Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 33+

You’ve got to think for yourselves. You’re all individuals. You’re all different.

– Brian, The Life of Brian

The concept of the template has come under the microscope ahead of Gameweek 33+. But with managers agonising over differential transfers, Pro Pundits Simon and Andy reminded us that our teams – however template they may appear – are wonderfully unique.

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 33+.

An 11:30am BST deadline begins a sequence of Saturday-Tuesday cutoffs in FPL, as the season-end draws ever closer. 

Indeed with six Gameweeks to go, transfer decisions assume a greater importance for many:

Anyone I buy now will have to be justified as someone I am happy to have in my team until the end of the season.

— Pro Pundit Ash

No pressure then.

Conscious that home advantage was largely nullified in the Bundesliga, Pro Pundit Ash is treating the fixture ticker with caution. Although a reduction in home victories from 44.8 per cent to 41.7 suggests that Premier League teams still benefit from familiar surroundings.

Perhaps of greater significance will be the quickfire turnaround times between games, as rest periods between matches vary significantly. Pro Pundit Zophar was on the case this week, revisiting the findings he shared over the busy festive period.

Recent research has shown that muscle injury risk increases by almost 20% when recovery time is reduced from six to three days.

– The British Journal of Sports Medicine

So who are the winners and losers in the scheduling lottery?

Manchester United have the most favourable timetable, with Wolves the other victors.

Man City and Liverpool, in contrast, have particularly compressed schedules, while Everton and Spurs fare worst of all.

Bournemouth were absolutely terrible, they made Jonjo Shelvey look like Iniesta.

– Lee Bonfield, Scoutcast

Things are looking good for Man United. Not only the best rest periods between fixtures but an enticing encounter against Bournemouth to start things off. The question recently has not been whether to triple up on Man United assets, but rather which three should we buy?

Anthony Martial is the best pick according to United-fan Andy. The Frenchman has averaged 5.7 points per match this season, and David even selected him as his captain in the Scout Picks.

Writing in his regular Captain Sensible article, David revealed that Martial’s underlying numbers mark him out as the best candidate from the quintet of United attacking options (Fernandes, Rashford, Greenwood, and Pogba the other four).

The out-of-position midfielder averages a shot every 31.4 minutes and a big chance every 62.8 minutes, putting him ahead of his teammates.

However, there’s a split in the Fantasy Football Scout boardroom.

Still reeling from his last minute decision to switch the armband from Bruno Fernandes to Marcus Rashford before the Gameweek 32+ deadline, Neale is adamant he will select the Portuguese on this occasion.

His mind was made up when Fernandes was withdrawn early against Brighton, ensuring he is rested for this weekend’s encounter.

But TheFantasyFreÆK fears Neale could be setting himself up for further disappointment:

Will Fernandes continue to outscore Rashford and Martial? I would think the Brighton game was the exception rather than a new norm – past trends show that Rashford and Martial will be involved more regularly which is why I’m hesitant on putting the armband on a Man United asset this week fearing that points might be spread.

– TheFantasyFreÆK 

All three main attacking assets are included in the Gameweek 33+ Scout Picks

An alternative for the armband, if you find choosing between the Red Devils too dicey, would be Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mané.

Comments on Friday from Jurgen Klopp suggest Liverpool will be fielding a strong side against Aston Villa, who have tightened up defensively since the restart. But as David pointed out, that might count for little at Anfield on Sunday:

Facing a stiff defence is not always an issue for the Liverpool pair, Salah’s 11-point haul against a supposedly resolute Crystal Palace side in Gameweek 31+ proves that point perfectly.

– David

The Egyptian has seven goals and one assist across his last six home league matches.

Despite their compressed schedule, Manchester City have an appealing fixture run. Although picking the right players to take advantage of it is unlikely to be straightforward.

Kevin De Bruyne, following his recent exertions, is not included in Neale’s predicted line-up for the trip to Southampton. Whereas a midweek rest sees Riyad Mahrez handed a place in the Scout Picks XI. The Algerian has attacking returns in every match he has started since Gameweek 30+.

Another City player who is again being talked up is Phil Foden. Pro Pundit Tom Freeman was ahead of the curve when he picked out the Man City youngster as a differential back in Gameweek 29 and he is considering him now as a fifth midfielder.

Whilst many see Foden as a no 8 and David Silva’s long-term replacement, his versatility is appealing. We’ve seen him through the middle, coming in off the right against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup final, and now on the left against Burnley.

– Tom Freeman

Among his three differential picks this Gameweek, Tom selects Allan Saint-Maximin. The elite FPL manager notes that the upturn in the Frenchman’s form has coincided with Steve Bruce’s decision to switch from a defensive 5-4-1 system to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 in Gameweek 28. 

