Pro Pundits - Lateriser

How to manage expectations and have fun in the final FPL Gameweek of 2019/20

Four-time top 10k FPL manager Lateriser is currently sat at 26th in the world and chasing a third finish inside the world’s top 200 ahead of Gameweek 38+…


Here we are at the end of the road. This season has been one bumpy ride with road block after roadblock, unlike any other we’ve seen. But it’s about to be over.

The likes of Chris McGowan, Joshua Bull, Aleksandar Antonov and Magnus Carlsen might be vying for the number one spot in the world rankings… but have they truly won Fantasy Football?

For that, they need to pass the Eunuch Jelly test.  Let me quote his conclusion in this fabulously worded article he wrote six years ago:

“If you keep your eye on the ball, you can set yourself up for hours of enjoyment at the expense of your rivals.  I urge you to transcend points and find the true heart of the game, where those who take a different path can mock others for a few minutes on the weekend and be the real champions of the game.”

Unfortunately, Aaron Baker (fondly known across these parts as Eunuch Jelly) passed away this week. He was a wordsmith of the highest quality and was loved by everyone who knew him. His article captures the true essence of Fantasy Football for me and you might say that this article is a small tribute to him.

Yes, it is nice to get a really good rank and a lot of Fantasy Football points but the fun is always magnified when you are able to throw those points in the face of your opponents.

The rivalry captured between Mark and Granville on the Scoutcasts of yesteryear, that is the true essence of Fantasy Football. And the rush is even greater when you’re doing it having plucked out a differential that not many have thought of. I wrote about the nostalgia of Fantasy Football in my first article for Fantasy Football Scout and it looks like we have come full circle.

Seeing legends like Champ (he’s retiring this season, please don’t), Epic Fail, RoysCallerAnne and Christina gloat away to glory when their differentials came through (in my early Fantasy Football Scout days) immediately got my attention and their heavy influence is probably why I’ve generally always tilted towards the more maverick side of things in my style of FPL management. It’s the best way (for me) to extract fun out of this game that we are all playing and obsessed with.

But… fun is different for each and every FPL manager. For some, it is winning a mini-league and individual rivalries at any cost. For others, it might be grafting away making disciplined decisions week on week to get the best possible overall rank.

For most of us, it is meeting likeminded individuals through this truly global ‘hobby’ and making friends all over the globe. The sense of community is something I’ve loved the most about my FPL experience.

Meanwhile, some managers just love to put their absolute favourite football players in their FPL teams. Good examples include my friend Applebonkers’ affection for a certain Jordan Ayew (£5.1m) or Walsh (who hosts the FML FPL podcast) captaining Junior Stanislas (£5.8m) in Gameweek 37 just because it’s the fun thing to do. Walsh fully intends on captaining David Silva (£7.5m) on Sunday because it is the ‘right’ thing to do (and I love that).

Let us not ever forget that FPL is a game, not necessarily a way of life, and our focus should always be on having as much fun as possible.

And how will I be ensuring I take enjoyment from Gameweek 38+? Let’s find out…

How much ground can I make up with a Free Hit?

The first thing I want to say about the final weekend is that I am making sure my expectations are kept in check, and you should too, especially if you’re on a Free Hit.

There are many ways to look at and analyse Gameweek 38 but the probability of predicting the outcome of just one single Gameweek based on statistics and eye-test goes down and the degree of variance goes up.

Bacary Lasagna from Twitter summed it up with this quote: “The players you’re choosing from will only have about a 5-10% difference chance of scoring, so within any given week it’s impossible to call.”

You might hit the bulls-eye but if that doesn’t happen, don’t be too downbeat about it. It is why I’ve emphasised on the fun factor when we’re talking about one single Gameweek.

For example, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) vs Harry Kane (£10.9m)  is a huge decision for a lot of Fantasy Premier League managers this Gameweek.

However, in my view, there isn’t a huge difference between these two players. The less hurtful and more fun way to go about such 50-50 decisions is just going with your own instinct, especially since we are only talking about one Gameweek here.

