Alonso. Slabhead to follow asap though.

    2. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Chelsea fixtures very much on the green side! I did Robertson to Alonso at 11.28am after the early pool team news!

  3. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 20 days ago

    Apparently reliable:
    https://twitter.com/SmuelMartinFPL/status/1236796962059563009?s=19

    Says Vardy on bench.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      A bit disappointed his bio doesn't say 1% body fat.

    2. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I know he got it right before but would rodgers even know the team by now?

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Exactly my thinking.
        Hopefully he's wrong

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Hope so - finally got rid of him and Soy!

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      Makes my decision to get rid of Vardy for a hit even easier 🙂

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        You're not selling him for this GW though. If he hauls vs Watford that would be a bad thing anyway

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I am chasing so Vardy ans Perez have to go.

    5. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      I am very frustrated having Perez starting & Barnes 1st on the bench.

      Hopefully KDB is out so it won't matter in the end.

    6. Party time
        4 years, 20 days ago

        This is why I love Rodgers 🙂

      • J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        My remaining two players are vardy and perez, think I’ll give up if this is correct!

      • Mingo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I'd be absolutely delighted if this was the case. I currently have Soy, Martial and Lunstram on my bench. Soy is already coming in for Robbo and if KDB doesn't play I'd get all 3.

      • Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Why bench Vardy if he’s fit.

        If he’s not fit, he dint be in squad

        1. fusen
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          "easing a player back in" isn't a new concept

    7. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 20 days ago

      GW 30 all away fixtures bar Man City - standout captaincy options?

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Ings.

      2. Sterling Archer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        KDB

      3. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Mane

        • PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Mane or salah

        • BNMC
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Auba

        • THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Giroud.

      4. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Looking at doing Ings and Perez to Wilson and Docoure this week as both will play in 31. Thoughts?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Wilson isn’t really on lately.
          Does he have good stats?

          I personally wouldn’t want him.

          1. suddenorgan
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Bournemouth actually looked quite dangerous against Liverpool

      5. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Timely article.
        Wood or Jota then ??

        1. Abra Dubravka
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Contemplating Wood, but isn't Barnes back soon?!

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            I would've thought Rodriguez more at risk than Wood. Wood is their main man.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Currently*
              I always pick the wrong Burnley striker so I'm little afraid atm 😀

        2. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          If you have Jiminez, then Wood.
          If you don’t have Jiminez (firstly, why not?) then Jota.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Have Jimenez yeah.
            Thanks mate

        3. Buck The Trent
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Long Wood

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Thanks

        4. 1zverGGadeM
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Jota

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Fixtures couldn't be better

        5. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          I've gone with both Jimmy and Jota atleast till 31

          1. PapaWengzz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Might get wood as well

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Leaning towards Jota for a reason I don't know 😀

              1. PapaWengzz
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Hes the fun pick from the two

                1. PapaWengzz
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Fun to watch, more explosive, better team

                  My money would be on him to get more points too

                2. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  For sure

        6. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Both on FH.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Not playing FH in 31

      6. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        Dependent on Leicester tonight, best way to use my 2FT?
        Can't see what to do...Thanks.

        Henderson, Pope
        TAA, Robbo, Saiss, Lascelles, Stephens
        Salah, KDB, Maddison, Traore, Grealish
        Vardy, Jimenez, Ings?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          GW31 plan?

          1. Abra Dubravka
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            just a few transfers to field 8-9

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Decide who you want to keep going forward then, see who is left.

              Personally I’d think about dropping Vardy, Maddison, Ings or Grealish.

              And bring in Deeney, Sarr, Doucoure, Wood or McNeil.
              (As you have 3 from Liv and Wol already)

              1. Abra Dubravka
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Thanks mate! Vardy/Maddison are being judged tonight. Ings will go after Norwich.

        2. 1zverGGadeM
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Get rid of Maddy And Jack

          1. Abra Dubravka
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Get I was contemplating Jack to Sarr and save other FT so have 2 FT for GW31

            1. Abra Dubravka
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              *Yeah I was

        3. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Vardy and Ings to Jota and Ayew for GW31.

      7. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        I can't wait for this season to be over. No matter what I do I cant stop plummeting down the ranks. I'm currently at 691k with a few players to play again. I think wildcarding now is the best option because the majority of my team is pure cack! Anyone else in the same boat?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          It’s been a difficult season for lots of players who usually do very well.
          If you’re struggling, my advice is to just write it off and try and enjoy it, WC, take a few differential punts and see what happens

          1. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Yeah that's true. What's funny is that I took that advice this week, I said feck it, I'll bring in Aguero as not many others are doing it. Again, turns out that may have been the wrong decision!

