News

Premier League holds talks with government and clubs over summer restart

Representatives of the Premier League met with the UK government on Friday as tentative plans are formulated for a possible restart of the football season in June.

Delegates from the world of sport, along with senior industry medical officers, held the first in a series of meetings aimed at getting elite sport back underway this summer.

Oliver Dowden MP, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, tweeted today:

The Premier League, who met with its 20 clubs in a separate shareholders’ meeting, later released a statement saying they “welcomed the creation of the government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.”

There is some way to go before we see a ball kicked again, then, with the UK government’s next review of lockdown guidelines scheduled to take place next Thursday.

Beyond that, an agreement would have to be struck about testing procedures, amongst other logistical issues such as venue locations, before football is given the green light to return.

In their statement, the Premier League accepted that clubs “will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.”

That consultation with playing and coaching staff, along with the LMA and PFA, could be another significant hurdle to overcome, given some of the concerns raised in recent days.

Five Premier League clubs partially reopened their training grounds on Monday and Tuesday, although the players involved were restricted to individual training sessions.

For the umpteenth time over the last few months, the Premier League and its clubs “reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season” in their latest press release.

The current academy campaign has fallen by the wayside, though, it was revealed on Friday.

The Premier League’s full statement reads as follows:

At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.

The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.

The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.

No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding “Project Restart”.

It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.

The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support.

262 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    The can kicked down the road again..........

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      It is finished.......

      They do know this but for some reason they can't bring themselves to admit it.

      They have zero integrity left.

      1. Feanor
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Sure, buddy.

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    GW39 to be the best one.

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      GW 38 - starts and finishes as all the other weeks have. FPL then closes the site until the next season starts.

      That's how I see it happening personally

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Do you see no football played until GW1?

        1. fusen
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          I feel a lot of people keep linking these two things when I say the above idea.

          FPL and the real premier League season are not intrinsically linked.

          It's entirely possibly, and I think probable, that the FPL season and website closes and is marked as complete and then the premier League will attempt to finish the real actual football season whenever they can.

          I personally am in the camp for finishing this real football season whenever it is safe and they should even delay next season to do so. But that is completely separate to what I think should happen to the FPL season.

          At this point the FPL season is tainted. They should have frozen the game. As soon as they started to have blank gameweeks they ruined it.

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        This... gives them time to advertise and sort the game for next season and less of a financial cost

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          By this..., what do you mean?

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Agreeing with Fusen basically. That's what i would bet. We shall see

          2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Advertising the game and number of players is how they make their £££'s

            If FPL starts again in August or September, playing more gameweeks doesn't give them a lot of time to set up the site, make changes, develop it, test it, put it in a staging area before production and update it. Then have it up long enough to get 7 million players. Too many all at once will hammer the servers .

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Dont forget they usually release it 5 or 6 weeks before just to get people signing up across the world

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                I like your idea of running it parallel. Hope they can see your comment.

            2. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              You don't know how quick they can set the site. Must be a piece of cake for them. They have been doing it for a long time. It might be less than a week at most.

              1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                They will definitely need a testing period where they test the security of the site and try to eliminate any bugs. I am not a developer though so not sure . A big site like that up in a week bug free... pushing it. Im sure some of the other lads on here who have been playing as long as me will remember some of the teething problems the site has had in the past. They locked people out completely days before week 1 a few year back. Screwed a few folk up

                1. Tinkermania
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 11 months ago

                  They have made major strides. Been playing passionately for 11 seasons. No major bug issues that I have heard off. Think they have nailed it to a T.

                  1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 11 months ago

                    They locked me out. Can't you remember that one? I had to create a new account . Loads got caught out. Authentication stopped working

                    1. Tinkermania
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 11 months ago

                      Must be over 11 years ago. I don't remember.

          3. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            I see. Worried that might happen too. But they would get more advertising by adding more game weeks after 38 surely.

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Possibly yer but a few weeks vs an whole seasons worth... i dunno they may have a plan. They may be able to run it in parallel somehow

        2. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          If this season can't restart then why should next season start at all? Unless they find a vaccine or cure they should treat next season the same as this season. What's changed? A second wave is predicted.

