Interview

An interview with Fantasy Premier League world number one Chris McGowan

Most of us mere mortals will be playing for mini-league glory or a landmark rank as the final Gameweek of this drawn-out season approaches.

For a handful of Fantasy bosses, however, there is the carrot of finishing ahead of every single other FPL manager in the world.

There are few of us who will ever be in with a shout of clinching an FPL crown, with chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen – the current world number four – among them this year.

Top of the pile after Gameweek 37+ and two points ahead of his nearest challenger is Fantasy Football Scout user, Chris McGowan.

Chris, who goes by the name Queens of the South Age on the site, had first reached the summit in Gameweek 23 and reclaimed top spot in Gameweek 36+ after a brief wobble.

We previously interviewed him back in February when he was kind enough to discuss his meteoric rise, strategy, captaincy, chip usage and more.

Armed with his Triple Captain chip and a slender lead heading into Gameweek 38+, Chris has again generously agreed to answer more of our questions in an interview you can read below.


Scout: First things first – how are you feeling? Is there nerves, excitement or a bit of a Zen attitude to the whole thing?

Chris: To be honest, I’ve been pretty chilled about it up until now and just taken things however they have turned out. I never expected to be going into the last Gameweek in first place, so there’s definitely some excitement creeping in to see how it turns out. 


Scout: Last time we spoke with you after Gameweek 26, you were number one in the world but said you’d settle for a place in the top 1k. At what point did it become an all-out tilt at the title?

Chris: Probably in Gameweek 35+. I had a terrible run after the restart and watched others do great week after week. That week got me right back into the mix and in with a decent chance. I would happily take a top-three spot as I’ve been up there for so long this season that it would be disappointing to finish without a prize – but obviously, I’m aiming for number one now.


Scout: You were determined to “do your own thing” when we last spoke and not pay too much attention to your nearest rivals’ teams. Has that approach changed at all with one Gameweek to go? And if so, who are the managers you are paying the most attention to?

Chris: That mindset pretty much worked up until Gameweek 36+. I then spent too much time thinking about what Joshua Bull [the current world number two] might do and was convinced he’d play his Wildcard or Free Hit – which he didn’t.

Up until an hour before the deadline, I was set on getting David Silva in for Riyad Mahrez and captaining him. I ended up going for Phil Foden instead as I was sure Joshua would have Silva and I was trying to be different. It caught me out, that one, but then again Foden scored the week after and Silva didn’t play at all so I’m not sure how my team would have looked as I wouldn’t have had the money to get Chris Wood in for Aaron Connolly, like I did.

Foden starts for Man City as Guardiola benches Mahrez

Scout: Are you much of a social media user and have you given it a bit of a wide berth this last week to clear your mind?

Chris: Not at all, really. I don’t have a Facebook or a Twitter account so I’m never on them. I’ll check the FantasyPL Reddit and sometimes comment on posts in there. 


Scout: You still have your Triple Captain chip remaining – what was your main reason for keeping it for Gameweek 38+? 

Chris: Two reasons for that. The first is that I stupidly didn’t use it on Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s Double Gameweek 24. After that, I’ve never really settled on a week and, as it got closer to the end, I liked the idea that I might win it thanks to an amazing Triple Captain haul on the final day! 

Salah delivers timely away-day haul as Liverpool end Gameweek 24 on a high

Scout: We’re not going to ask the obvious and get you to reveal your exact choices for your team. But who is on your candidate long-list for the Triple Captaincy?

Chris: The top players I have are obviously Raheem Sterling, Sadio Mane, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford but those Manchester United picks have looked jaded in the last couple of games. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has run them into the ground but they do have a few days’ rest before Sunday’s game, so are still an option. If they needed a win they might be more enticing but a draw is good enough for them now so they might not be as attacking unless they go a goal down. 

I think still having the chip makes it worse for anybody chasing as, if they are guessing my captain, then is it worth them having or bringing in the same player just to get single or double points versus my triple? If I was chasing on a Free Hit, I think it would play on my mind and affect my team choice.


Scout: Your chip strategy was interesting: Free Hit in Gameweek 30+, Wildcard in Gameweek 33+ and Bench Boost in Gameweek 34+. What were your main motivations for overlooking the unlimited transfers ahead of Gameweek 30+? Was it a case of liking the look of your team already or a long-term mistrust of the likes of Villa and Arsenal?

