Interview

FPL tips, advice and strategy from Members League winner Nathan Woollaston

If you managed to finish above our regular contributor Lateriser in Fantasy Premier League in 2019/20, then you would have had a very fine season indeed.

Only one FPL manager managed to do that in our Fantasy Football Scout Members league: Nathan Woollaston.



Nathan, who goes by the user name TheWoollyOnes on our site, finished 27th in the world last season in what was his fourth year as an FPL manager.

He has made big strides since posting a 1m+ overall rank in his debut campaign, ending 2018/19 just outside the top 10k.

First breaking into the top 1,000 in Gameweek 17 of the season just gone, Nathan then managed to crack the top 100 in Gameweek 33+ and was only 14 points off a top 10 finish.

We spoke to him this week to assess his superb season.


Scout: You’re a relative newbie at FPL but have improved dramatically in the four seasons you have been playing. Has your managerial style evolved over that time?

Nathan: Yeah, with the trajectory I’m on winning next season is inevitable! 

I didn’t have a clue my first season, it’s a steep learning curve for sure. Cutting out mistakes and learning patience. 


Scout: Did your strategy change the better your overall rank? For example, once you were in the top 1k, did you look to consolidate that position or push on?

Nathan: I got into the top 1k by Gameweek 17 and it was quite enjoyable! I knew I had more chips than most so just enjoyed it for a while and kept on keeping on. I was seeing the gap to the 10k mark was getting bigger and bigger so I could relax more and more.

But, I did feel a lot of pressure approaching and during the restart as I moved into the top 100. I did not want to go backwards having got there, and my approach did stiffen up quite dramatically – very, very stressful!


Scout: You only took four hits all season and none after the restart. Do you tend to preach patience with your FPL players?

Nathan: I would guess three or four of those were mini-Wildcards too. I am conservative, I guess, looking at that stat. I trust my picks. Too many times I see others making quick sideways transfers after only one or two weeks and I try to avoid sideways moves at all costs.

After the restart, when I was just outside the top 100, a minus four would have cost me about 25-40 places. It was a gamble I wasn’t going to take – and didn’t. The risk versus reward made no sense to me. The margins were so fine towards the end and I needed a ‘very good’ Gameweek score not to lose rank. I couldn’t afford minus fours that weren’t a near-certain thing. For example, I refused Christian Pulisic v Norwich (6), I stuck with Son Heung-min (8) and I didn’t change the balance of my squad.

Magnus Carlsen made some really big moves six weeks out and still managed to push on, which I think is very impressive. Selling Mohamed Salah was as far as I got I think. I didn’t turn the screw enough in hindsight but I wanted to stick to my slow-and-steady game and see how far I could go.


Scout: You have a relatively low-key presence on Twitter. Do you avoid social media and all the ‘noise’ that comes with it?

Nathan: FPL Rockstar was why I’ve returned to my Twitter account. It was a necessity – for better or worse. And I follow a few dozen key accounts. But there is far too much FPL noise! The FPL Twitter rabbit hole has far too many voices and parrots parroting and it certainly doesn’t need me as well. As for following the hivemind whims week to week, you could change your whole team every other week. I would want to win playing my game, not lose playing someone else’s – where’s the fun in that!  


Scout: How do you go about your captaincy picks? 23.31% of your points came from your captains, which was an even bigger percentage than the eventual FPL winner.

Nathan: I always have the ‘anytime scorer’ at any bookies in the back of my mind. Go with the most likely pick, coupled with an even weight of the most popular pick in the captaincy poll – from the players I already own, of course.

Gambling on a differential captain may work for a week or two, but over 38 weeks you will be found out. Go with the odds. I did bring Raheem Sterling in for Gameweek 34 to captain in Gameweek 35. A few friends thought it was ‘brave’ –  and he was very low in the polls at that time – but I thought he was the standout option. I went with the plan and was rewarded handsomely, effectively getting ahead of the game by a few weeks. But overall I have played the percentages.


Scout: How did you settle on your chip strategy this season? I notice you played three in a row (Bench Boost, Free Hit, Wildcard) in Gameweek 30+ to 32+.

Nathan: There was plenty of time to think in lockdown and I heard a throwaway comment on WGTA of that particular strategy. I latched onto it and the more I thought of it, my mind was made up. The extra week’s worth of data by playing Free Hit in Gameweek 31+, I thought, would be far more advantageous than any other permutation.


Scout: How much preparation did you do in pre-season and do you think it’s worth putting much effort in at that early stage given how much can change in the first few Gameweeks?

