Pro Pundits - Zophar

How the Bundesliga can help FPL managers prepare for Project Restart

Fantasy Premier League managers should make sure they keep an eye on the Bundesliga ahead of the Double Gameweek 30+ deadline.

The top-flight of German football was the first major European league to resume play following the continent’s coronavirus outbreak – and there have been plenty of changes.

These alterations to the usual way of playing have had an impact there and they are likely to affect the Premier League too.

I did try my hand at Fantasy Bundesliga to see if I could get some sort of engagement but it just wasn’t the same as our beloved FPL.

However, watching the Bundesliga has convinced me that football without fans could still make for compelling viewing and provide a great distraction during challenging times. 

For example, the meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich was one of the best 90 minutes I have watched, with intensity, aggression and end-to-end action. 

But these matches have also provided a chance to weigh up what factors are likely to affect the Premier League when it returns. Here are a few things I learned…

Home advantage is severely diluted

What does the latest government update mean for the Premier League and FPL?

The lack of fans is bound to have some impact on Premier League teams

In the thirty-six matches played since the Bundesliga’s resumption in mid-May, there have been only eight home victories so far. 

That works out at just over 20 per cent, almost half the season average of 40 per cent. You can read more about that HERE.

This is worrying for teams like Aston Villa and Norwich, who have typically relied on their home crowd for the points this season.

Dean Smith’s men have secured 17 of their 25 points at Villa Park, while 15 of the Canaries’ 21 have come at Carrow Road.

Even worse for Daniel Farke’s troops is the fact that they have scored 76% of their goals at home, the highest percentage in the league. 

The lack of a home crowd could affect teams even higher in the table too.

Everton have picked up 68% of their points at Goodison Park this season and conceded 31 goals on the road compared to just 15 at home. 

Arsenal are in a similar boat. They rank sixth for points secured at home this season (25), but recorded just under half (14) on the road.

It also worth considering the teams that typically do better away from home, especially if they may have a greater opportunity to punish their upcoming hosts.

Chelsea have arguably fallen into this category in 2019/20. While they have the same number of wins home and away this season, they rank eighth for home points and third for road points.

Southampton follow this trend too. They have the lowest number of points accumulated in home games this season (14), but are the sixth-best on the road (20).

Rotation is to be expected, especially for fullbacks and wingers

Five subs allowed when Premier League restarts

Guardiola could follow the trend of Bundesliga managers and rotate more

With short turnarounds, Bundesliga line-ups are unpredictable and players are often left out without any prior intimation of injury. It would be reasonable to expect this in the Premier League too.

Centre-backs have been relatively safe compared to the full-backs so perhaps we need to deviate from the traditional strategy of going heavy on the wide men. 

A deep Fantasy squad may be important moving forward, with your bench players likely to be called upon more often than usual. 

However, the changes to substitutions could even up the threat of rotation.

Now that real-life managers will be able to make five changes in a match (only changing their team on three occasions, of course), the likes of Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) could get more minutes than usual, even if they were benched initially.

It is also worth saying that, in the Bundesliga, the teams at the top-end of the table and those motivated to achieve either the title, European football or safety from relegation have not actually rotated all that much.

For example, key players such as Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and RB Leipzig attacker Timo Werner have started every match so far, which is somewhat encouraging for anyone worried about Manchester City or Liverpool assets.

Injuries are more likely

Vardy cleared for EFL Cup semi-final action ahead of Gameweek 25

The Premier League could see more injuries after Project Restart

There has been a massive upturn in the number of injuries in the Bundesliga since they resumed the 2019/20 season.

Before lockdown, the German top-flight saw roughly 0.27 injuries per game, but the first round of fixtures played after the restart produced an average of 0.88 per game.

While it may not look like a massive leap, it was still an increase of 226% from before.

While the impact of coronavirus on worldwide sport is largely unprecedented, there is still some evidence to back-up the idea that long periods without competitive action can lead to more injuries.

For this, we travel back to 2011 to study the NFL lockout.

Following a league-wide pay dispute which prevented players from accessing team facilities for 136 days, pre-season training camps were cut from the usual 14 weeks to just 17 days. 