Chris: I’m still against that ‘free Wildcard’ that everybody was given for the restart as I was in a good position and it gave people the chance to overhaul their teams even if they had already used their second Wildcard. I liked my team for Gameweek 31+ and didn’t want to commit to doing the unlimited transfers for Gameweek 30+ and then Wildcarding straight away.

The Wildcard in Gameweek 33+ was forced a bit down to the poor scores I had since the restart and I needed to try and get back on track. The Bench Boost was just a kind of “it needs to be played so just get it done”. The fixtures weren’t too bad but it was a poor return, as it turned out. 


Scout: You were 52 points adrift of then-leader Joshua Bull in Gameweek 33+ but a spectacular double-up on Raheem Sterling (c) and Michail Antonio in Gameweek 35+ saw you come back into contention. What prompted you to sell Kevin De Bruyne for Sterling that Gameweek?

Chris: It was at the stage of needing to make differential changes as there’s no point in having all the same players.

There were some rumours that De Bruyne was getting a rest and that just swayed me to go for Sterling. He had been looking sharp and I just got extremely lucky with that one.

Antonio was in my Wildcard team and he had been looking good, too. Four goals was just ridiculous luck though. Sometimes it just lands in your favour and that was definitely one of those times. 


Scout: Do you reckon you’ll take a hit in Gameweek 38+ or will it be simply a use of your free transfer?

Chris: I’m undecided as yet on whether I will take a hit it but if I do, it will be because I am Triple Captaining one of the players I bring in. It’s such a tough decision as I’ll be kicking myself if I make changes for a hit and they do worse than what I had. It’s a one-off chance and not something that can pay off after a few games. 


Scout: Has team/player motivation (eg being ‘on the beach’ or chasing the Golden Boot) been a factor in your picks in the run-in?

Chris: A little. West Ham were fighting for safety up until now so Antonio was good. I brought Danny Ings back in after the manager’s comments saying he wouldn’t be rested and pretty much play as much as possible to chase the Golden Boot. 

Hasenhuttl to aid Ings' quest for the Golden Boot as Watford's FPL assets flop

Scout: Onto the big day itself. Will you be logged on at 2.55pm hoping for any early team news hints or will you have made your transfers long before the last-minute carnage?

Chris: I’ll definitely be hoping for that last-minute news. The worry with that though is that everybody else is doing the same and we have experienced FPL servers being unable to cope before. 


Scout: Where/how will you be watching the action on Sunday?

Chris: I’m not actually sure if I’ll get to watch the games live yet. Afternoon kick-offs rarely get watched as I’m normally busy with the family at the weekends during the day. That’s why I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks as I’ve been able to watch a lot more games at night.

Last season was the same and I was leading my mini-league going into the last game, with second place pretty close behind. I switched off all alerts and WhatsApp group updates and managed to avoid everything to watch Match of the Day without knowing any scores. I might have to do the same this time – but the suspense would be killing me!


Our thanks again to Chris, who we wish the best of luck for Gameweek 38+.

You can hear from the world number three, Aleksandar Antonov, on our Scoutcast below:


1,500 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which defence do you prefer?

    A) Pope - TAA - Bardsley - Pieters

    B) Martinez - Aurier - TAA - Pieters

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

      B

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    5. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      i like b. treble burnley defence too much imo. aurier nice pick (I have him too 🙂 ).

    6. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  2. Danny Fischarge
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    GTG? Any suggestions?

    Ederson
    Pieters, Aurier, TAA
    Pulisic, KDB(V), Sterling(TC), Bruno
    Rashford, Greenwood, Jimenez

    Pope, Saka, Doherty, J Robinson

    1. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any way to get Kane?

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

    RMT guys, 0,9 ITB. 1 FT

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Pieters
    Salah KDB Mahrez Martial Bruno
    Greenwood Vardy

    Martin Saiss Nketiah Lascelles

    Worth -4 Bruno, Vardy -> Dilva, Kane ?
    Or just Bruno -> Dilva ?
    Cheers

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

      I like the -4 option

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

        Cheers mate !

  4. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last one, I think!
    A) Martial and Ings
    B) KDB and Greenwood

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thats hard

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

        It is right? I'm chasing if that makes any difference?

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

      A for safe, but ill go B base on my team

    3. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A assuming you have sterling.

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

        Yeah I do. To be honest, neither particularly excites me!