  3. Polar_Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Actual fantasy, would you:
    A) Richarlison & Traore
    B) 2 or Sarr/Mount/Barnes (6-7m really)

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Actual fantasy 😀

      A

      1. Polar_Bear
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Have to keep dreaming!

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Actual fantasy..

      ..and what do you use to call the other "fantasy"?
      Unreal fantasy? Lol

      1. Polar_Bear
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Maybe fantasy fantasy? :')
        I'm not doing the other one so trying to avoid the mix up

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          Grealish still worth a look. Has been class all season.

  4. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Rodrigo, Man City goal machine.

    Who knew?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I’m going mad.

      I thought it was tonight. I was re running yesterday’s game.

      Lol at me!

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Someone's chomping at the bit!

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        I lose sense of time and days at the moment.

  5. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Any advice for the real fpl?

    McCarthy Henderson
    Simpson Taylor TAA Fernandez Doherty
    Grealish Salah KdB Traore Bruno
    Aubs DCL Jota

    2FT. 0.9 ITB

    Thinking Simpson, Grealish have to go. Auba-> Rashford could fund some the upgrades?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Sorry bud, everyone´s energy is focused on fear mongering and virtual BS.

  6. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    All this talk of re-starting the season is madness surely. Realistically there can’t be any football until September at the earliest

    1. alastair
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      What do you think will have changed by then ?

    2. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Then they can restart in September in that case.

    3. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I can't imagine matches will be played with fans at the stadium. A lot of tv broadcasting $$$ on the line.

    4. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      If you just want to pick an arbitrary month, why not make it March 2021?

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Thats even better for them. Buys them plenty if time.

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      BS!

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        More BS! Unless you care to elucidate.

  7. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Does copying and pasting huge chunks of a premier league statement count as article writing?

    It reminds me of when I used to type "do not" instead of "don't" in my dissertation just to get the word count up.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Tweet: Can’t
      Chat: I can’t
      Email: I cannot
      Essay: I am unable to can
      Dissertation: I do not currently have the ability to can

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Ironically this is one of your shorter posts. 😀

  8. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    FPL

    Best GK up to 4.6 to pair up with McCarthy?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I went with Krul

  9. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    According to the infamous John Cross

    Premier League clubs are believed to be discussing curtailing the season rather than voiding it if they cannot restart

    1. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Restart is not impossible, unless footy is dead forever.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        They've been given a deadline of May 25th to have details of a restart in place. After that time there can't be any wait and see. Either there's a date or it's cancelled.

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          And who gives them the deadline?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            UEFA.

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              I see. Link please?

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Seen it earlier. Shouldn't change the direction of project restart. People will catch it somewhere sometime. Just need to do the right thing when that happens.

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Quarantine the whole squad for 14 days each time?

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                I think the practice will change over time. I can foresee a time when if someone tests positive, people who were closer will just get tested as opposed to quarantine. That time is not now but people will have to all go back to work even if the vaccine is not in place. The world can't afford to shut down for 12 months.

          2. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Are those tests the ones produced more than 50% false positives? Is that the science? Bull

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              The bottom line is life will commence at some point, covid or not! All businesses will reopen. Yes, test results might be questionable. But if it doesn't go away, the world will have to live with it.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      It is the most likely outcome

      If they can throw the relegated teams £200 million each then they might have a starter.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Curtailment is the least worst outcome in a very stick situation

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          @Berbino, finishing the league is.

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            *finishing the season, I mean.

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Only if it's safe to do so.

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                It will be safe at some point, so it's the best outcome.

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      They are probably discussing 500 different things.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        One journo is going to strike gold

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          As long as Villa get rightfully relegated, I don't really mind what else happens.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            People always want the massive clubs to fall. It's understandable.

    4. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Don’t know why they’re wasting their time. Bobb and Rhinos from FFS have already confirmed the season to be finished.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Bobb's posting history is quite something. Fella will be devastated if it's not null and void.

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          Who is Bobb?

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              This. ..