Nathan: I was very ‘Twitter template’ in the first few weeks. A solid foundation is very important and there should be no need to make any transfers in Gameweek 2, in my opinion. Using free transfers as a mini-Wildcard in Gameweek 3 is something I like. In the first six Gameweks especially, there are many changing team dynamics. A Gameweek 3 Wildcard can look terrible by Gameweek 5.


Scout: Who have been your best buys of the year?

Nathan: I’m most proud of my low-key picks, my enablers and getting on players early.

James Tarkowski in Gameweek 8 turned an average week into a good week. Patience with James Maddison until Gameweek 19 when many were flip-flopping to Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Adama Traore et al. James Ward-Prowse did well for me in Gameweeks 12-16, scoring 22 points – which doesn’t sound much but I was fighting other fires at the time and he ticked over nicely compared to his peers. Harvey Barnes for Gameweeks 28 and 29, too.

I tend to get players for three, four or five-week blocks, though. Sometimes they outstay their welcome but that approach has worked very well. Be patient and trust your choice. If you aren’t sure you probably shouldn’t have picked them in the first place, however.


Scout: Can you think of anything that went wrong and how you went about remedying it?

Nathan: I made the exact same mistake this season as I did last. I got rid of (and was immediately punished by) Raul Jimenez ahead of the Liverpool game, when he scored. I corrected it the week after next and he did well for me again for a number of weeks. I’m a Wolves season ticket holder and I’m very conscious that I’m overly harsh when looking at Wolves assets.

I also got Paul Pogba for his false-dawn return in Gameweeks 19 and 20. I got on far too early. I was badly punished last season when I didn’t have Pogba at all for his crazy scoring run; it’s the ‘fear of missing out’.

Generally, I do feel I’m good at moving away from players quickly and decisively when I need to though – and without being punished – which is the other side of a very important coin. 


Scout: You played double Liverpool defence for a big chunk of the season. Do you think you’d repeat that policy again next year?

Nathan: Yes, that was horrible wasn’t it? I was very prepared to die on my hill owning Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk until Gameweek 9. I can’t put into words my contempt for Adrian. I’m a big subscriber to chaos theory though: I wouldn’t have ended up where I did if I’d made all the ‘right’ moves early on. Having said, that double defence/attack is a very strong sword – as long as it works.


Scout: You barely played five across the middle all season, at least until after the restart. What was your thinking there?

Nathan: It seemed the obvious move to me after the restart to move towards a five-man midfield. There was a wealth of midfield talent and unreliable and/or expensive forwards. A few weeks later everyone seemed to be talking about a ‘power five’ and I was already there.


Scout: The only Gameweek in which you didn’t own Kevin De Bruyne was on your Free Hit in Gameweek 31+. Did you effectively build a team around him and is he a must-own next season too, do you think?

Nathan: He was my first pick and I never considered dropping him. Watching him and not owning him is awful and sucks all the fun from the game. He is the best player and I want him to do well. I had loads of value tied up in him, sure, but I’m also very much in love with him. And that’s important too.


Scout: Would you define yourself as a stats-based manager or one who prefers the eye test – or a bit of both?

Nathan: I watch far too many live games, as my missus would confirm. I lived in Dubai until a few years ago and realised how watching 3pm games can tremendously help with FPL. You are gaining at least 20/25% more info than many rival managers in doing so. Far too many FPL players (and pundits) rely on bare stats or three-minute Match of the Day highlights packages – which do more harm than good most of the time. So eye test for me.

Stats can flag and signal but I would confirm with my own eyes. The only exceptions I can think of was the Teemu Pukki bandwagon (which I was late to in any case) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who I bought unseen, although he did quite well – at a no-brainer price – for a number of weeks.


Scout: How long have you been an FFS member? As an FFS user, which parts of the site have been of most use to you?

Nathan: Two seasons. I read the Members articles, I look around the tables, and, on occasion, check out the player data and Rate My Team, especially early season.

My main resources have been the Members Area, Reddit, Twitter (a few dozen accounts only), Fantasy Football Scout and Let’s Talk FPL videos, and the WGTA podcast on my 45-minute each-way commute. I’m able to digest and process ‘community info’ quite well in this time.


Scout: Which players have you got your eye on for 2020/21?

Nathan: Even though I didn’t own him at any time this season, Pulisic looks the real deal and should be value at, say, £8m-£10m? It might not matter the price, just start with him.