In the first 12 days of training camp, 10 players ruptured their Achilles tendons and the number of injuries during the first month of the new season was more than double the average typically observed over an entire season.

Both of these examples make for rather ominous reading ahead of the Premier League’s return this month.

Not everyone is going sub crazy

While some FPL teams may use more substitutes, it does not mean all of them will

While there does seem to be plenty to worry about when it comes to injuries, it does look as if the better teams are not taking too many liberties with the five substitutes rule.

The Bundesliga’s top two teams in Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have used only 3.75 subs per match since play resumed, the joint second-lowest rate in the league. 

However, the average number of substitutions made across the league has still gone up by a relatively significant amount.

Before the current pandemic, Bundesliga teams made 2.92 substitutions per match, but this has risen to 4.29 since the restart.

That said, what FPL managers are probably most worried about is assets being brought off before the 60th minute.

Thankfully, the precedent being set in Germany is that not all real-life managers are necessarily making earlier changes.

The average number of substitutions within the first 60 minutes of matches has gone up by only a tiny amount, from 0.62 to 0.88.

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

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Premier League Restart

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707 Comments Post a Comment
  1. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Good morning!

  2. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Looking at something like this for DGW30+ on a BB:

    Leno
    TAA - Lundstram - Egan
    KDB - Mahrez - Grealish - El Ghazi
    Auba - Samatta - Aguero

    Henderson - Fernandez - Boly - Saka

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Choice for me is between: McGinn and Nketiah vs Samatta and Saka

      1. Jarnathan
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Will Nketiah play with both Auba and Laca fit?

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You think El Ghazi is better than McGinn? Saka to play both?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I do think El Ghazi is better than McGinn as I am expecting Villa to play 4-3-3 with Samatta, Grealish and El-Ghazi as the front three.

        Don't know about Saka, but he could easily get minutes in both games.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I had Saka in my earlier draft. My 3 AV players are Grealish, McGinn and Samatta.

    3. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What is your thinking for having 3 villa attackers?
      Playing a Sheffield United team who you have triple defence so you won’t be wanting them to score then as if they did you would lose possiby 12 clean sheet points. And can’t really see them scoring against Chelsea and even if they did get one, 3 players won’t contribute.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Don't want Villa defence and it is a bit of a hedge. If Villa score then I expect two of those three to be involved. If Villa don't score then I get big points on the CS

        1. Mufc202020
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          If Sheffield United don’t concede and they get a clean sheet and you get a nice 12 points, it will counter that by having 3 attacking players only getting 1 or 2 points.

          And out of the 34 goals Villa have scored this season, only 3 of them have had 2 of those 3 players both be directly involved in the goal.

    4. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Solid

  3. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    hey guys, what do you reckon I do? I have my BB and FH left.. current team:

    Hendo McCarthy
    Rico Cathcart TAA Lascelles Dunk
    Salah Bruno KDB Doucou Cantwell
    Ings Jim Auba

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If no WC left then I would recommend FH for DGW30 to get as many DGW players in (i.e. 12).

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        thanks well I should still have my WC but not appearing on the app right now?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          If you do still have your WC (don't know what is happening with the app) then use unlimited transfers and BB for DGW30+ then use WC for GW31+.

    2. Birds of Prey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Everyone has a wc for gw 30.

  4. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Quality article from Zophar!

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks mate

  5. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    In short, chaos!

  6. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    hi guys, cant seem to see the WC option on the app right now? Is this because of UT and will appear after this GW?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        thanks mate

  7. Tim Canterbury
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    When are they gonna do picks for this gw

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

      Tuesday evening or Wednesday afternoon I'd have thought.

  8. Shaka Hislop
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi all,

    Hoping for some help. If I make lots of transfers now to build a squad for after GW30+ and then freehit to get players in for the doubles in GW30+ will it automatically remove all my prior transfers and deem that as part of the free hit and just leave me with my current squad?

    Any thoughts are welcome!

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      dont think you can do that, its either FH or UT as far as I understand

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

      Yes it will, you will get your GW38 team back.