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Bobby is a guy on here who has little chance of finishing in top 1million of fantasy footy. His team Arsenal have no chance of finishing in top 4. He has been a fanatical advocate of nullifying and voiding season. Every post of his in the last 6 weeks or so.

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              The state of this place

              Glad I only frequent it on special occasions

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                @SYD, what's the special occasion tonight? 😉

  10. Tinkermania
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    So, they can play it safe, and say, we will start on 8 September or a Saturday near that.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe, who knows. I'm sure it's probably more complicated than them just providing a date.

  11. Poseidon.
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Season was abandoned in 1939 and Blackpool weren’t handed the title despite being top. Precedent has been set.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Money will dictate things now. It's immoral to let footballers be tested before civilians. Scrap the season, start a new one when the time is right?

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Or restart the season when time is right?

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          No. Unless they plan to have 2 February to November seasons to sync before'22 World Cup.

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Or finish in Sept, start new in Oct.

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Can you read?

              1. Tinkermania
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                If that's for me, yes. Which part have I not read?

                1. GreennRed
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 11 months ago

                  The bit where I said to scrap the season.

                  1. Tinkermania
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 11 months ago

                    I saw that. Have you not seen that I have a different view? Is that unacceptable? FINNISH THE SEASON!

                    1. Tinkermania
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 11 months ago

                      *FINISH

                    2. GreennRed
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 11 months ago

                      I see your different view and respect it, but you keep countering my view as if I'll change my mind. I won't.End the season now. Civilians lives are more important than money or football and prioritising tests and facilities for footballers over civilians is immoral.

                      1. Tinkermania
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        I am not asking you to change anything. I am just saying if it is ever going to be safe to play, finish this season before starting next. Some will agree and some will not. Not that yours or my opinoon matters. Just saying, I don't see much benefit for null and void.

                      2. GreennRed
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        Saves a lot of stress for people in football. Can make plans for holidays, meet with family friends etc. The resources planned for football, booking stadia, security, social distancing layouts, police, public transport plus, more importantly medical, nursing, doctors, physios, testing are more needed on the front line. A bit of a tangent but better to have too many resources than not enough in case of multiple waves of COVID19. But miracles could happen and a vaccine could be found. Feck the Premier League though. Mayo for Sam!

                      3. Tinkermania
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        I agree with almost all your points. But I was talking about playing when it's safe. There are lots of people whose livelihoods depend on these games being played. If an effective vaccine is not found, people will see have to go back to work at some point. Cant be in lockdown forever even if Covid stays forever. don't think any team will take legal action if relegated in September or October, for instance. Like I said, I like you thought but, imo, there are better ways.

                      4. Tinkermania
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        Good night all.

                      5. Poseidon.
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        It’s been emotional.

                      6. The Polymath
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        Holidays. meet family and friends? Not sure anyone can plan for that in the near future.

                      7. GreennRed
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        Everything is still uncertain but if football season was cancelled then some football people could make some plans. Spain reopening for Spaniards next week. Multiple waves of COVID would obviously throw spanners into a lot of works.

                        https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/11505362/spain-holiday-open-hotel-beach-summer/

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Only 3 games played 😉

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Abandoned after 3 games, astonishing.

    4. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      And that was when men were real men

      Not like the bunch of Aussie Plumbers we have running about at the moment.

    5. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      FAKE NEWS! Blackpool were awarded nothing.

      Check for yourselves before injecting the disinfectant.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry misread that. Thought you said they were awarded the title. 😀

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          Lol no probs

      2. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Are you drunk? That’s exactly what I said.

  12. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    As Fergie would say

    It is squeaky bum time

    1. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Yep, not long now

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      She used to say that to Prince Andrew?

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Was that at the Pizza Hut in Woking?

  13. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    No price changes.

  14. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    I think the clubs AND league have lost sight of everything here.... Safety notwithstanding, we're at a point where finishing the season can only delay the start of the next one.

    If having an August-May year is best, *if*, then everything should be done to accommodate that.