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Just unlucky mate, it’s been a difficult season to predict.

              I’ve been lucky that I got on Salah and Mane pretty soon, and have had KdB all season, so they’ve ticked over nicely in midfield and I’ve switched my budget forwards around to play the fixtures and it worked out.

              Sometimes, probably most of the time, this game is just down to luck, obviously we can look at stats, and plan for fixture swings etc, but we’re always just a VAR call, or pep roulette from disaster

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          My lad captained Aguero - he's had that kind of luck all season. Brought Pope in for GW31 and played him ..... McCarthy on bench. He's a similar rank to you so you're not alone.

          1. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Yeah it's been the same for me. Dropping underperforming players right as they come good, missing out on the big bandwagons, poor choice of subs. Gahhh

        3. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          It is my fifth consecutive red arrow this weekend, so yeah, I agree with you - this season needs to be over.

        4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Tyson Fury thought his life was over once.
          We can all change and turn it all around if the will is there.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            And the suns shining outside.
            Spring is in the air.

      8. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 20 days ago

        We are seeing a massive decline in hauls from forwards.

        Jimenez and Auba are consistent but not explosive. 1 goal hauls their name of the game. Prettymuch with DCL and Wood too.

        Firmino only scoring away from home.

        Vardy is pretty much a dead asset now.

        Jota explosive but streaky and not guaranteed a full 90.

        If Auguero was fit and played every match he would be the one to have.

        I think I am going cheap up top with an overloaded midfield and back three.

        That seems to be where the points are at the moment.

        1. Abra Dubravka
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          So which 3 are you leaning towards?

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          True. No point is spending lots on forwards this year.

          1. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            There was point spending on forwards earlier; the landscape of the game is always changing.

            1. Limbo
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Yes. There are only trends. Nuance makes it interesting. Wouldn't say a massive decline - maybe a little rose tinted after a low goal scoring weekend. Which often happens as the run-in tightens games.

        3. PapaWengzz
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Auba has scored 3 braces, only Vardy has more. And is currently gunning for the golden boot + 5th place

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Auba's price vs points not worth it.

            1. PapaWengzz
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Almost same points per million as Mane. So you've shifted from "one goal per game" (not true) to points per million (not true) Lol

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                I would rather have Mane over Auba at slightly more.

                1. PapaWengzz
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  That's your preference, cant use fake stats/facts to argue your point tho

                  1. FOO FIGHTER
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I have not posted fake stats. It is merely my opinion.

                    What you do with it is your prerogative.

                    Mane has more double digit hauls and more attacking returns.

                    So for a bit more I would rather have Mane.

                    I also said seems like the points are in midfield.

                    I would also rather own Jimenez than Auba.

                    Also said I would rather go cheap up top 😉

                    So in this instance Auba is not worth it IMO.

                    1. PapaWengzz
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Points per million and one goal a game objectively are both untrue in the case of Auba. You preferring Mane is an opinion but aubas points per million is almost the same, and he has the 2nd highest number of braces in forwards.

        4. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          The game has changed a lot in template this whole season.

          I started it with 2 cheap forwards and Greenwood. And have since gone back to 3 strong and now back down to 3 budget. It's really more about who's in form and who has good fixtures.

          But yes, generally, midfield is where all the points are.

      9. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Sold Ings and JWP. The former has fizzled out and the latter was a failed punt. Hello Sarr and Deeney for next gw. Out with the old and in with the new 😀

        • Mince n Tatties
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Morning Lads n Lassies

          GW31 Planning

          Who would you bring in for DCL? (Already have Jimenez & Jota)

          A. Deeney
          B. Wood
          C. Another

          Cheers!

          1. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Not sure I'm in a rush to sell DCL. Yes he blanked yesterday but I'm willing to write that game off because Everton as a whole were trash. I'll give him until the Leicester or Spurs game perhaps.

            1. Mince n Tatties
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Fair enough - but he blanks in GW31 - and then plan to activate my WildCard after that

          2. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Assess after this weekend, but right now, Deeney for me.

            1. Mince n Tatties
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Yeah - that's the plan - other transfer to make this week
              The Comparison tool in the members area has Wood well ahead

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Deeney/Watford have more to play for now.
                Burnley pretty safe, not suggesting Dyche will allow them to slack off, but no doubt Watford have the greater motivation.

          3. Buck The Trent
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Wood

          4. Gunners in Haaland
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            I will first get Deeney for GW30.
            Ings -> Wood for GW31.

        • Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          DGW players
          Kun 1 point and maybe injured
          Gundogan 2 points
          Leno 11 points
          Pépé 3 points
          Auba 2 points as Captain

          not great at all, but I would be happy with another 19 points off these by the end of the gameweek - hope springs eternal

          1. BNMC
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Do you have all 5 of them?

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              yes

          2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Chance of hitting the average I reckon.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              hopefully, on 49 points so every little helps

        • Bubz
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          On 70 points with Vardy and Barnes to play tonight, canny wait. Have a good feeling Vardy will return to form. Hopefully he will put me into the top 1k 😎

          1. DF
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

          2. PapaWengzz
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Vardy out apparently

            1. Bubz
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Well this is embarrassing

              1. PapaWengzz
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Great rank either way, hope to finish closer to that 1K mark myself

            2. Buck The Trent
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Or bench?

          3. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            When BR says ‘he is likely to be involved’, it has ended up as a bench slot

        • Slitherene
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 20 days ago

          Which 2 players to bench??

          A) Robertson (eve)
          B) Egan (new)
          C) Perez (wat)
          D) Deeney (LEI)
          E) Lascelles (SHU)
          F) Saiss (whu)

          1. Pinturicchio10
              4 years, 20 days ago

              CE

          2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            For GW 31

            A) Pope, Aurier, Sarr. Keep Vardy
            B) Pope, Alli, Wood/Deeney

            1. Slitherene
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              B

          3. UnitednationsXI
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Morning all, 3rd red arrow in a row sigh. No bruno/martial hurting the rank but given the gw31 blank (have 8 players atm), is it worth bringing him in for 1gw? Surely not? Intend to WC gw33 but Bruno might be 9m by then! Stuck. Suggestions with 1ft and 0.3m?

            Ryan
            Taa* Robbo* Aurier* — Boly* Rico*
            Salah* Sarr* Kdb Perez
            Jimmy* Ings Auba

          4. Live Scoutcast 8pm Tues - leave your questions here
            J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            LIVE SCOUTCAST TUESDAY 8pm

            Let us know any questions about the players, teams and talking points you'd like us to cover.

            1. Mince n Tatties
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Morning Joe - Any change on your GW31 Plans - Still playing your Free Hit
              With 3 x Liverpool / 3 x Wolves - is it better to save for the DGW plans?

              1. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                For me I'm already stocked with DGW players so FH 31 is perfect for my set up. Also looking forward to it as can get in lots of punts who I don't want long term for one week. 🙂

                But FH, WC, BB etc really depends on how each team is set up.

            2. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Best 1 wk punt pre-fh31? Chelsea look primed for investment and have a lovely run if you are able to see past the blank

            3. Fitzy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Plans for Liverpool players post GW31? If the title is won, how are they going to approach the last 6 or 7 games?

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Think they’ll still want the points record.

              2. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Maybe go all out attack?

                1. Fitzy.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  That's what I think too

                2. Le Bluff
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Kind of agree with this. Salah will be going for the golden book, Mane too. TAA and Robbo will still be having their assist battle.

                3. Baps hunter
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  No changes for me. Salah and Mane probably after golden boot and TAA has probably more attacking threat than Firmino 😉 Cannot see any reason to get Firmino over TAA.

            4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              I want my Wood penalty and I want it now!!

              How can such a blatant and obvious foul in the box get ignored in this age of VAR? __Furious tbh!

              The guy went straight through the back of him, pathetic.

            5. BNMC
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Chelsea are surely worth considering again after their result last night? The fixtures are also great.

              1. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                But who to get from them? Five last goals, five different scorers. ManU has Bruno and Martial with good fixtures also. They have to be better targets(?)

            6. The Cisco Kid
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              I seem to remember that when you use your FH, you lose your FTs. Does this ring a bell to you? If so, a public service announcement might serve folks well.

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                You are correct

              2. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                You have one ft after FH, so you can lose only one.

              3. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Same rules as a Wildcard. So those like me with 2 FT in 30 and looking to FH in 31 we need to use them before hand. Use them or lose them.

            7. wulfrunian
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              I think it would be really helpful if you could analyze the possible double gameweeks.Which teams could have a double gw in 34,which teams could have a double gw in 37?Is it possible for some teams to have a double gw before 34?

            8. Jakedmat01
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              is double Liverpool defence still viable do we twist to double attack or even go with just two players (TAA + Salah/Mané) after BGW31

              1. InvertedWinger
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Stick with what you currently have till BGW31 unless FHing (In which case id do Salah Mane TAA) and wait and see about rotation after they tie up the league against Palace

            9. Whats the Mata?
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Best XI for gameweek 31?

            10. tricky80
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Have we reached "hit-the-beach" territory?

              Southampton look safe, as do Newcastle now and Everton are arguably rank outsiders for Europe after their absolute to king at the hands of a currently indifferent Chelsea. Does this have implications for DCL and Richarlison along with the dearly departed form of Ings?

