Pro Pundits - Simon

Are differentials always the most effective route to FPL success?

In his latest Pro Pundits column, former Fantasy Premier League champion Simon March talks us through how effective differentials can be for the season run-in.


If you spend any time on Fantasy Football sites and forums which, if you’re reading this, you do, you’ll have noticed people talking a lot about ‘differentials’.

A ‘differential’, is a low-owned player, be that in overall FPL terms or in the context of a mini-league. There is no universal definition of what constitutes a differential in overall FPL, but it usually applies to players with sub-20% ownership with a ‘true differential’ being a player with sub-5%. Within discussions of differentials, a player becomes ‘more of a differential’ the lower his overall ownership.

What I’ll call; ‘differential theory’ refers to the idea that, if a low-owned player scores well they will, by virtue of their low-ownership, have a positive effect on the ranks of those managers that do own them.

The inverse of this philosophy is the apocryphal ‘Template’ which argues that, if your team resembles too many other teams, you won’t be able to advance up the ranks, strengthening the case for differentials. 

Discussions of differentials intensify toward the end of the season when people are making last-gasp attempts to move up the overall ranks or win their mini-leagues. But does differential theory actually work in practice?

Do Differentials Work?

Differential theory can work. Logically, if you own an otherwise low-owned player who has scored well, the likelihood that this will, when looked at in isolation, translate into a net benefit for you rank-wise should be quite high. Everyone has, at some point, benefitted from a differential and FPL is littered with examples of them paying off, so it’s something we tend to believe quite strongly in.

However, owning even a high-scoring differential won’t pay off on its own. For this to happen, the higher-owned alternatives also have to score fewer points. In other words; if a 5% owned player and a 50% owned player both score 10 points, their ownership percentages become less relevant. The differential has to outscore the more popular alternatives to have a net-positive effect.

As bookies and weathermen will be all too familiar with, when formulating the probability of an outcome, the more variables that you have to insert into the formula, the lower the probability of that outcome occurring typically becomes.

Gameweek 32+ Scout Picks focus on Arsenal, Wolves and Man United

The likelihood of your differential delivering a net positive score is, therefore; the probability of your differential scoring offset against the probability of a higher-owned player also scoring. Given that highly-owned players often score well (which is often why they’re highly-owned) and low-owned players often don’t (which is often why they’re low-owned), this is not a formula you would expect to pay off regularly and, maybe, not even very often.

You often see mention of “high risk, high reward” options on FPL forums but you will sometimes get the impression that, actually, they’re looking at ‘risk’ and ‘reward’ as if more risk equals more reward. Of course more risk may result in more reward on occasion, but your expected payoff will always be reward divided by risk so, on average, more risk will equal less reward.

Of course, differentials may be differentials because they’ve just come into the team or come back from injury. In such cases, their prospects might be much better, though these types of players naturally carry their own inherent risks.

Does ‘The Template’ Exist?

 1

So how do you move up the ranks then? Surely you can’t do it just by owning the well-owned players? Well, yes and no. If you take a look at my current team below, there aren’t many players who you would call a ‘true’ differential. In fact, only Mason Holgate (£4.3m) and Todd Cantwell (£4.6m) are under 15% ownership (13% each). In other words, it’s fairly ‘template’.

It might surprise people to learn therefore that not a single other manager in the top 10k has the same combination of players. Even if you remove my three lowest-owned players from the equation (the above plus Ings at 21%) only 0.11% or 11 people have the same team as me in the Top 10k.

While this isn’t conclusive proof that the ‘template’ is, in fact, a myth, it definitely suggests that we exaggerate its significance. This, of course, is less likely to apply to mini leagues with relatively few entrants, but I’m afraid that scenario is for another article.

Impact on FPL Strategy

What does this all mean for FPL strategy? Well, to me it suggests that focusing on differentials and ownership percentages won’t be as beneficial to your success as focusing on which players will score the most is likely to be. So, yet again, however complicated we make FPL, it ultimately still comes down to picking the players who will score the most points. There is a potential benefit to a good differential, but it’s important to ask yourself; are they ‘good’, and not just ‘different’. Will they really outscore the more popular alternatives?