Son could be priced kindly and if he starts the season up the middle – where he should be – he could be a monster, as he’s so much better than his fellow Spurs midfielders.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka should have got so many more points for me the last six Gameweeks; I’m still sore about it. These three are likely in my Gameweek 1 squad.


Scout: Have you got any wider strategy advice as we approach the new season?

Nathan: Understand you can’t own everyone and there are no essentials. Just look at the top teams. When I was ranked 400th, I hadn’t owned Sadio Mane, Sergio Aguero, Danny Ings, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jack Grealish or Todd Cantwell at any time, which many people found to be very strange indeed. There are many ways to skin a cat. Play your own game.

Choose your battles. FPL is a tough boxing match. It’s hard and you will have to take a few punches and you’ll probably get bloodied and likely even lose a few rounds but grind it out, stay consistent in your application and you’re far more likely to get to the result you want.

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

 

703 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    This hahahaha, Harry Kane strengthen defense

    Former United coach Rene Meulensteen believes the club would be better served by trying to sign Harry Kane instead.

    “They need someone next to Harry Maguire to strengthen that [defence],” he told talkSPORT. “They’re bringing Jadon Sancho in, but more than anything, I would have gone for a more prolific out-and-out striker, somebody like Harry Kane.

  2. Yxz
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Quick question re membership. Is player/team data from previous seasons available? I assume that's the case but can't find any explicit reference to that being so. Thanks

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      9 seasons on the site and you’re yet to buy a membership.

      Shame on you.

      Pay your way, freeloader!

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Only playing.

        I’ve used it plenty but I can’t say for 100% if prev data is there. Pretty sure it is but that’s no help.

        Hopefully the next response is a bit more helpful 🙂 sorry

      2. Yxz
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ha, that's not true! I had a membership for one season, maybe 5 years ago

        1. Yxz
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          And now I am no longer a student... I can splash out

        2. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Haha, sounds like my record

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes it is.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      All the way back to the 11/12 season 🙂

      Expected stats go back to around the 17/18 season I think. It's quite new.

      1. Yxz
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Excellent, thanks for the answer

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ah the 11/12 season. Ba and Cisse tearing it up... Clint Dempsey being a legend... RVP 30 goals, Rooney 27 goals... good times...

        1. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Hang on. Was that the year of Tekkidge?

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            11 goals for Chelsea, same as Lampard. Suarez only with 11 too...

            Adebayor, Defoe, VDV, Bale did well for Spurs. Modric effect...

            Danny Graham, Grant Holt and Steven Fletcher good value that season...

            1. 7shadesofsmoke
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Must’ve been next year then. I have the old article.. let me dig it out

                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Nice. 4Vets has the best gravs...

                  1. 7shadesofsmoke
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Iconic

                    1. 7shadesofsmoke
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      What happened to Doug (applebonkers)?

                      1. Piggs Boson
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        He's still around. Posts now and again.
                        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/profiles/doogle/

                        Seeing all the people considering going without RVP... take the "comfort blanket" and captain him every game you fools 😆

                      2. 7shadesofsmoke
                        • 11 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        😆

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          and Charlie Adam towards the end

        3. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Jeez, was that eight years ago?!

  3. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ba and Cisse playing CB for Olympiacos?

    Was lethal duo as centre forwards for Newcastle

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Took inspiration from the HarriKane

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I only kid

  4. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Jota is a horrible finisher...

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Wolves hanging on here. Love the tension.

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

        I want them to concede. Extra time and possible pens for the craic.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I quite like Wolves. Wish they weren't in United's way...

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I like them but also hate united facing them. We never seem to be able to win against themm.

          2. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Same.

  5. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So Auba gets reclassified as a midfielder, Arsenal buy Willian who will play on the wing, allowing Auba to play CF, even though he's now a midfielder, perfect!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This could be FPL gold!

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

      Surely FPL Towers arent stupid enough to let this happen. Surely...

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

      Willian plays in the same position as Pepe, Saka, Nelson etc did. I don’t see how he impacts the positioning at all. If they sign Coutinho, that might open the way to Auba playing as striker but otherwise can’t see it happening.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This. Coutinho would play in Ozil's position, knocking Ceballos down the line.

        Up top Lacazette
        Behind him: Auba Coutinho Willian

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

      Auba won’t be a mid unfortunately.

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Why would you want that though? It just means everyone spends 12 mil odd on Aubs . So you don't gain much but may as well just start the game with 12 million less and more teams end up similar

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It’s never everyone.