              1. tricky80
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                * tonking to clarify!

            11. el polako
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              City's line up against United suggest that Pep's priority is CL.
              Time to sell KDB ?
              Best replacements ?
              Martial \ Bruno double up ?

            12. Shultan
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Is it time to get rid of assets from teams with not much to play for eg city?

            13. ritzyd
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              How many blank gameweek players is enough (assuming no FH)

            14. P-h-o-e-n-i-x
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 19 days ago

              Can we discuss how Coronavirus is likely going to impact the league and FPL in the next few weeks? Serie A has officially been suspended now. What are the chances of something similar happening with Premier League?

              And how would all this impact FPL dynamics?

              1. Abra Dubravka
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 19 days ago

                At the minute, the most likely looks like playing behind closed doors, unless the numbers grow rapidly as it as in Italy. Constantly evolving situation, and only time will tell

            15. Alchim1sT
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 19 days ago

              What is the "best" chip strategy for those who are likely to use the FH chip in 31?

              What to do with Vardy after his double digit haul on monday?

            16. RamaLangaDingDong
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 19 days ago

              Hi Joe,
              I'm sure investment in ManU (and Chelsea) will increase after the blank but how about some comparative analysis between the options? For example, given the evident bromance between Bruno and Tony Martial who is the better option? Bruno the arch-creator and Tony the happy beneficiary - but already 0.6 between them...

              1. GRIMANDI [formerly boring M…
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 19 days ago

                Never put up a rough & smooth.

                But just want to get it off my chest. Vardy & Zaha > Aubameyang & Saka hence dropping Barnes to the bench & had Lundstram 2nd sub [in fairness he was never planned to play] KDB back in training & inevitably preventing Barnes points coming in!! Drops outside of top 100K.

                On the upside just about holding onto top spot in cash mini league

          5. ElliotJHP
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 20 days ago

            Sean from Enderby has confirmed no Vardy or Perez in starting XI tonight

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              BBC reported building 7 had collapsed, when it was clearly still standing.

              1. Pinturicchio10
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  😀

                • ElliotJHP
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  He's #neverwrong

              2. Hazz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                https://twitter.com/seanfromenderby/status/1236930047589658626?s=19

                Started Perez. Benched Barnes.

                (Clown emoji)

            2. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Ryan
              TAA* Doherty* Stephens
              Kdb Salah* Barnes Bruno
              Auba Ings Jimenez*
              Button Soy Holgate Dendo
              0.9itb 1ft

              Almost certain to play fh31, so best way to use transfer(s)?
              A. Ryan to ?
              B. Ryan to Krul/4.5 and Soyuncu to Alonso (-4, may captain)
              C. 1 wk punt (examples below)
              1. Barnes to 6.9 mid?
              2. Ings to 7.8
              3. Defender to Pva?

              1. Miguel Sanchez
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                B

                1. Fpl Richie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  You always post what I want to hear. Dangerous Miguel!

            3. Old Gregg
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Morning,

              Worth doing this week? Will probably get 2 of 3 by by GW31 anyway.

              1) Armstrong > Antonio
              2) Armstrong >Bowen
              3) Armstrong >Sarr.
              4) save

              1. Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                1 for me

            4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              C/ Lo Celso is a serious player who will haul imminently if the Muppets around him wake the **** up. Him.

              1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Richard Richard Fail. 🙂

            5. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 20 days ago

              Seems pretty safe to assume KDB is not playing against Arsenal. Who are your auto-subs?

              1. Le Bluff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Due to Greenwood's no-show, I have Lascelles coming on for 6 points 🙂

                Main ML rival has KDB (c), Lundstram 1st sub and Salah (vc), so it'd probbaly benefit me more if KDB actually played!

              2. Old Man
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Why do you think that?

                1. Le Bluff
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Pep hardly that encouraging in his comments. No-one knows, though.

              3. Mr. O'Connell
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Holgate

              4. Mingo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Martial

              5. dunas_dog
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Stephens so 2 points

              6. PapaWengzz
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Lascelles 6 points, I'll take that

              7. Fpl Richie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 20 days ago

                Bloody ML rival has Lundstram and O'Connell coming in for Greenwood and Kdb with captain switch to Mane. I am desperate for Kdb to play even a second!

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Kdb 15 minutes cameo

                2. Party time
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Bunch of dreamers

                  • pingissimus
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Bruno 🙂

                    1. Fpl Richie
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Benching Bruno is an fpl offence

                      1. pingissimus
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        It was him or Ings and had an eye on KdB situ anyway. Probable cameo anyway.