In no way am I advocating going full random with your Gameweek decisions as you still need to make well informed decisions that are based on stats and the eye-test and on the correct side of probability. The point is that you have to be happy you made the right choice for your playing style, regardless of the outcome.

Where will the goals come from?

As for me, I am most excited about Manchester City’s meeting with Norwich City. This is, hands down, the best fixture for offensive potential on Sunday afternoon, so I hugely advocate having three attackers (and a captain) from Pep Guardiola’s squad.

I genuinely think we could see a minimum of five goals at the Etihad Stadium and want to be invested in as much of that as possible.

While I think they’ll keep a clean sheet, I’m not going to recommend picking Manchester City defenders because the upside of their attackers is much higher. Besides, you can find clean sheets elsewhere this Gameweek, mostly for a cheaper price than City defenders.

Getting one of Guardiola’s midfielders or forwards is the first move I would spend my free transfer on if I didn’t have an attacking triple-up. My two preferred options are Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m). These are the relevant statistics per 90 minutes for the Manchester City attackers since restart:

Who are the best options for upside chasers?

Aubameyang has work to do at Man City after West Ham blank

Elsewhere, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Watford and Newcastle have all been in the bottom five defences statistically in the last few Gameweeks. That said, I personally trust the Liverpool attack more than I trust the Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal front-lines.

If Jurgen Klopp does field a strong team against Newcastle, I like that game a lot for FPL points although there are a bunch of heavy hitters from Arsenal, Tottenham as well as Liverpool who are all good attacking options for this Gameweek. Pick the ones you fancy the most.

Sadio Mané (£12.2m), Alexandre Lacazette (£9.2m) and Son Heung-Min (£9.7m) are very handy and able differentials to the more popular big hitters from these teams like Aubameyang, Kane and Mohammed Salah (£12.5m). There is a strong case for all of the six names mentioned from these three teams.

Spurs’ next opponents Crystal Palace concede a lot of goal attempts on their right-hand side where Son will be making his runs on Sunday. My friend Johnny Orphan has an interesting theory that the Eagles’ current right-back Joel Ward (£4.3m) is a liability and is responsible for the weakness on that side of the pitch. In the last couple of Gameweeks, we have seen both Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) and Jonny Otto (£5.5m) put in strong performances against him.

Meanwhile, if you’re the superstitious kind, Mané loves a rendezvous with Gameweek 38. He’s historically always done well on the last day of the season and Newcastle do like to concede a lot of headed chances.

And don’t forget, Lacazette is almost £2.0m cheaper than Aubameyang and has two more attacking returns in the last four Gameweeks compared to his colleague.

I must say, the Manchester United’s trip to Leicester is an extremely difficult fixture to call. When we are talking about skillset, the United attack should be able to take advantage of that short-staffed Foxes defence but I don’t expect Brendan Rodgers to make the same mistake of playing a high-line again, like they did against Spurs.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s front-men have also started second guessing themselves in the last couple of games and are not playing as fearlessly as they did in the first few games of the Premier League restart. This is going to be a game of temperament more than skill in my opinion and the first goal is going to be very crucial in this game. That makes it very hard to assess from a Fantasy perspective too.

Where can I find clean sheets?

Burnley are an obvious source of defensive returns in Gameweek 38+, but they’re not the only ones.

I particularly like the look of Spurs’ backline, especially as they’re facing Crystal Palace, still bottom of the league for goals scored at home this season.

Meanwhile, Wolves are the only side to have conceded fewer big chances than Jose Mourinho’s men since the restart.

The Liverpool wing backs are also great options this Gameweek as you have the chance of picking up points on both ends of the pitch. Arsenal, Southampton and Aston Villa are the other teams I like for clean sheet potential.

In case you want to listen to some of my thoughts in more detail, you can listen to this FPL Surgery podcast where I appeared as a guest.

What about early team news?