  6. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Real Madrid are set to make the make a double raid in North London with a £30m offer for Aubameyang and a player plus cash offer to test Tottenhams resolve for captain Harry Kane. The deal is thought to be around £40m plus former Spur Gareth Bale, though Bale’s wages are the main stumbling point with Tottenham asking for as much as 50% to be covered by the Spanish club.

    David Silva will return to Spain with his contract up this summer. Valencia are set to snap up the former Citizen but could face competition from Real Sociedad.

    Brazilian wonderkid Wyder Bamole, 18, could be set for a shock £80 move to the Premier League as Arsenal look to replace Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. The in form Gunner will be sold after reducing to extend his contract.

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure of your sources here but Silva is off to Lazio

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      £80 sounds a bargain for a wonderkid.

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Dammit! All that typing to lay the trap and I’m foiled by a stupid error like that!

        Did anyone lookup wyder bamole? Be interested if there were any results

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Low hanging fruit, I couldn't resist, sorry 7SoS...

          I got a crochet pattern when I searched Wyder Bamole! 😆

          1. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            😆

    3. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Auba for less than half the price of Maguire - bargain!

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      All from the Sun?

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Nah. I just made it all up 🙁

    5. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Isn't Bale on 500k a week or something? It works out as 350k p/w AFTER taxes. Not sure Levy will allow that even if they only pay half.

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry was all bollix. Spent way too long on it and failed with the £80 and typo at the end.

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I gathered. But Bales wages are crazy. He makes Ozil look cheap.

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            £650k highest paid still.

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

      Wyder Bamole Fer Matip is my team name next year

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        😀 make it so

    7. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Is Bale still playing football ?Thought he was a golfer these days.

  7. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Semi 1: United/Copenhagen v Wolves/Sevilla

    Semi 2: Shakhtar/Basel v Inter/Leverkusen

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looking forward to the Wolves vs Inter final

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Some good games there.

    3. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Love a good Semi.

      I’m bored.

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon Nuno would deal with United over two legs

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Wouldn't be surprised tbh. Wolves are a tricky team.

        Wolves v Sevilla and Inter v Leverkusen should be good games...

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hopefully not in the one then 😛

    5. Thug
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      So Wolves got the easiest fixtures

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

    Jonathan David is joining Lille in a deal worth EUR 30 million.

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Haha, what kind of name is that ?

  9. Adam31
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If wolves and United both qualify for semi-final how many games weeks will they miss in the beginning of the season.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The loser one, the winner two.

  10. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who turned the lights off in this forum again duh

  11. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Just heard that PL clubs voted for 3 subs. Glad of that, now bin off the water breaks.

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      By a slim margin of 11 to 9.

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

        Didn’t they need 17 out of 20 to vote in favour for it to remain?

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

          Usually 14 isn’t it?

          1. circusmonkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yes, they needed 14 votes in favour of 5 to keep it.

  12. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    This team should be affordable imo. And looks kinda great with those punts, no?

    Prices are only my own predictions ofc.

    (4-4-2)

    fabianski(4.5) 4.0* = 8.5

    taa(8) robbo(7.0 doherty(6.5) Laporte(6.0) 4.5 = 32

    kdb(12.5) bruno(11) Pereira(6.5) podence(6.0) 4.5 = 34

    Werner(10.0) Adams(5.5) 4.5 = 20

    = 100.0

    Thoughts about this team and price predictions?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not sure what warrants a Laporte .5 price drop

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm thinking risk of injuries

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Doubt it. Do think it's 100.5m-101m so not too far out

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            So Lapoete + 0.5 extra and who is the other one? 🙂

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Robertson

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                That could easily be, yes. Then he becomes VVD and 4.5 Def becomes 4.0

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Any other thoughts, besides that one?

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I think the midfield actually comes in at 40.5 so you're 1.0m over.

          I think Pereira might come in at 6.0 (who knows, but if he's higher than that, I won't consider him for GW1) and you could have a 4.0 5th defender.

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            *The total sum in midfield is totally wrong, my mistake. It's 40.5m, not 34..
            Still it adds up to 100m

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

      Agree Laporte is too cheap. And I think Fabianski will be 5.0 too.

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

        Otherwise it looks a lot more reasonable than the teams most are posting

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Fair enough. Werner could become Jimenez.

      3. Fit of Pique
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Agree with Fabianski. Think Che Adams at 5.5 might be ambitious too, I'd guess 6.0

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

      Yep looks affordable to me.

      Laporte won't be 6.0m though. 6.5m again. Podence might even be 5.5m. Let's see.

      Pray for Fabianski at 4.5m. But I have a bad feeling he'll be 5.0m.