In conclusion, while I wouldn’t rule out the benefit of a good punty differential, and there is definitely a time and a place for them (e.g. when you’re desperate or when you’re a bit drunk), placing yourself at the mercy of them too frequently will almost certainly not pay off over time.

The better option, I believe, is not to focus on ownership percentages at all but, instead, focus only on expected points. Over the course of a season, consistency, I believe, will always be the best differential.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,031 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best move here?
    Need to cover up 40pts on ML rival.

    2 Ft,0.4 ITB. BB left. Plan to use it this week

    Pope Hendo
    TAA Doherty Gomez Taylor Basham
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Cantwell
    Dcl Jimenez Jota

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Considering
      A. KDB + Cantwell + Jota > Mahrez + Martial + Nketiah
      B. Bruno + Cantwell + Jota > Martial + Pulisic + Nketiah

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        a easy

        1. King Kohli
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I like A

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

      A

    3. Garam MOSALAH
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kholi fan bhai
      Considering KDB fixtures, I won’t get rid of him

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

      Crazy to drop KdB - would drop Salah before I dropped him.
      Watch Son - if he blanks again, there's your funding for Mahrez/Martial.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why is it crazy to drop KDB at this point when he will be rotated. I bet Salah racks up more points from now till the finish.

  2. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Next gameweek going forwards

    Choose a mid

    a) Bruno
    b) Martial

    Choose a forward

    c) jimi
    d) Rash

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

      Bd

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      BC

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      bd

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

      Well BD for now, lete see after tonight.

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

      BC

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

      In 5 hours time Man U will either be touted as being as good they were under Fergie, or totally crap. Nothing in the middle.

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yep I agree, although it changes like the wind in the medias eyes.

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

          And on here. Man U win and they all come out of the woodwork gushing how amazing they ars, and if they do badly the hardcore come on here with essays about how it is the Glaziers' fault, while everyone else lols at them.

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

        Ahem ahem ...
        I can see this article already 😉

        "Which triple up we should consider from Manchester United, after their thumping victory over seagulls last GW"

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Fergie will be smashing his tv screen with a tea cup tonight if UTD lose. Easy replacement in the morning.

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

      BD

  3. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which City defender do you think is the best option, excluding Laporte and Ederson?

    Garcia could be a bargain if he gets some games like Foden.
    Otamendi not much more expensive.
    Mendy potentially the best, but rotation.
    Walker most likely to start but poor attacking threat.

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

      Wouldn't bother mate.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Garcia probably

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

      There are much better and cheaper defenses that you should consider.

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

    Suggested moves?

    A) Guendouzi to Saka
    B) Holgate to Aurier
    C) Son to Mahrez
    D) other move
    E) Save

    Martinez (Martin)
    TAA, Doherty, AWB (Lascelles, Holgate)
    Kdb, Martial, Salah, Son, (Guendouzi)
    DCL, Jimenez, Rashford

    0.6 in the bank

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

      Lol thats a perfect team for me. DCL I dont know who u can sell for honestly. Just monitor the games and then decide if a transfer is needed.

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

        Well, would like Ings or Jesus for frustrating dcl. But will need to downgrade a mid then.

        And would like Mahrez or Bruno for Salah or Son, maby

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

          I wouldn’t do anything rn. You dont know how will those big hitters preform in this gw yet so...

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. jimski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B seems a no-brainer to me.

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

      DCL blanks for one game and all of a sudden you want him out?

      The team looks very good. Just hold here.

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

      Cheers and good luck!

    6. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B) Holgate to Aurier

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

    Finally a decent FPL game tonight.
    Dont expect many changes except Bruno, but not that worried about him either.
    You think MUTD might drop some points tonight? Wouldn’t be surprised.

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

      Think they’ll win

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

        Me too, but just wouldn’t be that of a shock for me if they dont.