                        Had I fielded last weeks team this time I’d be on 63 so feel entitled to a break. Ryan out and benching Lascelles both rational and the shift from Mane to Mo C not exactly silly

                        1. GREEN IS GOOD
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 20 days ago

                          OK but don't do it again 🙂

                  • DF
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I think he'll play

                  • THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I think he'll play a part.

                  • GREEN IS GOOD
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Grealish + Salah VC

                  • Baps hunter
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    No auto-subs for me. I don't like to have expensive injured players in my team.

                3. manu4life99
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Callum Wilson yay or nay?

                  Good fix
                  Better stats than Wood/Deeney over last 4-6 games

                  1. Le Bluff
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Not for me.

                    Wood/Deeney/Jota all cheaper and have better fixtures than Wilson.

                    Plus, I'm not FH'ing in GW 31 so Jota/Wood are better mid-term picks for me (will have them until I likely FH in 34, and WC in 35/36).

                  2. pingissimus
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Not a bad call

                4. Bavarian
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  On which teams should we concentrate if wc'ing in gw32?

                  1. Holmes
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Everton, Man City, Man Utd, Watford

                    1. Holmes
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      And Chelsea

                  2. Mr. O'Connell
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    United. Bruno Martial AWB/Maguire all seem nailed.

                  3. Bavarian
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Cheers both

                  4. Slitherene
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Watford, Burnley, Chelsea, United

                    1. Bavarian
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Cheers mate

                  5. Fpl Richie
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Gotta have a few relegation heroes. Antonio or Bowen look primed

                    1. Bavarian
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Thank you

                  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Sarr. Foster. Martial. Bruno. And Mount to end the season well

                    1. Bavarian
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Thanks Rafa, well noted...

                5. Runaway
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Apparently ideal Wolves trio for GW31 is Jimi Jota and Doherty but I have Jimi and Dendo atm and able to put 8 without a hit.

                  1) Would you keep Dendo for his 2-3 pointer or try to replace him with a non-Wolves asset and bring both Jota and Doherty (may cost another -4)

                  2) If I decide to keep Dendo which one would be a better choice: Jota or Doherty

                  Team in my mind atm (with -4):

                  Pope*
                  TAA Doherty*
                  Salah Mane Alli* Dendo
                  Jimi Wood*

                  *not in the team atm

                  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Keep.
                    Doherty imo

                  2. Baps hunter
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I am not going to waste transfers to get Dendo out just to get Jota. There are other decent options. Doh over Jota.

                6. UpAndAway
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Anyone getting rid of KDB? Tempted.

                  1. Slitherene
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Got rid in 28. I feel the more you hold onto him because of the value invested in him, the more you'll drop rank wise.

                    1. Champions League Varane
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Did the exact same

                  2. Baps hunter
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Ditched again last week.

                7. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Fascinated at the near zero interest being shown in the best value attacker of the season.

                  Within a point of both Wood and DCL but cheaper and great enabler. A return in 31 not out of the question either given record there.

                  1. Slitherene
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Ayew serious?

                    1. pingissimus
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      50 points in last 11 at 5.1 - serious.

                      1. Champions League Varane
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Palace are not the greatest going forward and his fixtures isn’t great

                      2. Slitherene
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        He hasnt scored a goal this season against his next 5 opponents.

                        Bou, Liv, Bur, Lei, Che

                        Generally has it tough against top 4 oppositions.

                        Not in the best of form either.

                  2. Old Man
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Might be brilliant in a very heavy midfield 3-5-2. Cartainly worth consideration for WC

                  3. The 12th Man
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    In my thoughts.

                8. UnitednationsXI
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Thoughts on what to do here with 1Ft and 0.3m? Really want Bruno but only have 8 gw31 players and that includes Rico so 7 effectively

                  Ryan
                  Taa* Robbo* Aurier* — Boly* Rico*
                  Salah* Sarr* Kdb Perez
                  Jimmy* Ings Auba

                  A: Save FT and get 2 gw31 players in gw31
                  B: Auba + Perez >> Bruno + Jota (-4). I can then still get 10 gw31 players but at the cost of a hit also Auba is great cpt shout in gw32

                  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    A easy

                9. Champions League Varane
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  Sarr or Bowen?

                  1. McSauce
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    sarr

                  2. RAFA THE GAFFA
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Sarr

                  3. The Knights Template
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Sarr

                10. Navigating Blank GW31
                  Sam FPLFamily
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 20 days ago

                  With the focus of most FPL managers now firmly on blank GW31 how are you planning to manage it? With only 4 games and 8 teams (Liverpool, Wolves, Spurs, West Ham, Palace, Burnley, Watford, Bournemouth) how many players will you have? Are you planning to use a chip?