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

        If they apply the same logic as KDB last season (dropped price due to injuries), they should reduce the price of Laporte. But they might see it as a mistake after KDB ended up being greatly underpriced and not do the same with Laporte.

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, despite the perception that he had a mediocre season, Laporte did score a very solid 4.2 points per match with 8 CS in only 15 appearances. In matches where he played enough minutes to qualify for a CS, it was 8 of 12 times.

          The previous season he had 18 CS in about three times as many minutes.

      2. amitmishr
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        With ake and another right footed centre-back coming in, Laporte may not be a regular. Might be better off to look elsewhere, may be digne or ricardo

    4. Sloths
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Why would anyone pick a team pre fixtures?

      You know you're going to change it a million times after so why waste your time? 🙂

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Surely commenting on it is a waste of time too 😉

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The process is fun and helpful. I think my GW1 team this past season was miles better than the one from the season before because I took the time to research the right fodder picks, got a nice team balance, the right GK and nabbed KdB at 9.5m who stayed in my team the entire season.

      3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Because I enjoy the tinkering!

    5. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think you’ve nailed the basics ...

      A) pick 2 from 11mio+ (KDB, Bruno, Auba, Kane, Sterling. Aguero, Salah, Mane) depending on fixtures and future captaincy

      B) Atleast 2 prem defenders

      C) One mid price attacker out of (Mahrez, Martial, Rashford, Werner, Pulisic, Vardy, Jiminez, Ings)

      D) Atleast 2 cheap attackers (

    6. Bielsa's Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      TAA could come in at 7.5 still. Only scored 25 more points than last season even after playing 713 minutes more.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Could but shouldn't!

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

      Looks pretty reasonable. More realistic than most.

  13. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Patrick van Aanholt potentially (shoulder dislocation) missing the start of the season would mean Tyrick Mitchell most likely £4.0 starting the first couple of matches for Palace.

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely a maybe

      He's clearly highly regarded by RH who said he could have given him a run earlier in the season and held him back unnecessarily. Less likely to get a week 1 run out is new signing Nathan Ferguson - who'll also be 4.0. He just might be the one to be on longer term though as it's easier to see Ward being displaced at RB than PvA at LB - completely unknown quantity 🙂

  14. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Considering TAA failed to beat Robertson's score from the season before last, official FPL can't justify a price increase.

    How can Trent cost more than Robertson when he scored less points than him?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The main reason I expect the price increase for Trent is that they both started last season at 7.0 and Trent rose to as high as 7.8 before ending at 7.7, while Robbo ended the season at 7.0.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Because he was the highest scoring PLAYER in the game from GW17 until Liverpool won the league.
      Because he hit a high of 7.8m which is closer to 8.0 than 7.5.
      Because Liverpool kept much fewer CSs this season and he still scored over 200 points thanks to Alisson being injured.
      Because he was in close to 50%+ of overall teams.

      He's a complete steal at 7.5m. Wouldn't surprise me if he came in there if they decide to cap defenders, but I think 8.0 is better. 8.5m probably the most accurate price but less likely.

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Would have beat it if he started vs Newcastle.

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

      Free kicks seemingly in the bag as well. I think 7.5 will be cheap.

    5. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      On the official FPL site, they stated he’ll likely have a “slight price increase “ next season in their Liverpool review article. Hoping for 7.5 and not 8

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Why? At 7.5, he'll have around 40% ownership. Hoping for 8 so that people are more divided and it's more interesting.

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I hope for 8.0 too

    6. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      FPL Scout: "Alexander-Arnold’s four goals and 15 assists helped him to 210 points, the same as the top-scoring forward, Jamie Vardy.

      Having started this season at £7.0m, though, a slight rise in cost for the right-back for 2020/21 would not be a surprise."

      I would expect a £7.5m price based on this.

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

      Potential comes into it as well. Will be interesting to see if they get the balance right.

  15. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Re. Arsenal laying off 55 staff including ripping up their recruitment and scouting department and moving to an agent-based system:
    Cedric Soares, David Luiz, Willian and Coutinho are all represented by Kia Joorabchin. An agent who takes a massive percentage from deal re contracts and transfers. How much of Willian's 10m golden handshake goes to him?
    But then again, if it seems like a false economy, there's another nasty dimension - Brexit. Clubs will no longer be able to bring in youngsters from Europe or anywhere else, so the scouting department than has unearthed plenty of talent in days gone by is presumably redundant. I guess other clubs will follow suit.