Although when it comes to making transfers, Pro Pundit Simon March challenges the idea of template and differential. He argues that if you consider the specific combination of players in your team you’ll discover that it’s essentially unique, no matter how highly-owned the individuals are. 

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?

– Simon March

A player who is both good and different is 8.0%-owned Christian Pulisic. The American has impressed since the restart and did so again at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.

While the Chelsea winger is challenging for a precious midfield slot in our FPL squads, one player who has failed to live up to recent expectations is forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 

Three successive blanks is testing the patience of his loyal ownership – the Everton striker still features in 10 of the 12 squads among The Great and The Good –  but David suggests that their patience could be a virtue: 

The recent obliging nature of Spurs’ defence, which has conceded 31 shots in the box over the last four matches, could offer some last hope for Dominic Calvert-Lewin owners.

– David
Eliteserien

ReindeerHotdog set the scene for the next round of fixtures in Norway. He delved into goal and shot statistics to highlight the over and under performing teams in the league.

Community Competitions

A full round-up of Community Competitions will follow this article.

The Head-to-Head leagues have been updated for Gameweek 32+, results and tables are currently showing on the main Head-to-Head page.

The fixtures for Gameweek 33+ are below:

Best of luck in Gameweek 33+

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

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

2,361 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Apologies to all the Bruno cappers in advance!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Come on
      I thought you were on Mane !
      😀

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I switched last minute because that always works out so well!

  2. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    TC Salah gang ?

    0/

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Me

  3. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So who did y'all captain in the end

    1. Kno
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The Salad

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bruno of course. Will be fired up with something to prove after that altercation with Pogba

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        😆

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Macolm Martial

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Portuguese Magician

    5. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah

    6. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Had Rashford all week and changed to Salah 5 mins pre lockout

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Same

    7. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Last minute swap from Martial to Salah

    8. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      TC Salah 0/

    9. Party time
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martial Art

      • Dash444
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martial

      • goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Decent stuff fellas good luck, see y'all at 3pm

        Ain't got time to watch Norwich bruv

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I doubt even Norwich and Brighton fans are watching that.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            That's rude
            I'm going to watch
            Either enjoyment
            Or a nice nap 😛

      • Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Salah

      • It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mo

      • The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Willian

      • La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Algerian Messi

      • The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Salah, undoubtedly continuing my run of the worst captaining season ever.

      • Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Martial

      • Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Bruno as I expect United to score 4 and Bruno to get at least 2 attacking returns. Salah VC ...

      • Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Salah. Last minute changes from Bruno

      • _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sala

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He died unfortunately in plane crash 🙁

      • Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The Egyptian

    10. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Was gonna start Duda but benched him in the end.

      Cue Duda goal on 24th minute.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It’s annoying when the players I bench score. But especially when it’s the 24th minute

        1. Reg83
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          why 24th minute?

          1. Luton_Fan
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Tumbleweed woooosh

      2. Dash444
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        We can come back to this in 58 minutes

      3. JJO
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You meant 34th min?

    11. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      cmon bruno (c)

    12. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Norwich given up, haven't they? Those seagulls definitely shifting all over the place.

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Deeney [C]

      2. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I wish you were a commentator

    13. Sancidino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If I wasn't on WC would have TC Bruno for sure... Anyone did?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No

    14. MIGHTY JOE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Let’s go Martial! One time!!

    15. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      TAA VVD Doherty Saiss
      Salah KDB Fernandes Martial Pulisic
      Rashford

    16. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Finally have United triple up 😀
      Pretty excited to watch game later in the evening.
      Rashford Bruno AWBeast

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

        Nice! I miss the days when I could safely double/triple up on Chelsea - enjoy it! I've gone for AWB Bruno and Greenwood 🙂

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Mason 🙂
          Nice

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Triple attack for me inc Bruno(c). Say a little prayer for me Amey.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think we need to say prayer for Bournemouth tonight Sir 😀
          If United get in full flow, 5/6 goals are not out of question at all

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Maybe, but my natural reluctance to be over-optimistic in these situations is a self-defence mechanism. I fully expect to see a reaction from Bournemouth after their capitualation v Newcastle. 2-0 for me.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Ha ha
              Leicester form is getting to your FPL moral too !
              Bdw what happened mate ??
              Tanks empty ??
              What happened to Leicester is something beyond my thinking tbh.

              I think Maddison form dip is costing you guys. Becoming one trick pony without his creativity IMHO

              1. Old Man
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Yes - it's all gone tits up. Maddison is injured again and Palace are a bogey side. I fear a 0-1 with a Hodgson masterclass and PVA goal.
                A few weeks ago I predicted to my daughter's season ticket holding man that the last game of the season v MUN would be the decider. I am now resigned to 3rd/4th positions being beyond us. Vardy is getting no service.