                  My original intention was to FH however with Liverpool now planning I’m planning to hold my FH chip for the final gameweek of the season as I can get 9 players out for 31 without it.

                  1. Slitherene
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Taking a couple hits to field 10 in BGW. Saving FH for later.

                    1. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Seems like a good idea. 10 sounds like it will be a lot considering the lack of games so should bode well for you. Who are you thinking of bring in?

                      1. FPL Xylophone
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Why fh last gw of the season? Usually its one of the most unpredictable gws

                  2. onceuponatyne
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Got Pope, TAA, Robbo, Doherty, Traore, Jimi and Ayew

                    Will likely bring in another couple and then happy to WC in 32, or hold a week and do it in 33.

                    1. onceuponatyne
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Oh, and Salah. 🙂

                    2. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      8 with Salah and a could more transfers looks good for that gameweek. Who you thinking of bringing in?

                      1. onceuponatyne
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Cheers.

                        I'm not entirely sure to be honest.
                        Rest of current squad are:
                        Hendo, Lascelles, Williams, KDB, Fernandes, Martial, Ings

                        Wildcarding the week after, or two weeks after so it's a case of trying not to lose value and trying not to take out anyone I'd want to keep.

                        So, might get rid of Williams and Lascelles and replace them with cheap playing defenders for GW31...

                  3. The 12th Man
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I took a -8 this week to bring in Jota,Doherty and Sarr and BB this week.
                    Now gives me 7 plus 2 more.
                    Might swap VVD and KDB for C.Taylor and Mane to give me 8 and save the FH for 37.

                    No WC so have to remember for every 31 player I get in I’m taking out a DGW Player down the line. This is why I used BB this week, so I can concentrate on getting a good 11 out in 34.

                    1. The 12th Man
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      On 62 with Periera and Perez (KDB (c) if he plays with Salah vc if he doesn’t. So not too bad for BB

                    2. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Yeah that’s wise don’t want to dead end a team that you can’t wildcard to fix

                  4. The Rumour Mill
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Navigating with free transfers, should have 9 players without any hits needed. Will probably be missing a goalkeeper, which I'm fine with, and a mid/Def, which I'm less happy about so I might take a -4 to field someone extra here, depending on who is in form going into that match. At the moment it's looking like it could be a west ham player!

                    1. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      I think no keeper is the way I’m going too - potentially a lot more upside with the defenders and their ability to get attacking returns.

                      1. The Rumour Mill
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Yeah exactly. I'm planning on fielding TAA, Doherty who both have attacking threat, and Cathcart, who doesn't but I've had him since early January and has a chance of clean sheet at least.

                        With the keepers none of them have an expected points potential over 4 points for GW31, so I don't really see the point in spending 4 points to get them in. I'm likely wildcarding in 32 anyway so the hit has no chance of paying off over more then 1 week either.

                  5. Lord.
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    Did the 6DGW29 and 9BGW31 wildcard, so I'm sorted.

                    1. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Nice

                  6. LewanGOALski
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I’ll probably go with -8 to field 9 as for chips my plan is: FH34, WC35/36 and BB37

                    My probable 4 transfers for -8 are gonna be:
                    McCarthy, KDB, Grealish, Vardy

                    Pope, Mane, Sarr, Jota/Wood

                    If Liverpool wins at Goodison, their game vs Palace at Anfield is gonna be the one they guarantee themselves a title - I want TAA, Mane and Salah for that one for sure, they could go riot af...

                    1. Sam FPLFamily
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      You’re strategy is the same as mine. Apart from I’ll likely FH in 38 unless 34 looks to be a real issue once we know what’s happened in the cup

                  7. Sterling Archer
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    FH31, with WC and BB still left I should be able to devise a plan. think FH31 could be more beneficial points wise

                  8. Mortal.Swinbat
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 20 days ago

                    I’m undecided at the moment

                    I have TAA, VVD, Salah, Jiminez & Jota and I also have 2ft’s. Plus the extra next week means I can field 8 without hits.

                    My only problem is that with a FH I could easily field 11, prime picks (Mane) whilst also not having to worry about using my current 2ft’s to bring in Gw31 players. For example I’ll need to bring in Burnley players using my ft’s when actually I think I’d rather punt on Alonso or AWB.

                    Saving the FH for the DGW seemed like the better option, but the fixtures that week don’t seem like they are worth doubling up on and using a FH in Gw31 would solve a lot of headaches of being forced into bringing in certain players. (I also don’t have my WC)

                    1. Mortal.Swinbat
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Plus everyone taking hits like mad I feel that using a FH to not have any hits and a full playing squad could be beneficial.