    Let's say a restart happens in June, 2nd week at best, it'll be a ludicrous schedule. Rotation won't be possible for some clubs and even then players won't have the recovery time their fitness regime and diet has been crafted to.

    How can you start in August if you're finished in early July? You can't tell players "well you had a long holiday at home lol"... That won't wash.

    Other leagues have called it a day. Why not the 'greatest' one? After all, England's pandemic response and progress remains one of the worst globally...

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      The new season could start anytime they want. There are no rules now in the new world with Covid.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      You’re making a fairly large assumption there that next season would be a 38 match scenario. There’s a strong possibility that it will close down during the winter months when the second peak hits in winter.

      Suspect you need to think this through a bit more if you expect 2020/1 to run as per calendar

      1. CroatianHammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        You make my point in part so. If there's no guarantee that the next season can be a full one, why complete this?

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          @CROATIANHAMMER, completing this one ensures there is no chance of 2 incomplete seasons. Voiding this one could have 2 voided seasons. That's worse. You get that line of thinking?

          1. CroatianHammer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            You need to show your work... How can completing this season ensure that the next is also a complete one? Or have you misread what I wrote entirely?

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly if they don't finish this season they are risking losing two.

        1. CroatianHammer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          How? If this season is voided what part does that play in stopping the next in starting?

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            It doesn't. Better to void this season and start the next when it's safest to do so. Safest for everyone not just for football.

            1. SteJ
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              In your opinion, why is it better to cancel something in progress to start a new thing than finish the existing thing before starting the new one?
              Surely, if we have a repeat of the virus surge next year then the new thing would need to get cancelled too no?

              1. GreennRed
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                Because allocating healthcare resources to healthy footballers to complete a season when there are people more in need of healthcare is immoral.

                1. SteJ
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 11 months ago

                  I agree with that point, but why not wait until the virus situation is resolved (say Jan 2021) and complete what is already in flight?

          2. fusen
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            The idea is a second wave of Covid come back and cause another lockdown, that would then interrupt the next season like this lockdown is interrupting this one.

            So the idea above is to wait until it is safe, then finish this season. So at that point you are in a state of never having voided any season and everything is complete.

            You then work towards starting the 20/21 season and do the same for that.

          3. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            It wouldn't stop it from starting, it's doubtful it would finish however unless a Coronavirus vaccine is found, without it it's likely to peak again next winter bringing the season to a halt again. Hence my comment if they don't finish this season they are risking losing two.

    3. BobB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Precisely this. Better to go the French way and prepare for a proper season next year than try to play wall-to-wall through the late summer and effectively bugger up two seasons, with or without a second wave.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        I knew your answer before you posed it. 😀

  15. Thug
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    The Ragabolly simulator LIVEfpl is great fun... thanks

    Could I suggest you plan to run another season for next season with midweek (Tuesday and Friday games) starting 2 or 3 weeks ahead of the actual Premier League start for the new season.

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Glad you're enjoying it! That's a cool idea, let's see what the future holds for football. I can definitely run it again.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Euro's next season. Most people play the Euro's fantasy game. May be harder to get interest.

  16. Peteski29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    If actual fpl resumes again how does this look? Any changes? 2 ft and 0itb

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Boly
    Salah KDB Fernandes Barnes
    Auba DCL Jiminez

    McGoveren Lund Saka Taylor

  17. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    After a few good rounds in VFPL I was hit by injuries and due to ignorance I have already used my wildcard. I have a feeling that Ings is the player to get now - just as he was in real FPL 🙂

    a. Pukki -> Ings
    b. Something else - maybe get Aurier instead of Simpson?

    Heaton
    TAA, Alonso, Van Aanholt, Doherty
    Salah, KDB, Martial, Barnes
    Jimenez, Pukki

    Button, Greenwood, Hayden, Simpson,
    1 FT, 1.4 million in the bank

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I think Ings can wait a week maybe with the tough fixture. Aurier looks very good value

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, Aurier looks good. The problem now is that I can not afford Ings next week if I buy Aurier. Decisions are hard 🙂

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Calvert Lewin.

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Would like him too but cant have them all...

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Your defenders are good as they are.