In case some early team news does surface on your social media feed, I have a few tips for you:

  • Make sure thirty minutes in advance that your internet connection is fine.
  • Do not panic. Do not ask people questions. Focus on your own team for ten minutes.
  • If on a Free Hit, build two or three teams so you know how to react to team news. I would note down a pool of attackers that I like on a piece of paper so that I can react to team news and act accordingly. Make sure your ideal team is already in place and lined up thirty minutes in advance.
  • Do not just look at whether player A or player B is starting. Also try judging if the manager is playing a full strength team or not and how that might impact the game.
  • Whatever you do, confirm that team at least three minutes in advance of the deadline.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you guys have enjoyed my work this season (13 articles!) and I hope to keep writing these in 2020/21 as well.

Thank you so much for reading my content and all the feedback you have given. It’s been absolute pleasure writing for you guys and I would like to thank Chris, Geoff, David and Neale for giving me this opportunity to express myself on this platform. I’d also like to say thanks to Joe, Andy and Az for all the video work this season.

I am currently sitting at 26th in the world rankings and I couldn’t be happier about it, regardless of what happens on Sunday. Before the restart, I really just wanted to finish in the top 200 (going for the hat-trick of finishes at that level) and I’m still on course.

I even have a chance of finishing as the number one in India and in the Top 100 for the second time in my Fantasy career, an achievement I would be very proud of.

I’m definitely going to have fun with my Free Hit and I highly recommend you do the same with your final Gameweek (make sure it’s on your own dime).

Good luck for the Gameweek everyone and I will see you next season! In the meantime, you can follow me on twitter @lateriser12.

1,115 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all if blocking was your MO. Where would you start here? No one has FH here.

    My team

    McCarthy Fabianski
    TAA Alonso Boly Fernandez Long
    Salah Sterling Bruno Martial Pulisic
    Ings Wood Greenwood

    2nd (23pts behind)

    Pope Martin
    TAA Robbo Doherty Boly Lascelles
    KDB Martial Bruno Foden Guendouzi
    Ings Jesus Rashford

    3rd (28 points behind)

    Henderson Leno
    VVD Saiss Egan Bednarek Cathcart
    Sterling KDB Martial Bruno Saka
    Rashford Jiminez Ings

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

      Like your team best and think you have the best options. Wouldn’t worry too much about blocking

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        That is what I thought, I'm going to attack

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Get kdb

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Something under consideration this, with Alonso to a 4.9m or less defender

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

      Get Jesus, and pray.

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

    Rate these please (For draft):

    A) C Wilson
    B) Deeney
    C) Che Adams

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

    Someone just said in the last 9 games between palace and spurs.. Kane has scored 1 goal. Surprised by that.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      And Son?

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

        Not sure but hes scored 3 in the last 2 games v them

      2. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        5 goals in 6 games

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

      3 goals in 11 career appearances against them I believe

  4. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH team

    Pope
    Digne VVD Pieters
    Sterling Dilva Antonio Richarlison
    Laca Kane Jesus

    How's this looking? I need to dodge Man utd attackers as rivals have them and I'm chasing.

    Probably captaining Dilva.

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

      Nice differentials for a chaser. I would C Sterling since you already can make gains on these players

  5. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic to Dilva for -4!
    Yes or No?

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

      I would, but it's probably not a good idea 🙂

      But my gut feeling says Dilva will haul.

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

      No way

  6. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Here is the line up, RMT

    Ederson
    TAA AWB Stephens
    KDB Sterling(C) Fernandes Son
    Kane Ings Greenwood

    McCarthy Saiss Cantwell Lascelles

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      8/10

  7. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What budget does the scout picks use? The cost of the starting XI is 84.8, which doesn't leave enough for the bench.