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  He looks fit now
                  Only needs service from midfield.
                  I think United will takeover you guys in the table

        2. Gomolon
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Bruno captain here too - got Pulisic in as I wildcarded

      3. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Greenwood hattrick incoming tho :p

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Wouldn't mind that at all 🙂

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Same

      4. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have Bruno(C), Martial and Greenwood.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Nice
          Attacking triple up.
          I'm counting on AWB assist now

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

        had ddg, bruno rashford since w/c

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cool

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I went for Bruno, Martial, Rash. Rash is the one I am not happy about.

    17. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Let's go Greenwood 😎

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

        😎

      2. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        +1

      3. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        captain?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Nah, not that maverick

      4. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Jeez
        Don't tell me Holmes you used your English spot for Greenwood 😮

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Just for 1 week, will get someone else on WC.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Good luck !

    18. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I can’t stop thinking about bringing big Troy Deeney in for next week

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nice differential.

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hope he buys you dinner first.

      3. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Same

    19. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Noises around Thiago Alcantara going to Liverpool.

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

        For 30m which would be a steal.

    20. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Let’s have a yes or no poll who think Bruno and Pogba are both injured.

      Go

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        LoL

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No

    21. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      New page

      Let’s have a yes or no poll who think Bruno and Pogba are both injured.

      Go

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fail

      2. Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ...

      3. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Try again 😉

      4. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fail

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

        It's been proven to be a fake story from the website "Soccer on Saturday" - they do spoof articles which are really funny, no idea why the Mirror believed it

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          To get clicks

          1. Tempestic
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            They've taken it down now as well

    22. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What on earth did i do last minute putting Jesus in! Lol

      Henderson
      TAA - Azpi - VVD
      Martial (vc) - Mahrez - Salah (c) - Pulisic - Bruno
      Rashford - Jesus

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have him too, I predict that he will score at least one goal before the end of the season.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I hope so man! 🙂

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That is bold!!!

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Agreed

    23. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Come on update

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It heard you

      2. vityovics
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Update what?

    24. Abraham & Cheese
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Is it worth holding on to Liverpool players? What do they still have to play for?

      I was really close to selling Salah this week after their 4-0 defeat, as I didn't think Pool still had much to play for now that they have won. I'm really glad I didn't now that I read the FFS articles.

      But one thing I still don't understand: now that the EPL title is wrapped up, why isn't Klopp resting his stars like Salah, Mane, TAA etc. to prevent injuries, which seem to be occurring more frequently since the restart?

    25. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Game Updated!!!!!

    26. Dont give a fuchs
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Updated

    27. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes or no

      Will Jamie Vardy ever party again?

    28. Dont give a fuchs
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Expected GW score for below leads

      Ryan
      TAA Gomez Walker
      Pulisic Martial Mahrez Salah (vc) Fernandes (c)
      Jimenez Rashford

      3.9 Maupay Pieters Lascelles

    29. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Oh that's just great. I have the Last of the Summer Wine theme tune stuck in my head.

    30. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      updated

    31. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nobody in my league got Salah. Come on Salah (C) need a hat trick!!!

    32. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Willian owners, your in luck. my country leader who I've been trying to chase down for months and who also happens to be the most insanely lucky FPL player I've ever seen has put the armband on him so a haul is imminent.

      If you don't believe me, this guy captained lundstram for his famous 21 pointer.

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You're*

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What country?

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cambodia

    33. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The Mail and Mirror both said Bruno and Pogba were injured. OGS said there were a few injuries. I had better not have been duped

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Shaw & Matic will be rested i guess
        Williams & McTomnay coming in.
        Nothing more than that

    34. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Captained Mo. My ML has captained Bruno. I am already regretting this!! 🙂

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        *ML rival that should say

    35. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I played my bench boost this week...

      Pope
      Doherty TAA Fernandez
      KDB Fernandes (c) Martial (vc) Son
      Jimenez Kane Greenwood

      Bench: Patricio Aurier Lascelles Foden

      Had this week in mind for BB for a while but wasn't expecting Foden to play 90 v Liverpool. Ah well, what will be will be...

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

        Risky to BB this GW. I'm expecting a couple of my stating XI to be rested and my benchees to step up anyway. Mind you, the next GWs come thick and fast too, so I expect this will be the norm until the end.

        1. BeWater
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          It's a nightmare trying to figure out starters with this number of games coming and Liverpool and City both having nothing to play for.

    36. Kaiser123
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My ML rival who is 45 points behind has FHbwith Salah Capt. I have TC Salah. I'm keeping my FH. I'm not sure who will be more pissed me or him.