      I’d get Ings.

      1. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Ings is now in my team!

  18. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Set up well for a bench boost will never be able to play!

    Leno
    VVD, TAA, O'Connell
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Martial
    Aubameyang, Ings, DCL

    (Pope, Saiss, Taylor, Saka)

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Aurier, not Saiss!

    2. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I'm playing bench boost in 38 - just in case . . . .

  19. All For One
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    McCarthy or Krul on Fpl?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      McCarthy

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Cool thanks

  20. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    vFPL captain?

    Salah (avl)
    Aguero (SOU)
    Rashford (whu)
    Currently on Kun but obviously him starting is not certain

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Hard to resist Kun at home

  21. Woeisme
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    My flatmates sister, is best friends with a girl who is married to the brother of the guy who is lead assistant to the man in charge of programming at FPL towers. He has said categorically that there will not be a GW39 in FPL regardless of what happens with the premier league. If the premier league does restart all rearranged fixtures will be part of GW38.
    According to him, there is way to much work in programming servers to do anything else and reminded us that this a free game, so why would they? This is why the GW deadlines and free transfers have not changed despite postponements.

    So, now that you have the inside scoop, do you have the minerals to slap that chip down after the GW37 deadline?

    If I get any additional information from my source, I'll share it with you. You are welcome.

    1. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I'm bench boosting GW38

    2. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      If this is true I need to use my wildcard in gw37 to use the bench boost in gw38 - not realy great.... wish I still had the triple captain chip

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Triple captain would give you one extra player score for each set of PL fixtures (9 or 10, maybe 11 in total), BB will 4 extra scores for each set of PL fixtures (so 36 plus an additional fixtured for any City, Arsenal, Villa or Sheff Utd players you have). So surely BB is the better option if there is a mega GW38.

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          TC would be 9 or 10 extra scores, 11 would only be possible if you switch captains which you wouldn't be able to do in a mega GW38.

        2. fc_skrald
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          But the deadline for a gw37 wildcard will be weeks before gw38 is on - makes it realy difficult to pick the right ones. But of course the same is true for using the triple captain.

          1. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            True, but you would have a GW38 FT to replace an injured/out of favour player (and you could take a hit or two if necessary). Injury is more of a concern with using TC in GW38 IMO, if your TC gets injured after he starts a fixture you will gain no benefit from using that chip for all his remaining fixtures in a mega GW38, all four of your BB players would need to get injured for that to happen with BB.

            1. fc_skrald
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Ok, I have changed my mind - now happy about my bench boost chip 🙂

            2. Woeisme
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Not exactly. GW38 will start May 17. What ever your team is on that date will be your team.. even if the rearranged fixtures don't start until July.

              1. bitm2007
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                Good point. If the current GW deadline are fixtured GW37 WC's would have to be played by 14.00 next Saturday, and GW38 teams selected by 14.00 on Sunday 17th May.

      2. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        If this is true....

    3. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Six degrees of separation...

      Surely FPL wasn't hard-coded to only allow 38 gameweeks in a season though. And if it was, then the website really needs a rework.

      1. Ragabolly
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        To be honest, it is probably programmed to have exactly 38 weeks as there was no way we could see a scenario with more GWs beforehand. More GWs will require some re-programming. Not saying it's not easy to do.

        For example, LiveFPL is programmed for 38 GWs. If they extend it, I would have to go through the code and make sure everything that depends on that gets changed, which is a pain.

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          With your programming expertise Ragabolly, that should take you 5 minutes. 😀

        2. fusen
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          I'm not sure I agree, when they changed the FPL website so the front end content was all served in JSON files they set it up (again on the front end) to be very very flexible. It almost felt like they were making a fairly open platform to allow any type of sport of competition to be the base of it.

          They have since then refactored the JSON a few times which points to even more flexibility.