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

      Just a power grab isn’t it. Arsenal lost their soul a while ago.

      Although saying that, wouldn’t be surprised to see other clubs follow suit on redundancies. Maybe not axing their whole scouting departments though.

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Axing the Recruitment and Scouting dept seems very short sighted imo. I would not trust an agent based system as far as I can throw them. Will need robust obligations and gates for fee payments ideally.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          They cap everything else so cap agents to $1 per signing. (smile)

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Unfortunately, the government is opposed to regulation and more in favour of a vicious free-market economy. I suspect Arsenal are merely paving the way.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hard to swallow. However you don't put a smaller engine in a race car to keep an extra set of tyres. Get rid of FFP and allow kids under 21 to come in after Brexit IMO

    3. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      There was an article on The Athletic about the background behind this shift of direction at Arsenal towards the agent based model. Recommended

  16. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    ortmund feel they are in a win-win situation with the Jadon Sancho deal.

    If they get the €120m asking price, it's a good deal.

    If Man Utd don't meet their valuation or fail to make the deadline [10th August] then they're happy to keep Sancho for next season.

    (Source: BILD)

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      7 hours later 😛

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        was nap time 🙂

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      When Woodward misses the deadline and waits until TDD, United will pay what Dortmund wanted all along plus 20% for messing them around. It's the Woodward way.

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

      Dortmund are not going to lower the price. Big deals usually take a bit longer to complete, especially now with current times might take longer but UTD are clutching at straws if they think they will get any discounts.

  17. SweepaKeepa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    My burning niche query de jour...
    Why was Vestergaard pinching minutes from Bednarek at the end of season?
    Any Southampton defence experts able to flag if likely to continue?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not me, no idea. But bear in mind they've just bought a new Centre Back.

      1. SweepaKeepa
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks... I missed that! But Stephens will be secure, right?

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He had a minor muscle injury, did train for SHU but wasn't risked.

      1. SweepaKeepa
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the excellent intel!

  18. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Rennes have opened talks over loan signing of Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori, according to L’Équipe.

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

    Game let me register as at beginning of any season but nothing in there changed? Anyone else found the same?

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Choice of switching allegiance to Tuvalu and Fulham to get higher regional and allegiance league ranking and that’s it

    2. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      My (real life) relocation feels more real now fantasy profile updated.

  20. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Raised this yesterday - no responses. Big question imo

    What will happen to broadcast rights? Sky and BT have rights in this country to a minority of live matches. You have to assume that crowds won’t come back this calendar year anyway. That will leave a good proportion of matches left “unwatched”

    Restart solution was to expand rights to other outlets. Will this happen again? If so then that could well affect schedule to avoid overlapping broadcasts. That would lead possibly to a mixed up programme with much freer gameweeks with matches on close to a daily basis.

    Anyone have any news on broadcast rights? I wonder if fixtures could be delayed right up to the last possible minute because of this. No need for advance planning given no police and stadium planning needed.

    Also going for a Man U Man City captain rotation on basis of necessary home away rotation may be dead in the water

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No idea and I'm not in the Uk, but the government intervened and ensured that with a ban on attending PL matches, fans could watch on free-to-air TV, so I'd assume that continues for the time being.

      Negotiations will be enormously complicated when Sky want to take back their rights when fans are allowed back into stadia, and even more fun if a new lockdown is demanded.

      And the effects of all this on payments to clubs and prize money? Messy messy messy.

      Come out to Cambodia where we get all the games free anyway!

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        God, Cambodia. The dog meat industry there is absolutely despicable. 🙁

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It is, but if you eat bacon you're a hypocrite.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Save Tigers & Dogs while eating chicken 😛

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Could only read headline but got the gist.

        Not that surprised but I can see uproar ahead if they don't fiddle with the rights. Allowing more matches to be screened inevitably dilutes the package Sky and BT paid for.

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

          Sky and BT are the ones who would get the rights for additional matches (other than a few unimportant games given to Prime) so they wouldn’t really have anything to complain about. However knowing the FA is managed by 100 year old incapable men, they’ll just carry on with this archaic method.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            That would be to assume they got exclusive rights to more matches - if they did they'd need to pay. Absolutely no reason to give then exclusive access to more for the same amount.

            If they get more matches they pay more - there'll be a horrid shortfall from gate receipts and no season tickets. I imagine at lower levels a good few clubs are likely to go under.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Yesterday Droylsden declared they're resigning for their league for a season due to the financial effects of the virus. I expect more, and at a higher level, to follow.