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

      I think they increase it in increments as the season goes by, on the basis that we are probably gaining tv at the same rate

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I believe it's up to 85m now? Most XIs would be more expensive but as OI says it goes up a little over the season

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm chasing 25 points in cash ML and need some help on the transfer suggestion below. Midfield is a stalemate!

    a. Foden to Dilva
    b. Foden and Jimenez to Trezeguet and Jesus (-4)
    c. Saiss and Jimenez to Branthwaite and Auba (-4)
    d. Foden and KDB to D Silva and Son (-4)
    e. KDB and Jimenez to Son and Jesus (-4)

    My team
    1ft 2.5itb and no chips
    Pope Martinez
    TAA Doherty Saiss Aurier Taylor
    Martial KDB Bruno Sterling Foden
    Jimenez Ings Wood

    ML Leader - 1ft 0.7itb and no chips
    Hendo Martinez
    TAA Boly Egan Targett Tarkowski
    Martial KDB Bruno Sterling Hayden
    Jimenez Kane Greenwood

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Simple, a

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Is that enough to reduce the deficit? He could easily move out Martial or Bruno to cover the Silva move

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think his team is better set for GW38, tbh. If you were 6/7 points behind then a -4 could pay off, but to put yourself 29 points behind before a ball is kicked, I think is too much.

          You need lady luck on your side. I'm planning on captaining DSilva and have Kane, Salah, Sterling.

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers for the input, hopefully some surprising early team news from City such as KDB or Sterling benched will allow me to use that ft in bringing in someone like Son or Mahrez

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I honestly wouldn't leave it that late, mate. Anything could happen to the FPL website. Even this site crashes close the deadline when FPL Rockstar tweets.

  9. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Next to kane

    Greenwood (have hust him from united)

    Or

    ings. (Because is ings) ??

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings

    2. Phlajo
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings If cash is not an issue

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        this

  10. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Wow I didn't know Magnus Carlsen was still up there challenging. Really hope he can win it. Wonder if he's watched Lykkeland. Loved that show. Anne Regine Ellingsaeter what a star.

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

      Come on Magnus, fully backing a fellow Wolves fan. 😀

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

        Not a Wolves fan. He picked Burnley last season. Just picks a random hipster team

        He's a Real Madrid fan

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

          😀
          Who's your © this GW mate ??
          I'm a sheep.
          Raz for me

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

            Not Redmond this time 😀

            Raz or Salah. Leaning towards the latter atm

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

              Redmond was fun 😀
              GL !

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

          Once you go (wolf) pack, you don't go back. 😀

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

            Until next season when you see him with a Sheffield or Leeds flair 😛

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

              Tbh he was waiting for leeds to get promoted 😛

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

    Pope
    TAA, Aurier, Pieters
    Salah, KDB, Sterling, DSilva, Son/Fernandes
    Ings, Greenwood

    G2G?!

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

      Yep

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

      Yes - prefer Son

  12. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last call:

    Martinez + 2 Burnley defenders just as good as Pope+Long+Lamptey?

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

    Which Defender upto 7m you'd pick on FH ??
    (Can't be a City one)

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo

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

        Thanks
        Interesting username 😀

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo. Else Aurier

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

        Have him.(Aurier)
        Should have said that.
        Sorry

        Thanks mate

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

      Robbo or Aurier for me

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

        I have Aurier. Thanks.
        On Robbo atm

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

      Robbo

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

        Thanks Karan
        People saying there will be rotation making me think twice.

        And Yes, I'm definitely playing Greenwood. He's most in from striker in the game. I feel stupid after benching him last GW

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

          Yeah I've read about the rumours but I'm not believing until it is confirmed by some leaks maybe.

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

            I can do one thing.
            Will get Branthwaite as my playing sub.
            Hopefully if one of Taa Robbo doesn't start, won't come on

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

              Yeah I think a lot of people are making the mistake of going with complete duds on the bench I would have atleast 1 decent cheap defender on the bench who can come in if needed.

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

                Thanks bro 🙂

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

    Pope
    Trent, Aurier, Pieters
    Salah, Sterling, D Silva, Mahrez
    Kane, Ings, Greenwood

    Would you make any changes? Quite tight between me and my ML rival so would appreciate your feedback.

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, safe.

      Not a massive fan of starting Greenwood but I get that he's a fantastic enabler. Prefer Pulisic to Ings.

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

        So sorry to be a pain. Would you recommend dropping ings and playing pulisic in a 3-5-2?

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I would.