  6. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    prediction for tonights game ? I go with 0-2

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

      0-3

    2. DF
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1-2

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

      Ye 0-2 for me
      Might be 1-0 tho lol

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

      Boring 0-1 or 1-2, tight affair. Especially if Bruno is benched for the first 60

      Brighton arent pushoevers

    5. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1-1

    6. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2:2

    7. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      5 -2 UTD win

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        yes please

    8. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2-0 Murray brace

    9. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1-3
      OG for Lindelof
      Rashford brace
      Bruno Pen

      Martial AWOL

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        rashford brace would be dreamy

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

          He's due. Wasted few chances. Hopefully he settles down quickly. Can't rely on Tony every GW at all to score

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            hope so have the armband on him so just not a blank please

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

              GL
              He's my vice with Pulisic as © so i may be joining you by tomorrow on © points 😀

  7. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    just backed Draw at half time Brighton win FT @11/1

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

      I respect a man who discloses what he bet on before the outcome. But wave goodbye to that money

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

        😀

      2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        thank you.......I called a few bets this wknd on here which came in............I called yesterday game 0-0 at HT but only at 5/6

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

      Good luck!

    3. DF
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Will you be able to cash out of that if you're good at half time?

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

        Just bet on a draw at HT if you are going to do that?

        1. DF
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I'm with Brostan on this. Bad bet. Just wondering if he can rescue his stake if Albion have something after 45.

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

            Wut

          2. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            "rescuing his stake" at half time is moronic mate...

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Just bet on half time then...

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          The odds at 11/1 tell you its a long shot, however Brighton have beaten Man U at home three times in the last four meetings..........

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

            It's a fair bet at fair odds mate - don't listen to Man U fans who always vastly overestimate their chances (just look at some of their score predictions further up the page as an example :lol:)

            1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Its OK, I posted pre match Man City v Burnley last week that City would win by 3 clear goals, and stuck £350 ( check my post ) I got a lot of nonsense about how tight the game would be and how good Burnley defend........5-0

    4. DF
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      How much?

  8. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Mahrez vs Foden (since restart)

    Goals: 2 vs 3
    Assists: 2 vs 0
    Mins: 216 vs 104
    Mins per Goal Attempt: 43.2 vs 26
    Mins per Chance Created: 54 vs 52
    Xg Non Penalty: 0.49 vs 0.49

    Very small sample size but if Foden is expected to get more mins he could be a better option than Mahrez. Thoughts?

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

      Very small sample size.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Would still go Mahrez. Reckon he will be the main man in attack with Aguero out.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Jesus will get the major mins over Foden in attack - no?

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

      Foden has been sub so has faced tireder legs?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He was subbed on against Arsenal and he scored. He was in the starting 11 against Burnley and scored a brace.

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

          That goal against Arsenal was pathetic ! Hated it as a Kun non owner 😀

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

      Mahrez will continue to get consistently more minutes than Foden. Rather double up if you really want FOden

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I have KDB. Want to get either Foden or Mahrez for Richarlison this week.

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      That price difference is distracting man. I just can't bring myself to sell KDB and buy foden for some reason. 😮

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Capping KDB and seeing him on the bench your worst nightmare and bound to happen a couple of times before the season ends.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Just don't captain KDB.

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

          After a rest vs plum opposition can be great

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yes this a good strategy have to lookout for these big hitters being rested and then put the armband on them for the next game if it's good one.

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

              You can hope so 🙂

        3. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I wish that was my worst nightmare.

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

            Sanchez 😛

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can't sell KDB it will only result in red arrow I've tried it twice this season. And now he's on pens too.
        I want get either Foden or Mahrez for Richarlison this week.

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

          I'm also quite afraid of selling him.
          Maybe I'll sell Son to get Mahrej. Let's see

    6. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Mahrez will get more minutes and more points but the price difference is huge. Foden looks like gold to me at 5.2m.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yes I agree Foden if he starts getting more mins is going to be a bargain.

        I'm looking to get one of them for Richarlison this week. Foden does allow me to upgrade my 8th attacker (Nketiah) to Ings/DCL when their fixtures improve from GW36 or Jimenez to Jesus if needed.
        But not sure if that is enough of a reason for me to choose Foden over Mahrez as there could be other ways to free up funds later.

  9. Garam MOSALAH
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Ings or DCL ?

    1. DF
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Neither now
      442 or 451 I reckon

    2. Party time
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sweet s Danny

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

      Fantastic article.

      Noting like getting on a player early with sub 1% ownership and watching him blossom.

      Playing aggressively like this will not always go your way but when it does you almost grow some kind of bond with the player that delivers the goods for you.

      It also makes the game more exciting to play which is what it should be all about.