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Absolutely more

                I don't know how far up it'll run but I'm imagining a potential restructuring of league systems. If you assume no crowds this side of new year - rational enough - that'll mean effectively close to a whole season without income. Football clubs are more often than not overstretched financially anyway and run on the hope of better times ahead. Best part of a year without income?

                1. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  It will be a hell of a mess if clubs fold one by one during the season.

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

              Pretty sure their contracts prevent the sale of TV rights for additional matches to 3rd parties so it’s either them or not televising at all. They won’t pay a lot for the additional matches but at least the FA could still get something which would be better than nothing. Can’t see it happening anyway though.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm guessing it will work like it did during project restart but with more rest time between games.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The issue here is will a GW be spread over Friday to Wednesday with a match or two every midweek day, with times more staggered than normal? Will 3pm Saturday games still be televised? Bound to be complicated.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          On reflection the extended gameweek looks unlikely if only because of European ties. As it is CL clubs may have a schedule not far off last season's Europa given how the season is being telescoped into a much shorter timeframe.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeh, there will be international breaks after GWs 4 and 8 (I think), European club comps in midweek and at some point the Tin Cup (or whoever sponsors it these days). Schedules will be very congested.

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      we are kind of lucky!

      get majority of the PL matches broadcasted LIVE..

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The midweek games at 2 am are not much fun. I fell asleep in extra time in the Fulham v Brentwood match and missed all the goals 🙁

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          90 mins behind you ..

          would watch midweek games if only CHE plays or have FPL interest involved..

          good thou we pay so little for LIVE games compared to the UK

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I strongly suspect all our games are pirated through that Saudi channel. Via the cable company we subscribe to, so can't find out for sure.

  21. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Are we going to have a price predictions challenge this year? I recall one last year which was good fun

  22. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to sign Manchester United's Diego Dalot for just £10m.

    The defender has struggled for minutes on the pitch this season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

    (Source: Daily s**t)

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

      Is he any good?

      Is he gonna play?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He's decent. Back up to AWB. Coleman is aging and injury-prone so Toffees do need proper support at RB. Prob good for player and club.

    2. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      One to watch... can see him playing right attacking mf there.

  23. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Plan A: Liverpool have made a £10million offer for Norwich full-back Jamal Lewis.

    Plan B: Liverpool are looking to bring in a backup left-back this summer and they have been linked with a move for Olympiacos’ Konstantinos Tsimikas.

    The signing would allow Klopp to rest Robertson from time to time.

    TAA .. first singing in FPL then..

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nico Williams has broken through at RB, so TAA already has cover. Robbo is the one player in the Starting XI (well apart from Alisson) who doesn't have adequate cover.

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        you think Williams (academy) at RB will get more game time than new LB signing?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Which new left back signing? Williams will get more game time and may be a decent investment as a 4.5 benchie.

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            they are in market for a backup LB

    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Best to double up on Liv defence with VVD instead of Robbo

  24. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Hi all

    What do you think of a 5-4-1 for next season with a back line of TAA, Robbo, VVD, Doherty & Laporte?

    The plan would then be to rotate home captaincy between KDB & Fernandes on alternate GW's.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's certainly radical. I'm going 3 premium defenders and contemplating 4 but that's a step too far for me.
      There's a recent rehashed article examining formations and 5-4-1 is historically the lowest scoring one.

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      would have an excellent GW rank if LIV concedes a goal..

      don't put all your eggs in one basket

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If I remember correctly, this was a popular discussion at the start of last season.
      It’s not for me. I will adopt my usual 3-4-3, but if you fancy it, I would probably only go for 2 Liverpool defenders and leave a free space in attack for one.

    4. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm looking at playing just one up top too. Obviously dependant on prices etc but I'm looking to go 4-5-1 if I can at the start.

    5. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not concerned about my individual GW rank, just my season rank.

      If Pool defence can maintain their performance from the last 2 seasons there's a lot to be gained from a defence triple up from a points/value perspective.

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      More than anything else it’d be completely dull - essentially a dead team as your assets are in there for season value. Where’s the fun in deciding not to make any transfers?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I guess you jump on and off budget bandwagons.

    7. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      5-4-1 and 4-5-1 are not season keeper formations though. You'd have to switch it up eventually because of the chips.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Right. I'm looking at starting with 4-5-1 myself, with the 3 Liverpool premiums at the back. The fourth or even 5th premium defender can be smart way to start the season (bar staggered starts for City here). The idea is you await the surprise budget midfielder or striker to emerge, then trade in your 'spare' premium defender and jump on the bandwagon. But it's still an ultra brave/foolish way to go!