    3. Shaka Hislop
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Ok cheers for confirming guys.

  9. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Good Thursday morning all. I'm getting slower.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      More beer required.

  10. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Fair to say Laca, Jesus, Lundy, McGinn and Saka are all doubtful to play both games due to being unreliable starters and risky to start at all but good punts for someone chasing?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lund is risky to start both but could well be the top scorer if he does. Think I will go with him after his goals yesterday.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yer i know a kid who is a season ticket holder. He says Lundy is a fan fav but not the quality of that Berg guy ( never seen him play ) and feeling is Berg is first choice but who knows . Probably worth it with little to lose anyway. Baldock and Stevens the safe optuons but whats point in that 🙂

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ps the goals yesterday don't mean too much to me. I try not to worry about friendlies. They are low intensity practice and experimental games. Remember Darren Bent ? 😉

        Thanks for your reply

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          True but Lund did start the last game before lockdown and did well...

    2. fuzzymike
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why is Saka doubtful for both?? He played last 6 games. Got him in my team now concerned.

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I just hear he could be prone. I didn't say both but maybe only plays one . Probably the most reliable out all the others i mentioned.

      2. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Tierney and Kolasinac says hi

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Check out my post at the bottom of the page.

          Last night Arsenal had a friendly, Saka, and Tierney started together. Kolasinac benched...but came on for Tierney in the 2nd half.

          1. bench boost for every gamew…
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            yep i was aware of that and in my view, that means 3 players competing for one spot and with games so tight scheduled that says rotation deluxe. And even if he plays CAM that also implies rotation as Arsenal got plenty of options in that spot too.

            But i can see the appeal if you got a second wc left, but for me, without, i see no point in having a mega rotation risk in my team. And yes he costs nothing so i do see the point.

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Yes I agree it’s easier with 2nd WC.
              No doubt they’ll be rotation, especially with wide attacking players, but at 4.4m I’m happy to punt on him for this week.

              1. Bald Eagle
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                4.7M

                1. HamezMace
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Sorry, I was thinking of Nketiah.
                  Still 4.7 is fine for a BB sub.

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

    This was a very insightful article, thanks.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Glad you enjoyed it

  12. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So, if one has BB and FH and no WC left, best option is to use FH and get in a DGW squad?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That is what I am doing. My slow wildcard should be ok to BB in. 31+

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Only fh if you have a decent squad which can see you well in 31+ and beyond.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I only have my FH left and I’m using it this week.

      I’m happy with my existing squad from 31.

      Leno
      TAA,Maguire,Lascelles
      Salah, KDB,Fernandes,Sarr
      Rashford,Jimenez,DCL

      McCarthy,Saka,Lundstrum,Taylor

      3.6m itb means I have the option to do Sarr > Son or upgrade elsewhere if needed in 31.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Looks good - I’m doing similar

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nice team.

      3. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nice team, fh is the right move imo

  13. panicsetsin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on team? (still have BB, FH, WC)
    Reina Henderson
    Baldock, Gomez, Oconnell, Saiss, Lascelles
    Douglas Luiz, KDB, Sterling, Grealish, Ozil
    Auba, Aguero, Nketiah

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      morning, I would assume with this team you as wc in 31+?

      1. panicsetsin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Most likely - though could hold for another week or 2 and use 2 free transfers to build a slightly better gw 31 team

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I think with this team you would struggle if you keep it in 31. With shef playing man utd Henderson can't play and puts the whole defence at risk plus the 2 villa players don't look tempting long term.

          1. n14mul
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            you would need to wc immediately which is why I have moved away from this stratergy as I think its a waste

            1. panicsetsin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Disagree slightly
              Reina has an okay fixture
              Defence contains Lascelles (good fixture) Saiss (good fixture) and Gomez (decent fixture) so would only need to play 1 sheff defender max if at all

              then a midfield of grealish (playing newcastle) kdb, sterling plus a transfer

              auba aguero up front

  14. Goro Majima
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all,

    Which option for my FH team?

    a) Saiss & Fleck
    b) Lundstram & Saka

    I'm chasing so like b but not sure if it's a bit too risky!