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Absolutely. Three or four seasons ago Dilva had been out for three weeks but was now fit. He was my FT in and I gave him the (c). Scored a brace and an assist and maximum bonus. 3-0 WBA if I remember correctly? Dilva personally outscored 50% of my ML rivals team scores (low scoring GW) and shot me up the rankings. But I agree, it's always a shot in the dark. But great fun when it comes off.

    4. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thoughts on this:

      A) Auba + Doucoure --> Rash + Pulisic
      B) Auba + Doucoure --> Ings + Martial
      C) Henderson + AWB + Auba + Doucore --> Martinez + Aurier + Rash + Martial (-8)
      D) DCL + Auba + Doucoure --> Nketiah + Rash + Mahrez (-4)

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

      2. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Prefer A if Pulisic is fit:

        Lampard: "Christian Pulisic felt a bit of tightness in his calf as he came off vs Leicester. I haven't got an answer yet but we will see how it feels tomorrow.

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

      Assuming LEI v CRY will be suspended, will we have another potential DGW? If so, which GW will be affected?

      1. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'm not sure it will be suspended

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure that I want either of those teams players, I suppose 4 points are better than 2 though.

      3. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        ATM it sounds like it will go ahead

      4. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Would have to be GW37 with an empty midweek on the 21st-22nd.

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

        It's going ahead.

    6. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A bit different approach - what do u guys think of this WC team?

      Pope - Foster
      Doherty - AWB - Maguire - Aurier - C.Taylor
      Salah - KDB - Son- Pulisic - Foden
      Jimenez - Rashford - Nketiah

      *BB the only remain chip

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        When you gonna bb?

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

      Any tips here on what to improve guys?

      Pope (Button)
      TAA VVD Doc (Saiss Holgate)
      Salah KDB Bruno Martial Foden
      Rash DCL Nketiah

      Thanks! 🙂

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Looks good

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

          Cheers. Bit worried by Mahrez tbh

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            He is the City asset to own right now IMO.

      2. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        How much do you have in the bank?

        Which chips do you have?

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

          That's my WC team for this week. Still have fh left...!

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

            Nothing in the bank...

            1. Uncle Gamst
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Looks good, would prefer better than DCL but, for the money, there isn't anyone.

              Plenty on the bench for projected rotation and Nketiah/Foden should get some game time. They are both in my squad as differentials

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

                Cheers best of luck

    8. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really tough one for you.
      Rank the following in order of preference ?

      a) Bruno
      b) Mahrez
      c) Martial

      1. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        It is!

        Depends on which position Martial and Bruno play.

        Mahrez is on fire ATM but there's also Pep rotation to consider.

        On current performance FF wise:
        c)
        b)
        a)

      2. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cba

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

      Doing forward planning for FH GW38. What do you think of this team?

      Pope
      TAA, Doherty, Aurier
      Salah, KDB, Mahrez, Richarlison
      Jesus, Jimenez, DCL

      Martin, Saka, Taylor, Simpson

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Pointless

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

          I don't think so

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

          Team or post ?
          😉

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bored?

      3. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Everton will probably be on the beach, and Bournemouth might need a win to stay up. Richarlison + DCL -> Martial + Ings (if still in contention for golden boot) for me.

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

          Good Point, but thought Martial may be rested after the mid-week semi-final and Bournemouth may already be down. But something to think about. Thanks.

    10. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Would you bench boost this next week?

      Henderson (bur)
      TAA (AVL), Alonso (WAT), Gomez (AVL), Maguire (BOU)
      Salah (AVL), KDB (sou), Bruno (BOU)
      Auba (wol), Ings ( MCI), Jimi (ARS)

      Martinez (wol); Foden (sou), Lascelles (WHU), Hayden (WHU)

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, great bench

        1. mattyb09
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers. Wouldn't go as far to say "great", but I don't see myself getting any better matchups.

      2. DF
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yep

      3. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I'm considering using BB:

        Can't see Hayden and Martinez picking up many points and depends whether Foden plays. But imagine that your bench are going to get easier fixtures. Have you checked out other remaining GWs?

        1. mattyb09
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yes, not as enticing. I am going to wait to hit the button since the GW starts in a few days, but this is probably Newcastle's best fixture left to get pts from Lascelles and Hayden.