          The key assumption I'm using is that the backend server code is designed in the same way the JSON files are presented to the front end, but if they are then adding an extra gameweek for the front end to deal with is simply adding an entry array item into 'events' that is then spat out via the bootstrap file. (https://fantasy.premierleague.com/api/bootstrap-static/)

          As an example of what I meant above, they literally have a settings array that dictates that a 'squad play' size is 11. As in there are 11 players on a football team playing at any one time o.o

          If you hard code your game for specific things, you do not need a setting to say there are 11 football players on a pitch.

          If anything, the most likely scenario would be gameweeks being added that lead into 40-50 appearing.

          Saying all that, I don't believe a large 90 fixture full gameweek 38 at all. I've posted before I'd bet real money that that isn't how the game will end up being played.

          I also said above, the absolute realistic scenario is they simply close the FPL game done and consider the season finished in FPL terms with the rest of the real games to be a separate issue.

          My main point though is that the FPL website is set up to be anything but very rigid in terms of not being able to dynamically add or change settings on the fly.

          1. fusen
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            any type of sport or competition to be the base for it.*

          2. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            This post confirms we have too much time on our hands.

          3. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            You conFUSEN me. 😉

    4. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Is there any way of contacting fpl Towers to ask them to confirm if there is going to be a bumper game week?

    5. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      So after todays deadline all who have WC and BB should use WC and set up team for big BB in GW38?

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        I wouldn't say so

      2. fc_skrald
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, if this is confirmed by FPL - If there will be no news, I dont know what to do...

        1. StoichkovFPL
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          thats the thing! If there is no info what should we do??

          1. Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Play the odds, all you can do.

            Firmly believe the most likely situation is that they add more Gameweeks. Haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise or that it's impossible bar speculation from people pretending to know more than they do, and press reports seem to hunt that there will be no jumbo 38 as Neale pointed out:

            https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/21830568

            If in the (imo) unlikely scenario that there is a big 38, I'll take a couple hits and play BB. Not the end of the world.

            1. StoichkovFPL
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              I have 2FT like most of us. Also have 2 playing GKs and players who look nailed-ish as sold players like Williams who werent nailed.
              My bench is Pope, Lascelles, Stephens and Hayden. As have 0.9 itb too will upgrade Hayden to Traore free (downgrading Hendo to McCarthy maybe) so with no hits will set up team for BB just in case.

              1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                Fair enough.

                I'd much rather put all my money into my XI and attack the last few weeks, running that risk of needing a hit to switch to a BB team, and save my WC for later in the campaign.

                Personal preference though I guess, depends how confident you are!

                1. StoichkovFPL
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 11 months ago

                  If there is no info I think I will split the risk. I think people with WC and BB should use 2FT to have strong 15 like I wrote above.
                  Its safer for both scenarios:

                  1. GW38 will be the last one
                  We cant use WC in that scenario as BB is much better chip to use in last GW esp with a big one.
                  2. There will be GW 39, GW 40 etc.
                  We have WC so can change a team using it or with FTs. Also if there will be no DGWs we can still use BB and than WC (or WC and BB if there is a DGW).

                  In your plan you wont be properly prepared in 1st scenario.

                  1. bitm2007
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 11 months ago

                    You can only split the risk regarding BB for another couple of weeks, if no extra GW's have been added by the 14.00 BST GW38 deadline on Sunday 17th May the decision has to be made on whether to use that chip or risk losing it and being at a massive disadvantage compared to those how have used it if we get a mega GW38.

                    1. StoichkovFPL
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 11 months ago

                      This is a plan for GW37. If GW39 will be another week where we know nothing than its another 0pts week and game is over. So doing nothing in GW38 if that happens and saving all chips in case they add some new GWs.

                      1. StoichkovFPL
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 11 months ago

                        *GW38 not 39 obv

            2. bitm2007
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              The GW38 deadline is only two weeks away 14.00 BST on Sunday 17th May, if no announcement regarding extra GWs have been made by then, what are you going to do ?