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      a

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B, yes risky but higher ceiling so makes sense if you're chasing.

    3. Goro Majima
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks both!

  15. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Morning,

    I see alot of teams with Nketiah in but no one taking a punt on martinelli?

    Is martinelli injured or fallen out of favour with arteta?

    1. panicsetsin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Just more minutes in these friendlies so far and also was featuring a lot before the pause

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        ok thank you. Who's has more chance of minutes in 30+ and beyond, Long or nkeiltiah?

  16. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Laporte or Mendy?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Laporte

  17. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Final place in FH team:

    A) Alonso (avl)
    B) TAA (eve)
    C) McGinn (SHU/CHE)
    D) Jimenez (whu)

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jimi unless chasing

      A if chasing,

    2. Goro Majima
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I've gone for TAA and Jimi on FH. If your other forwards are good I'd go for Trent.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      All good options.
      Can’t decide myself.

    4. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’d have B. Can’t decide between Alonso and Abraham myself. See below.

  18. Lokomotivvv
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bet this has been asked a thousand times already, but do we have 1 or 2 FT after Gw 30+ when using the free transfers now?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1FT after FH

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably going to be the same as the unlimited transfers before a GW1. You then get 1 FT for GW2.

  19. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What do you guys think of this for a BB GW30:

    Henderson, Leno
    Egan, TAA, Tierney, Lundstram, Aarons
    Sterling, KDB, Grealish, Douglas Luiz, Cantwell
    Auba, Aguero, Samatta

    Nothing itb.

    Kept TAA due to team value tied up in him.

    Fancy Lundstram due to Goal Threat and although he may not start, I already have double Sheffield United defence anyway.

    Fancy maxing out on double GW players as at least they have more minutes to do something.

    1. Exeterslowly
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I like it. I’d rather swap Lundstram for one of the cheaper nailed on sheff utd starters but it’s your call

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks. Tierney might be a bit of a punt but have to be brave right

        1. Exeterslowly
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah I agree but there are three players busing that position and with the number of subs and rotations in offer wing backs might get rested more?

  20. Tarzan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Quality article

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks !

  21. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Good article.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thank you !

  22. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Sammatta nailed on? Pre Covid, his minutes were limited

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Wesley was first choice but isn't available

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Should be. Wesley not fit yet.

  23. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Guys
    What to do please ? Still have (WC,BB and FH)

    Current Team:

    Pope-McCarthy
    TAA-Boly-Egan-Fernandez-Soyuncu
    Grealish-KDB-Fernandes-Salah-Cantwell
    Aubameyang-DCL-Jimenez

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fh and load with a balanced dgw players

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you

    2. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Needs more double game week players I'd say?

    3. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      is it better to to unlimited transfers and WC a week after after or just FH?

      1. casual
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, unlimited transfers loading up on DGW players then WC after seems the way to go

        1. Bavarian
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Thank you

      2. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I think this is a waste of 2 chips. If you have a decent squad for 31 then fh and load up in 30.

        Alternatively use the unlimited transfers to set your team up for the next 3 - 4 gw and then use your chips later

        Bb 30 and wc 31 is a real waste of 2 chips and the unlimited

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Treat it like GW1, the cheapest fodder bench letting you have a strong 11 for the coming GWs, including a nice few quality doubles who you'll play in coming GWs. Players aren't gonna play any better because it's a DGW, a lot of single gamers will get better points. In regular season players don't play 180 mins in a DGW, they will be rotated even more in these 9 or 10 games.

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      FH in 30 with a good few doubles and BB in future GW. See how lineups and form go before using WC.

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate

  24. Tarzan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Tammy or DCL?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tammy

    2. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tammy

    3. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tammy

  25. Basist
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Have anybody thought about the players that are on their last year of their contracts?

    Contracts expire at june 30, so are those players able to play to the en d of the season?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think most clubs have agreed short extensions with key players but imagine their minutes will be managed carefully as they will be worried about injuries preventing them securing a new contract elsewhere.