      4. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        isnt Gomez out for the season with a foot injury? according to the mail anyway

        1. Begbie.
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Matip

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

            Yes sorry. You are right.

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

        with that bench, good reason to do it imo. Foden good for bb this game, Newcatsle soon becomes bad run, so might as well play them now while you can hope for something. Gomez and KDB might dissapoint but that is another matter.

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

      Martial.

      If I buy him this week, I pretty much know what happens next.....

      If I don’t, though, I also know what will happen instead.

      I hate FPL sometimes!

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

        I already bought him so he will revert to Lazy Tony tonight. No worries

      2. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Brought him in for GW32, watch him do naff all 😉

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

          He’s waiting for me to join the party before he crashes. He’ll haul for you guys.

      3. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If you buy him now, keep him. Very consistent with his points.

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

        Started last 16 league games, so what do you expect?

    12. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A. Play Ings
      B. Bench Ings
      C. Sell Ings + DCL for Rashford and Nketiah

      1. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        A

      2. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Depends, who you have on the next for next 3?

      3. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Play always. He's in great form.

      4. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He's my captiaa

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

      If Nketiah goes up in price tonight ( quite possible as at 97% on fpl stats would scupper my plans on Jota to him and Barnes to Mahrez. Would you make Jota to Nketiah move now before Arsenal game? Can hold off Barnes to Mahrez for now as no immediate price rise/ fall

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

        Do it.

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

          Thanks

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sensible move and bank cash for your next transfer.

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

          Cheers!

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

        i would wait for games to be ended on thursday but i see your point on price. If you do that and mahrez plays 90 vs Liverpool, wil you still be confident that this is the move you want to make now?

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

          I don’t know but if played full 90 think I would bring in Foden if he doesn’t start City game or Pulisic if fit and bench Jota!

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

            Mahrez played 60+ in all games and full 90 in the cup game. If he starts and gets 60+ vs Liverpool i can guarantee you he won´t start sunday. Anyway, point is at this stage of season waiting for games to be finished is even of more importance than usual as the game time itself is more indicative because of the short turnarounds which never stops.

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

              Thanks- sensible advice

    14. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Holding thumbs for a Martial benching...

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

        I'd like that, but not happening

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ban 😀

      3. Party time
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Your thumbs will get tired eventually

      4. Ronnies
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Is Fplstats the best for price changes ?

        Cheers.

      5. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        After this GW it is either Son to Mahrez

        Or

        Patricio to Alisson, Mane to Mahrez and Connolly to Ings/Jimenez

        Just depends on how the results pan out.

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

        All I need today is cs for DDG and AWB and blank for Rashford and Martial. Too much to ask for?

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          No, you can ask.

      7. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Going Patricio over Pope has been costly. When is he going to stop keeping clean sheets? :/

        1. Traction Engine Foot
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Patricio keeps clean sheets too, he just seems to be averse to baps.

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Some of us went Foster over everyone else so zip it... 😉

        3. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Got him in two weeks ago on wildcard . 19 points in two games is just lovely.

        4. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I went for Ederson
          Still think he'll do me proud

      8. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        So, what's the rumour mill saying about tonight's line up.

      9. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Leroy Sané to Bayern Münich, here we go! As reported by @cfbayern total agreement has been reached between Bayern Münich and Manchester City. Paperworks time for the player - he’s going to sign until June 2025.

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

          Bayern
          Juventus
          Chelsea

          These clubs makes signings without any fuss !!
          And if it's related to United. Bloody hell. All drama 😀

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Seriously man!
            I don't why all our transfers take so much time.

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

              Stupid people dealing maybe 😀

              I mean do you remember any transfer made by Ed Woodward without any knowledge of press(in press for 2 month's i mean)

              Also, paying over the odds. At least we're improving now. AWB James Bruno Ighalo all good deals.

              Slabhead was pathetic but i guess we needed him.

              This whole system needs a revamp though

              1. thegame983
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Agents can see that rube Woodward coming a mile away.

                They milk him for every drop of sweet milk that his teet are capable of producing before allowing signage.

      10. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Looking forward to see if Martial can back up his last games heroics.Doesn't usually so could this be the new norm.

      11. Party time
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Brighton 1 vs 5 Man utd. Let’s go!

        • Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Reminder Martial lives near the stadium so might not be spotted with the team before the game