    6. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      In case anyone didn't read it properly, not exactly a reliable source 😉

      1. Woeisme
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        How do you mean?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          'Flatmates sister is best friends with a girl who is married to the brother of the lead assistant to the man in charge of programming at FPL Towers'

          You're just missing off the butcher, baker and candlestick maker

          1. Shipstontrev
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Should I bring in butcher and baker for a -4?

            1. John Nerdelbaum
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Just the flatmate's sister for free

              1. Shipstontrev
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                Is she fit though?

            2. John Nerdelbaum
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Nathan Baker?

  22. Tinkermania
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Reply Fail
    @WOEISME, I saw your message and I appreciate it. It does sound very convincing. But you are not expecting everyone to believe ALL of what you said as 100% truth, are you? No disrespect, if that came from me, I would expect you to question reliability too.

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Convincing? It sounds about as convincing as Michael Gove

    2. Woeisme
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      Putting the source aside and basing it purely on the info that we have to date, its a very plausible scenario. FPL are saying nothing. They have stuck to the preordained format, they continue to give the free transfers. The deadlines have remained. They have recorded the GW scores. Our ranks have changed in line with the transfers we have made.

      Which is more plausible?
      1. FPL will stick to the rules that they clearly posted before any ball was kicked
      2. FPL will change the rules of a game three quarters way through the season for no NECESSARY reason?

      (By "Necessary reason" I mean that the current rules actually cover this scenario. We have double GW already and no one bats an eye. Talks of triple GW's are accepted with out question. This is merely an expansion on that.

      Pretty presumptuous to think that the free game will be massively re-programmed... Just saying.

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        @Woeisme, you are right about plausibility. It's your source that's questionable. Are you surprised by that?

        1. Woeisme
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          I would have thought that it was pretty obvious that the quoted source was "tongue in cheek". I'm surprised it wasn't

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Oh dear, posting false information can lead to a ban. Woe IS You. 😀

            1. Woeisme
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Yeah, living on the edge. Dangerous times.

      2. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        So you’re just guessing then

        1. Woeisme
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          No.. I really have a flat mates sister married to a cousins brother of the guy that runs FPL. Sure thing. I'll keep you updated

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Where did the cousin's brother come from? That wasn't in your original story. 😀

          2. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Keep digging! 😉

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/04/19/take-our-fantasy-premier-league-2016-17-quiz/?hc_page=1&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_21827371

        kind of called it 13 days ago. Catch up fella's.

        Who's ya Daddy??? All these pro punditers doubting me...i run these streetz now...

        This is why people should take EVERYTHING i say as gospel

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          @PROPUNDIT........That could well be true, but, you are going by what somene's flatmate's sister's brother's/cousins statement as evidence for your staatement?

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Yer i get that. But it is a big call to come on here and say such a thing confidently knowing people have been banned for posting false info without a source. It is mainly because i would be very surprised if they did have a plan to get such a huge game over multiple servers up and running in such a short space of time . This is mainly why i do actually belive there could be truth to this.

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              He has already confirmed that he made it up.

              1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                In that case i told tou not to belive him . I knew he was trouble as soon as i saw the post

          2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            By all means if he is wrong then people have a right to react but why doubt him as it stands.

            Remember that Chelsea guy that came on and said somome would be dropped ( Azpi maybe), powell his name. Everyone hammered him so much that when it came to light he was right and he did have knowledge he refused to share any more based on the abuse. Well he shared it with Andy,Sutherns and crew secretly ( allegedly) and they kept the info for themselves

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks Pro. So, are you saying we should believe as soon as we see such posts?

              1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                Until proven otherwise. That's how i roll..i also take into account how long they have been here and who they But if he is admitting to lying then where is that report button?. auto ban for that.

      4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        I wouldnt bother pal. People belive what they wanna belive. Thanks for the info . I have no reason to doubt you

  23. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    The GW37 deadline is now only a week away (14.00 BST on 9th May). It's unlikely that we will know any more about any upcoming PL fixtures by then. So is everybody with WC and BB still intact planning to WC before next Saturdays deadline, then BB by 14.00 BST on Sunday 17th May if the GW deadline remain as they currently are ?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      If football does restart this season, FPL towers would be best just to restore the database at the point of the last game and just let it run to GW38 as per normal. The most sensible solution.