          Chelsea need goals, can't play for a 0-0 with our defence. If we score, Pulisic has a huge chance of being involved.
          Pulisic looked class last game, and clearly has the form
          Kind price point
          Relative differential

          Being overlooked imo.

  15. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope, TAA, Mahrez, Ings

    Or

    Martinez, Aurier, Son, Jesus

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

    Which to choose
    A. Jesus and Martial
    Or
    B. Kdb and Ings (no manu players)

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Mighty Banana
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A

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

    Is Bruno to D.Silva worth (-4)?

    *Not doing it. Just under consideration if my City assets get benched then I might have a free spot*

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

      No, only for free

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

      I think it's close.
      Dilva for me.

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

        Dilva will have to get 6+ points for it to be worth it assuming Bruno blanks.

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

          I can see 12 point return in Dilva easily.

          As i said it's close

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

      Not for -4 for me

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

      No, not seeing the hype in Dilva myself.

  18. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On the back? Final question

    1. Pope 5.3 aurier peters greenwood
    2. Martinez tarkowski pieters aurier ings

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

      2

  19. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Taa, Greenwood 343.
    B. Bardsly/Webster, Martial 352.

    Pope
    Pieters, Aurie, xxx
    Salah, Sterling, Kdb, Silva(c), xxx
    Kane, Ings, xxx

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

      B

  20. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) kdb and Foden to Sterling and Dilva,, -8
    B) kdb and Bruno to Sterling and Dilva, -4
    C) Bruno to Dilva for free, keep kdb and Foden

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I want to say B, but you know the risks.

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

      Depends if you are attacking of defending , I tend to c unless you are struggling for captain where I would go for b. -8 no way unless you have no bench.

  21. serpen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA - Doherty - Egan (Holgate, Lascelles)
    KDB - Bruno - Martial - Silva - Pulisic
    Jesus - Rashford (Nketiah)

    15 points shy of top 10k and 1.8 ITB. Thoughts on Rashford and Egan to Kane and Pieters? Perhaps even put the armband on Kane as a last ditch effort?

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

      Pieters makes sense as does different captain So go for glory. Could go Fernandes to son as an option(fernandes looked tired son attacking soft cpl and manu pace may cause Leicester problems)

  22. PadForce
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all.

    Defending a 20pt ML lead... want to get in Sterling to captain but other mids are Son / Kdb / Fernandes.

    I feel like Fernandes is the right choice to drop.. but worried KDB might not start. Equally i dont really want to wait for team news then rely on the website not keeling over at 2.55pm tomorrow.

    Gut says i should just do it and if KDB doesnt start thats just life. Am i mental for feeling like i dont want the stress of trying to benefit from early team news?

    Ta

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

      Very similar I dropped kdb for sterling as he was deep but worrying about it as he has a couple records to play for(Highest goal involvement 19/20, most assists), also dropped fernandes(tired and deep) for martial. Feel happier with my fernandes drop currently

  23. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you lose Son or TAA to get Ings?
    Im between these two.

    A) TAA, Son, Greenwood
    B) Aurier, Martial, Ings

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

      Very tough choice, I prefer A. If there is uncertainty over greenwood start then depends on your bench

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

        Im sure he will start, why wouldnt.

  24. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1. Would you keep Salah or get Sterling(TC)?

    P.s. Already own Dilva and KdB. If I keep Salah plan is Dilva(TC) then...

    2. Auba or Kane? Or even Lacca as a last day punt?

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

      1 Sterling is most voted for captain. If you are trying to gain rank bet against, if you are defending position get him in.
      2. Not lacca (there are other punts eg wood and guess is nketiah may start so no no no). Prefer Kane (no fa cup, playing better positions recently) but auba is again a good punt for rank change.

  25. Mighty Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Am I the only one dreading the chaos of picking a team in the middle of so much possible early team news?

    I've lost count of how many variations of my team I've tried ...