      1. Basist
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Where could I get some kind of a list of the players on their last year?

  26. Hitmonlee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Think I’m near to settled on my FH team.. Thoughts please?

    Leno
    TAA / Lundy / Stevens / O’Connell
    Sterling / KDB / Grealish / Pepe
    Aguero (c) / Aubameyang

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks great

    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Must have great team value. I’d love that have a dilemma between Alonso and Abraham instead of Pepe.

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      why use FH when you have unlimited transfers to do exactly the same?

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I had silimar thoughts but if team OK can take advantage of double gameweek as wont be another unless exceptional circumstances.

      2. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Because you get your old team back if you use free hit. It’s going to cost me over 1m to get my team back can see why some would use FH. Especially if they’ve no second wildcard and would be stuck with villa, arsenal players!

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          well, that was a team prepared for a gw 3 months ago, and while it could be good for gw31 there is no more guarantee that a team selected for the double gw would be less good for gw31 and onwards. Actually, the debate is perhaps more related to which players one chooses. I won´t go more than Grealish from Villa and instead go for some players that i want long term like Doherty and i rather go Mahrez over Kun when the latter is not on pens and about same risk in terms of minutes. Picking Arsenal players is not a risk in my view as they have some nice fixtures even after the double. So my strategy is therefore to take both the doubles into account but also a team and structure that would make it easy to switch from. i can see the point in saving cost with that strategy but at the same time, with nine games to go i would be more interested in points and 3 months pause could have an impact on players form, let say you choose to do what you do and you have Salah, which you have bought for 12.2 and now is 12.7, if you sell you can buy Mané for 12.5, which is the same price you get for Salah if you cash in on him now.

      3. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If you like your current team then FH is the way to go.

  27. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    BB 30, no more chips..
    Slight concern over Aubameyang/Mount I could save 2.1 and get the likes of Rashford/Son as I have no Wildcard..

    Leno Reina
    Wan Bissaka TAA Doherty Stevens Egan
    Sterling DeBruyne Sarr Grealish Fleck
    Aubameyang Jimenez Pukki

    Any thoughts appreciated..

    1. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Good balanced team.
      I'd say leave Auba and Mount in. In my opinion they're better picks than Rashford and Son for this week.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Do you think Auba outscores Aguero?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I’m leaving 1m to get salah next week...

  28. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can’t decide on A or B. A has Triple Sheffield defence but an extra doubler. B more exciting possibly.

    A) O’Connell and Abraham
    B) Alonso and Pukki

    Leno
    TAA, Stevens, Egan, x
    Sterling, KDB, Grealish
    Aguero, Auba, x

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B is more exciting but would need some bench coverage in case Alonso misses out

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Would have Douglas Luiz and Lascelles in both cases with another cheap mid unlikely to play.

    2. casual
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Tough one. Leaning towards A.

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks 1-1 at the mo. Someone said B yesterday and I like the idea of watching Pukki play Friday.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

      1. Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks
        A big Pukki fan? He was great last season. Wish he wasn’t being a Leeds fan but hopefully we can get there this season.

  29. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Posted this yesterday (with Berbz help), but I think useful information for anyone who missed it;

    Arsenal line up for their friendly with Brentford last night, they lost 3-2.

    First half XI: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, Pablo Mari, Tierney; Willock, Ceballos, Saka; Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang

    Second half XI: Leno; Bellerin, Mustafi, David Luiz, Tierney; Maitland-Niles, Guendouzi, Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette, Saka

    Subs:

    60 - Martinez for Leno
    60 - Sokratis for Bellerin
    60 - Holding for Mustafi
    60 - Kolasinac for Tierney
    60 - Nelson for Aubameyang
    60 - Martinelli for Saka
    85 - Coyle for Nelson

    Chelsea also beat Reading 1-0 (Pedro)
    I can't find the full line ups anywhere, but the following players are pictured in action on various media sites;

    Kante, Pulisic, RLC, Gilmore, Kovacic, Jorginho, Barkley, Mount, Abraham, Azplicueta, Tomori, Rudiger, Willian, and Giroud.