                      The other up side is FH’s usually go tits up. If I use it in gw34 then I’m guaranteed to take out some players to haul for some DGW players who blank. Whereas GW31 I can safely remove KDB, Richarlison, Fernandes with peace of mind as I know they won’t sting me....because they aren’t playing!

                      1. Sam FPLFamily
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        That’s definitely true. My worry is there isn’t a huge amount of upside as everyone will have roughly the same players with only 8 teams to choose from.

                  9. Pinturicchio10
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      9 + Rico

                    • Donblaster
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Can get to this 11 with no hits.

                      Pope
                      TAA | Boly | Taylor
                      Salah | Mane | Sarr | Traore | Noble
                      Jimenez | C.Wilson

                      Wilson could be Deeney, Wood instead

                      1. luv4rotties
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        This is solid, I think.
                        What chips you still have available, if any?

                        Only FH or WC, BB / TC, too?

                        1. Donblaster
                          • 10 Years
                          4 years, 20 days ago

                          WW, FH and BB left - currently languishing at 1m rank tho so need to maximise these for a strong finish!

                          1. luv4rotties
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 20 days ago

                            Assuming that fixtures of GW34 will be announced during international break (after GW31), I think that manageing GW31 without using your chips, then WC32 for a GW34BB and FH37 could be the way I would play it.

                            1. Donblaster
                              • 10 Years
                              4 years, 20 days ago

                              yeh that's the plan I reckon, cheers bud

                    • luv4rotties
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Still undecided on what to do.
                      Currently have 6 + Traore for GW31 (Taylor, TAA, Boly // Mane, Salah // Jimenez). With 2 FTs I can reach 8 + Traore with key targets potentially being Deeney & Sarr / Antonio.

                      As for most, I suppose, predicament is whether FH -> 37 is more beneficial than fielding the 'ideal' 11 in GW31.

                      Would like to hear any thoughts.

                      1. Donblaster
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        I'd be tempted to take maybe -4 and field 9 + Traore. I think you'd be well set with that, shouldn't be too many players that FHers will have that can massively hurt you

                    • Mingo
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      I have Mane, TAA, Robbo, Jota, Jimenez, Saiss & Sarr. I don't think I'll get a keeper so I'll move for either 2 mids or 1 mid and a forward. Gonna watch West Ham next week to see if Bowen or Antonio are worth a 1 week punt. Antonio looks to be a great option but he's so injury prone it will be a last minute decision.

                      I'll roll this weeks transfer to give myself 2 FTs next week and maybe take a hit. I have my WC and FH so likely to WC 32/33 when the FA cup games are completed.

                    • DantheManinaPan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Wildcarded GW29 with 10 GW31 players:

                      Pope, Trent, Doherty, Kiko, Taylor, Mane, Antonio, Sarr, Jimenez, Jota.

                      Might make one final swap for a full eleven

                    • TiAgoFPL
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      I'm going with 9 with no hits, have 7 at this moment

                    • Bouncebackability
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Probably just 7 for me.

                      With loads taking -4 or more I might just ride it out. Everyone will captain a liverpool player so no worries there, then three wolves plus J Rod for me.

                      I’d like Pope or sarr but sure it’s worth a hit

                      1. Bouncebackability
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        *not sure

                    • Santigold
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      I will have 9 players with free transfers, so I can save the FH for later. Don't think I'll take any hits either. I just can't see any players I'd want to bring in for a hit.

                    • diesel001
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      For me, the decision to Free Hit in GW31 depends on whether there are players I would have in GW31 that I want to keep going into GW32 and beyond.

                      Looking at the teams, my assessment is:

                      Bournemouth: None
                      Burnley: Pope, Wood
                      Palace: None
                      Liverpool: Mane, Salah, TAA
                      Spurs: Aurier, Lo-Celso (depends on whether Spurs get knocked out in CL)
                      Watford: Sarr
                      West Ham: None
                      Wolves: Doherty, Traore, Jimenez

                      That would give

                      Pope
                      TAA Doherty Aurier
                      Sarr Traore Mane Salah Lo-Celso
                      Jimenez Wood

                      1. Fitzy.
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        One of us is missing something here...

                        1. diesel001
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 20 days ago

                          My point being that if I can build a GW31 squad as I have shown above (or at least close), without a FH, then there is no need for me to Free Hit. If I can't get close to such a squad then I might as well FH in GW31 and plan for GW30 onwards ignoring GW31.

                      2. John Nerdelbaum
                        • 11 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Traore?

                      3. GREEN IS GOOD
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 19 days ago

                        Traore?