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      If there is no info I think I will split the risk. I think people with WC and BB should use 2FT to have strong 15 as its safer for both scenarios:

      1. GW38 will be the last one
      We cant use WC in that scenario as BB is much better chip to use in last GW esp with a big one.
      2. There will be GW 39, GW 40 etc.
      We have WC so can change a team using it or with FTs. Also if there will be no DGWs we can still use BB and than WC (or WC and BB if there is a DGW).

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        So are you prepared to hang onto your BB until after the GW38 deadline in two weeks time, and thus loss it if no extra GW's are added ?

        1. StoichkovFPL
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          Im talking about GW37 plan. GW 38 with no info from FPL towers would be complitely stupid and rude to us, managers so Im expecting some info untill GW38 deadline. IF they say nothing than GW38 will be another 0pts GW so nothing actually matters.

          1. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            OK. Thanks. Do you think I should use my FT to bring in a playing keeper before todays GW deadline ? I've still got a WC and BB to use if your scenario 2 happens.

            Pope, Button
            TAA, AWB, Soy, Egan, Boly
            Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Barnes, Saka
            Auba, Jimenez, DCL

            0.0m ITB, 2 FT's

            1. StoichkovFPL
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              Yes. Prepare for that like I wrote above. 15playing players.

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        No way FPL Towers will have a big GW38 without giving players the chance to play their BB. There would be uproar, so I aint panicking.

        1. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          @Wolves, I agree. I would expect some announcement in such an eventuality.

        2. DeadStarComing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          There would be uproar but if you go on how the game is running right now (and how it’s run in previous seasons) it seems more likely than you’d think.

    3. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      This is what’s interesting me now. I tried to touch on it yesterday. It’s frustrating FPL won’t reveal if there would be additional game weeks added because it makes a huge impact on what FPL managers are best doing in the next two weeks - SHOULD the game continue at some point.

      If they really can’t add more game weeks then potentially wildcarding next week and activating bench boost in GW38 would optimise points potential.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        I've been doing a slow WC, so the GW37 deadline isn't a major issue for me, whether to use BB (or potentially lose it) after the GW38 deadline is going to be a major issue for all of us who still have that chip intact however. Personally I'm thinking play it (if no additional GW announcements have been made) and at least I will get some additional points from it even if it is only a single GW.

        1. DeadStarComing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          It could stay as a ‘blank’ week though. If they add a GW39 I mean. Then the bench boost would be wasted.

  24. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    50 mins till deadline, I miss the days when there was a smell of panic on the air...

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      In *

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      I thought the deadline was 2pm?

      1. Ragabolly
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        real FPL

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Oh yeah, glad someone is still paying attention 😆

  25. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    I heard the Chief Medical Officer is a Liverpool supporter. That means it will be safe to play. 😉

  26. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else still using up free transfers? I'm thinking of doing Auba + Richarlison to KDB + Jiminez. Good moves?

  27. Tinkermania
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    I have only gone up 400 places since the league was suspended. Avoided transfers as not much info to go on. Disappointed by that figure. Those are decent moves, by the way.

  28. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    how do i view the list of all teams in my mini league? vpl

    it shows there are 11 managers but only 8 show up

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      What's the league id? I want to troubleshoot

  29. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 11 months ago

    229,THANKS

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 11 months ago

      The two bottom teams don't have valid teams, probably didn't complete their team creation after signing up. When they save their teams, they will show up.

      1. Ragabolly
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 11 months ago

        Which won't be before the next deadline

        1. Bonus magnet
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          thanks

        2. Bonus magnet
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 11 months ago

          having said that team ID 3256 in that league is not showing at all but that was saved correctly

          1. Ragabolly
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 11 months ago

            Did they just register after gw9? If so, their team for GW10 will not show up in the league until after the deadline, otherwise we will be revealing their picks/transfers

            1. Bonus magnet
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 11 months ago

              many thanks makes sense..

              but should the team name and manager not appear on the league page?-this is the main issue here

              1. Ragabolly
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 11 months ago

                They'll show up in a few hours after the deadline.

                1. Bonus magnet
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 11 months ago

                  no further questions your honour.

                  have a good weekend