    4. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

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

      Easy B imo

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

        Hmm interesting, thanks

  5. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kane and Redmond or Son and Wood?

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

      Seems a bit sideways. Wouldn’t want to sell Kane

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry I meant for two transfers, bring them in choices.

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

          Oh sorry that’s my bad.

          I’d prefer A personally, but surely there’s a better option than Redmond?

          1. Danno - Emre Canada
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Ta, I’m all ears for a differential mid up to 6.4

  6. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH question (sorry those without it) If Jesus doesn't start, is the priority:

    A) Aubameyang
    B) Another City player (Mahrez/Silva)

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

      Hmm, I think B

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

    KDB+Bruno to Sterling+Dilva for -4?

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

      Sure

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My transfers exactly.

  8. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martial or Fernandes on FH ?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would go Bruno

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

      Thats the dilemma people on FH are having and Im having with who to get rid for city mid. It will be frustrating if we make the wrong decision for sure, but I feel like its a 50-50

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

      Martial is the highest scoring player since restart. I'm keeping him.

  9. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best combo (I'm chasing 20-30 points):

    1. Pope Aurier KDB
    2. Pope Robertson Mahrez
    3. Martinez TAA Mahrez

    XXX
    XXX Bardsley Pieters
    XXX Salah Sterling Silva
    Kane Auba Greenwood

    Thanks

    1. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

    2. Trane84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      3

  10. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah Sterling Dilva Bruno Son
    Jesus Greenwood

    Or

    Salah Sterling Dilva Martial Bruno
    Kane Greenwood

    1. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2nd

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      The second with Mahrez instead of Bruno?

  11. Phaze 1
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which would you prefer?
    A) Mane -> Sterling
    B) Vardy -> Kane
    C) Both for -4

    Thanks

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

      C

    2. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B. Newcastle basically without half team so...

  12. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Tiresome that Kdb didn't get POTY. He has a whoscored rating of 7.87, 0.4 more than anyone, 10 MOTM's, 13 goals and 21 assists in 44 appearances. Hendo only had 1 MOTM in 39 appearances.

    1. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I know and he only played in 7 out of City's 9 defeats contributing one goal, one assist and two yellow cards!!

      Can't be that surprising that the captain of the team which is 18 points clear at the top has won in a vote-based award.

      Kev will prob get PFA anyway, this is the writers one.

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

      None of these awards rarely go the the best player in the league anymore. Every Liverpool fan would say Mane and VVD both been way ahead of Hendo this season - never mind KdB!

    3. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think KBD is definitely the most talented player in the league, but hard not to give it to a Liverpool player after they've dominated the league.

      Could it have been another Liverpool player instead?

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just the 1 MOTM for Hendo, talk about a subtle influence.

    4. KDF
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think city get overlooked due to expectations. KdB is genuinely world class so when he plays well it's not as news worthy, Liverpool as a team have been incredible and Hendo has been a key part but IMO has been nowhere near as good as Kev.

  13. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Going without salah or mane! Have Robbo as Liverpool cover. Is KDB, Sterling, D Silva the best 3 city assets?

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

      Really depends who starts. I think whatever the front 3 are probably the best 3 assets

  14. Spartac Mac
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What's people's thoughts on Vardy for this gameweek?

    He's looking to be the one I drop in favour of rasing some funds.

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

      I quite like him this week. His underlying stats are impressive especially in regards to attempts on goal and xG and this is from Vardy who's usually low on these types of charts.

      I'd keep him but I think Kane is better and is the most obvious upgrade I can make.

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Being able to play on the counter will suit United. I can see them winning to nil.

      1. Spartac Mac
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You could well be right.

        I'm hoping for an early Leicester goal to hopefully trigger a goalfest at both ends.

  15. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am 15 points ahead of my rival and I have FH where they have nothing.

    They used their FH last week, but before using it did Willian->Dilva. This cancelled out with the FH but makes a lot of sense for them to use it this week.

    My question is, should I just FH to his exact team, predicting he’ll do Willian->Dilva? Almost certain hell captain Sterling also

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

      He's the only one that can catch you?

      Usually in a competitive ML there is more than 1 team who can catch you.

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

        Basically, yes. 3rd is 60 points behind also with a FH but seems unrealistic they could catch

  16. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ings(-4) or Greenwood?

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

      Greenwood

  17. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dilva or Martial on FH? Have KDB and Mahrez as City already

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

      Silva

    2. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva for me.