                    • Baps hunter
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Pope*
                      TAA*, Doherty*, Stevens, Soy, Williams
                      Salah*, Mane*, Sarr*, Dendo*, Bruno
                      Jimenez*, Auba, DCL

                      0.0 itb, 1ft

                      So I have 8 players atm. I could get two more but who should ditch? Soy to Burnley def? Or DCL to cheaper forward and upgrade Williams? The problem is that I don't want to dead end my team and force myself to use WC gw32/33.

                    • alfoir
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      All three chips and a WC available, so planning:

                      BGW31, FH
                      DGW34, TC
                      GW36, WC
                      DGW37, BB

                      FH team the big question. Currently set on:

                      TAA, Salah and Mane
                      Doherty, Jota and Jiminez
                      Sarr
                      Pope

                      Rest up for grabs

                    • Greek Freak
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Personally I think there's a fundamental mistake people make when they decide not to FH in GW31 and to save it for later; that is, they compare the upside vs. other non-free hit teams, as opposed to the upside vs. what they would've done otherwise.

                      So yes, with only 8 teams playing, your free hit in GW31 won't deliver many extra points vs. the managers who are fielding 9-10 players with no hits and saving their free hit for later. (especially with many of the 'main' players being the same)

                      But, if your non-free hit plan is to take a -8 or -12 just to field 8 players, then the free hit has a pretty big upside right there. Not vs. the non-free hit teams, but vs. your alternative plan. (especially when you play your free hit in a non-blank and inevitably end up selling players who score, as is the luck of many here...)

                      So that's it, don't try to shoehorn your strategy into copying what the 'official' strategy is or should be, just do what's best for your team. Be more of a casual - you arrive at GW31 with only 5-6 players? Don't take a -8 or -12, just free hit and enjoy the extra points.*

                      *The extra points also potentially apply to having a team more suited to the weeks following the blank too of course, which is a point I haven't seen made very often either.

                      1. Pooodle
                        • 14 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        This is very well put. If you take -8 and have say 7-8 players, then your FH would likely already be worth 20 points compared to your other team as you’d avoid the hit and have 3-4 more players playing.

                        Personally I only have 3 Liverpool and Jimenez with a fixture in 31 so I’m very likely to free hit - the only thing that would stop me would be to wildcard this week (primarily to get Mané instead of VVD/Auba) but think I’ll ride this week out and then wildcard in 32.

                        1. Greek Freak
                          • 8 Years
                          4 years, 20 days ago

                          Thanks - yeah a free hit looks like the right call in your situation. Personally I really wanted to free hit in 31 because I'm not convinced that free-hitting in any other week would score that much more than my original team. But, I've inadvertently ended up with 8 GW31 players already in my team (including Lucas Moura who has been stinking it for ages now!), so saving the FH for later makes sense.

                      2. Trippier Hazard
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        Worth bearing in mind the points mechanics for a -4 hit on a non-playing GW31 player for a playing one should usually be a net -2 effect (assuming the basic 2 ppm for a player), so taking 1-2 hits isn't so bad if it's against players you know won't play.

                        1. Baps hunter
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          4 years, 20 days ago

                          This has one caveat imo. How many players you need to ditch after 31 and how many transfers are needed for that. WC32 might be a decent strategy for some, but if dgw37 is best time for bb, it might be too early.

                          1. Greek Freak
                            • 8 Years
                            4 years, 20 days ago

                            This is part of my point too. It's why I plan to save 2FTs for GW32 - I don't want to hold Lucas Moura in my team for a single week more after the blank.

                      3. Mortal.Swinbat
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        This is exactly what I was saying above. Not only can you get a full 11 without hits but also all those crappy Watford and Bournemouth players you bring in will disappear after the gameweek has finished and I can have my lovely Richarlison and Fernandes back.

                        It also means that rather than spending all my transfer this week and next on preparing for the BGW31 by bringing in Sarr, Wood etc, I can spend them on players who I actually want and think will do well this week, like Chelsea assets vs Villa.

                    • Hungry Singh
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Currently have 8, and 3 free transfers.

                      Will be happy with 9/10 players; fixtures don't look that appetising...

                      1. Baps hunter
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 20 days ago

                        I have one ft less. I am actually considering to get perhaps only 9 dgw players and saving 1 ft. Triple Burnley def is an option also. My other two strikers are DCL and Auba. I have value tied in DCL and want to keep him. Auba has nice gw32 fixture so selling him for Wood doesn't sound too good.

                    • Brimble82
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      I'll be fielding 9 and taking the one hit next week.
                      Unsure as to which

                    • Polar_Bear
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      Will have 9 players with no hits. Could take a hit for a defender but can't guarantee a CS in my price range (£5m) that'll justify a - 4

                    • melvinmbabazi
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 20 days ago

                      FH