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

      close the site for and think about which players your gut is telling you will do well, and which players you just want to FOMO

  26. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Evening lads! Just coming in to look at my 2FT, comments appreciated! Think

    Martinez
    VVD Doherty Boly (lascelles simpson)
    KDB Mahrez Bruno Martial Antonio
    Rashford Jiminez (DCL)

    A) Doherty > 4.9 and Jiminez > Jesus
    B) Doherty > Burnley def , Rashford > Kane/Jesus

    Could do B with Kane and then take a hit on Martial/Bruno to get Dilva, not convinced tho. I think LEI MUN will be very open

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hey BB! Is it possible to stretch to Kane, DSilva plus Long/Pieters/KWP if you sell Doherty, Bruno and Jimenez?

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

        Hey TS
        Absolutely it is, actually could afford Aurier in there with that combo
        Just really not sure on taking a hit to remove Bruno. Decisions.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Aurier, yes! Do it 🙂

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

            haha ok
            Cheers

  27. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Considering That:

    - Norwich have the worst defence in the league (70 goals conceded!)
    - City have the best attack in the league (97 goals scored)

    Are we going to witness something brutal tomorrow?

    Like in the nature programs where Attenborough calmly narrates as a pack of hungry Lions rip a poor injured gazelle to shreds??

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Norwich set up fairly well against us (Chelsea) and defended pretty well. FA Cup game vs United wasn't bad either.

      They know how to set up to frustrate if they want to, and City don't have a huge amount to play for. I can see goals, but not buckets.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I don’t know RAE... I watched that game & it was more Giroud & Pulisic’s profligacy + a bit of a miracle from Krul more than Norwich being solid I thought...

        Plus City’s attack is different gravy again to Chelsea’s (A full extra 30 goals scored on the season)

        But yeah it’s these on-paper ridiculously one-sided match ups that can surprise sometimes

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Oh yeah, there's no denying that City are a different beast - Chelsea are a team that always struggle against a low block anyways, whereas City are packed with players that can unlock those defences.

          Expecting like a 3-0 or a 4-0, but would be way less surprised to see 2-0 than a 10-0 or whatever

          Still probably going with triple City attack, so read into that what you will.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            It’s going to be fascinating - there are actually quite a few records that could tumble:

            - highest scoring game (11 goals, reading-Pompey)
            - biggest winning margin (Utd & Leicester both by 9)
            - most team goals (City with 106)

            12-0 would get them all three records, and possibly a golden boot for raheem & golden assist (or whatever it is) for KDB, as well as a good old Premier League send off for club legend Dilva lol

            1. ritzyd
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Don't be ridiculous. Most likely be 3 or 4-0

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                well that told him

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  We've found Daniel Farke's account 😉

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just hope that it wont be one of that episodes where gazelle escapes escapes to safety. Go lions!

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think it could basically be every apex predator on the Savannah & beyond all locked into a room with the Gazelle - Lions, Tigers, Crocodiles, Boa Constrictors - the whole 9 yards

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

      I fear that we will. Shame. Liked Norwich style of play early on. So bold and attacking. Also wanted great things for Pukki as a fellow Finn.
      They’re getting murdered.

    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t see any other outcome

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It really could if City want it. Sounds like Pep is aware of a possible 100 goal season, and they only need 3 for that.

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

        Can we delete few of previous goals ??
        Raz one would be better

  28. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys, leading my ML by 35 points and still have BB but an injured Holgate on the bench. Should I prioritise a Holgate replacement (Pieters or Aurier) or accept no points from Holgate and look to join the Dilva and Kane party?

    Martinez
    Azpi / Boly / Tark
    KDB / Sterling / Bruno / Martial / Willian
    Jesus / Greenwood

    Patricio / Nketiah / Masina / Holgate  

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

      I would be tempted for guaranteed points on the bench and Captain sterling for defending that lead unless You think your rival is going to bring in Kane with tc or something(eg are they spurs fans?)

  29. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This without Sterling who are you captaining?

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

      *Those (stupid autocorrect)

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

    Put in order of preference (Martial would potentially be the only Manu player) :

    A. Martial
    B. Pulisic
    C. Antonio

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

      Assume for the week
      CAB
      Value not relevant
      ACB

      Pulisic great but Never know what wolves you are going to get