    3. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva and swap Mahrez out for Sterling if you’re on FH

  18. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    343 with only greenwood for man u coverage and double pool defence with taa and robertson. sounds good ?

    thanks and gl

  19. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    KDB and Robbo or Mahrez and Trent?

    1. Captain Scarlet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      first one

  20. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    53 points beind ml rival now after horrible good luck for him AGAIN I need a miricale right?

    Me:
    Henderson
    TAA Saiss Tarkowski
    Salah Sterling(c) Dilva Bruno Martial
    J.Rod Ings

    Martin Greenwood Lundstarm Thomas

    Him:
    Patricio
    Aurier TAA Digne
    Sterling Bruno Martial Son Dilva
    Ings Greenwood

    Martin Jiminez Saiss Kelly

    Henderson pen save and clean sheet

    Salah hatty full bonus points

    Tarkowski goal

    He doesn't captain sterling for his 5 goals and I'm back in businesses haha

    Cheers

  21. KDF
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Front 8 of

    Bruno Tony KdB Foden Antonio
    Jesus Ings Greenwood

    Who to bench and who would you captain?

    Any help appreciated

  22. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Think this is my non-FH team. Doherty and Vardy to Digne and Kane with 2 FTs. GTG?

    McCarthy
    TAA Digne Aurier
    Sterling(c) D.Silva Bruno Martial Pulisic
    Kane Ings

    Krul Jimenez Maguire Fernandez

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

      Nice. I would avoid Digne to be honest, Bournemouth looking better. I think the only 'gap' in your Team is Burnley defence/GK. So I would probably go Doherty > Tarkowski.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting. It was always the obvious move but I am worried Burnley defence EO might be over 100% so thought about just punting against it entirely and hoping Brighton score.

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

          Yeah, true. I try to ignore EO. Put it this way - if you go Digne he will get another 1 pointer. If you go Tarkowski, Brighton will score and so will Digne 😉 (Digne and Tarkowski owner 😉 )

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Think I prefer to think of it as clean sheets may be a rare commodity in GW 38 so go for defender who can offer attacking upside.

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

              True. Tarkowski gets the odd return but Everton looking poor going forward and at the back. It's pretty close between the two anyway, likely be down to luck now.

  23. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looking at the Palace defence, Roy only has the following defenders available

    Ward Kelly Dann Mitchell and Woods

    What is going to happen on the final day vs Spurs?

    1. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane hatty.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Could be more...

  24. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Greenwood, Son, Dilva, Martial, Ederson
    B) Greenwood, KDB, Dilva, Martial, Pope
    C) Wood, Dilva, Fernandes, Martial, Ederson
    D) Greenwood, Kane, Fernandes, Martial, Ederson
    E) Greenwood, KDB, Son, Dilva, Pope (-4)

    Cheers.

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

      B

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

        Cheers

  25. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My FH at the moment:

    Pope
    Aurier Pieters Bardsley
    Salah Sterling Dilva Martial Son
    Kane Ings

    Button; Conolly, Williams, Kilman

    Got 1.4mill.in the bank still, where should I use it?

  26. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Alright I'm gonna plan some MCY contingencies based on team news. Note I don't think these players will be out, I think KdB and Sterling are like 90% sure to start, but it helps to have these ready just in case. Will wait until the last minute to see if we get the team news.

    If KdB is out - KdB > Silva, Fernandes > Salah -4
    If Sterling is out - Sterling > Salah
    If Foden is out - Foden + Rashford/Vardy > D. Silva/Mahrez + Ings -4

    If we have no team news - Vardy > Kane

    I think this is the plan.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What is the plan if we get team news 5 mins before deadline and then FPL site goes down?

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

        Well I'm stuck then. But so will all the late team news people.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      whats the best site for team news ?

  27. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys. Who do you prefer. Mahrez and Trent or KDB and Robbo?

  28. newuser123
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What are the best links for early team news on Sunday?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just be on here

  29. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which two ?
    A. Bardsley
    B. Pieters
    C. Long

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

    What do you think about TAA and Robertson GW38. Some are doubling up and others think they are on the beach. I just can’t decide what is the right move.

    A) They are on the beach, can even be rested.
    B) Haul incomming, assist/goals and maybe CS

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

      I don't think I will have a Liverpool mid, so I'm tempted on a double up. Risky though