    Oh yeah, and you still can't use unlimited transfers, and FH in the same week, and get your unlimited transfer team back in GW31+.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No Cedric is good for those going Bellerin. Cheers good post

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Have you seen the Blades line up from yesterday anywhere?

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can't find it anywhere, the game isn't even mentioned on their own official website (or Hulls), or twitter feed. The only thing I can find is the goal scorers, Fleck, Zivkovic, and Lundstrum x2, in a 4-0 win. And that's just from a popular fan account.

      2. POLSKA GOLA
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can you please post the line up if you have it? I’ve searched the internet without success and asked on FFS forum yeaterday and no one was able to provide it

    3. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That is useful, thanks

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Useful. Thanks a lot for this

  30. Patron
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Lads, i might be wrong but this is my thinking.
    Isn’t the benchboost in this DGW literally the same as it would be in some other SGW if you don’t have all 12 DGW players?
    Let’s say you have 12 DGW players, you would normally start 11 of them, and then put the 12th on the bench with 3 other SGW players, so you can say you took advantage of your BB atleast for that one player.
    But if you don’t have 12 DGW players, lets say 11, it’s literally the same as it would be in some other SGW.
    Am i wrong or?
    Cheers

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      The main difference is that you can custom pick the 3 SGW players also, as most are planning to WC their teams after this GW anyway. So even though they are SGW players, you can ensure they all have a plum fixture.

      There probably won't be a better time this season as no other DGWs are expected.

      1. Patron
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ye, but I mean I can custom pick those players with WC too (didnt mention i have it still) and then BB, considering that, I guess it’s the same right?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Well yes, but then you'll be stuck with them going forward.
          Because we have unlimited transfers now we can custom pick an entire 15 man squad, BB, and then immediately WC them all to players we want for the rest of the season.

          For example, I'm happy to punt on some bench boost fodder like Targett, Nketiah etc for one week only, but I don't want them long term.

          1. Patron
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Right, I see what you mean.

            Well thanks, ill still probably go with bb, since I would like to take advantage of this weeks free transfers and that I still have WC (People saying its an advantage, which I agree with)

            And thanks, you’re very appreciated!

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              No worries, good luck.

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You can only have 12 doubles as you say however you can pick the best of the single gameweek players for the other three places and are much less likely to score a zero from any of the squad with 12 of the 15 playing twice

    3. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      You're right. Bench boost gives you 4 extra players who you wouldnt usually play. If they are single game weekers which is likely to be the case for the rest of this season then this week is not necessarily better than the others, because it entirely depends on the quality of fixtures your bench fodder have in the week you play it

    4. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Even with 11 DGW players, the assumption is the 3 or 4 SGW on the bench are players you kept because of value and will score well. Normally in a BB you has mediocre players giving you a few points in that one match. Now you'll double the points of these mediocre players who would have been on your bench, as you'll have them in your main team.

    5. stripeless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      This is exactly what I have been thinking. I have a team I'm happy with and unlimited transfers now would make it impossible to get this team back even if I were to WC after this week. And all for no real BB benefit over a SGW?

      I think I'll be free-hitting this DGW, get in the very best 11 DGW players and then save my BB and WC for a SGW where there's a better spread of good fixtures.

      1. YuvalFPL
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'm doing the same. You can still attack the double gameweek aggressively with a FH whilst preserving your value.

        If you have a WC and BB left, this strategy will allow you to preserve your value when the next WC is played, allowing for an expensive bench for BB.

        GL.

      2. Patron
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I calculated that if I used free transfers this week in order to make DGW’s team I would also lose about 1.8 million (if I leave just KDB).

        You think thats a lot value lost?

    6. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      The logic you’re using also assumed you’d start all your DGW players and bench DGW players. In reality I’d start Jiminez sgw over say Norwood on a double I’d start Trent sgw over Targett on a double. But it’s great that these 4.something players on my bench are playing twice!

      1. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        *assumes you’d start dgw players and bench sgw players

    7. Patron
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks everyone for the replies!

      GL to you all!