        1. Another Hoops
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Some might save maverick way to go. Andy_Social, sir, you are one of life's true mavericks 😉

          1. Another Hoops
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            They might say it too 🙂

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

            1. Another Hoops
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Thats the nicest thing I've ever said to someone...

        2. Gingerman
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Certainly maverick. Having that many premiums at that back does take up a lot of £££ though (taa could be 8m for example) really limits you up front even in the mid price area I find. 2 Liverpool Def I can get it, but 3 from the start, me say to much sir.

        3. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I think you have a good point here.
          Looking to do something similar, but probably with 'just' 2 Pool defenders.
          Started with 2 last year, and that did really hurt my rankings.

          4 Premium defenders combined with as many premium midfielders as possible.
          Going very light in attack. Can't be bothered with 9.0 Ings og 9.5 Jiménez if Auba is and 11.5 midfielder tbh.
          The good thing in that 4-5-1 is also, that until those budget midfielders emerge, then can just swap around in the cheap forward slot depending on matchups.

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Also in the last 2 seasons

        Man City defence was poor value for half a season both times
        Liverpool was poor value for half a season in 2019
        Doherty was good value at 4.5 for half a season and value at 6.0 for half a season

        Defenders and defences are just as much prone to form runs as attacking assets. Why commit to keeping them for periods they are out of form? It’s committing to a suboptimal strategy of not allowing yourself to focus on form defence

        Also some of the best value in defence is sub premium. Take this route and you’re committing to no Doherty 2018

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I reckon City's defence will be far better this year. For myself, the 3 Reds fill up my premium defensive slots, but I can see Ederson and Laporte being decent picks. I put Liverpool's poor defensive form in 2019 squarely on the goalkeeping crisis. Jolly bad luck if that happens again!

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Totally agree - City with Laporte fit for a season is a massive upgrade defensively... with Laporte fit & a big money centre half alongside him (Koulibaly maybe?) would be mouthwatering for FPL

            Laporte gets attacking returns from time to time as well

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Was all over Laporte but the Ake signing bothers me a bit. He too is a ball playing left footer no who offers in attack. It might be that Laporte as the fixed point in defence is much less certain now.

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yeah possibly, its always the risk you take with Pep, but I wouldn't get too worried - I'd see Ake (perhaps lazily on my part) more as cover/complimentary rather than competition when it comes to Laporte (he's Pep's headhunted golden boy after all)

                But it's any easy FT to an alternative anyways in the unlikely event that Pep starts dropping Laporte - really looking forward to starting GW1 with him (again!) this year - just hope he avoids injury this time

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Tricky

                  My Laporte strategy if I go there would likely be to have decent 4.5 cover (5.0 perhaps on midseason budget). Just one reason why I’m wary of multiple premiums at the back.

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    I'm like a moth to a flame with these defensive big hitters - can't resist having at least 4 from that fleet above

                    Four of them plus a 4.5 I think will be my compromise rather than all 5

          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            For Alisson out you can read Laporte out too and the dead rubbers Liverpool had from 31 on

            Not disagreeing about premium defence. I’m just seeing it as a WC call and not season hold as per OP. The unforeseen is fairly predictable imo.

            Haven’t done this very methodically but there is a pattern I believe over the last 2 seasons - with City in particular - once there are consecutive cs or 3 cs in 4 games or so they become a good call for an extended run. Until that happens you avoid.

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

        Uhm, why?

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

      Wait for the fixtures to be announced first and if there is the possibility for plenty of cs then you can start with that formation.

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm using 4-5-1 on another site and I think it works perfectly but then again they dont have chips as mentioned above and we dont know fixtures or prices yet in FPL.

        Fabianski
        TAA - VVD - Tierney - Boly
        Mane - KDB - Bruno - Traore - Soucek
        Jiminez

        Martin - O'Connell - 4.0 - 4.0

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Goalie aside, I like that a lot!

          1. Another Hoops
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers. Best of the 4.5s unfortunately as I cant reach to Pope at 5.5 🙁

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

            yep,nice team but 2 Hammers too much....

            1. Another Hoops
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              3 if you count Martin 😉

    9. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think it looks absolutely gorgeous to be honest

      Back 4 with one 4.5 may be slightly more advisable, but either way the likes of TAA, Robbo, VVD, Laporte, Doherty look a great pool to pick 4 from

      Laporte in particular i think could be set for big things

    10. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      There’s a great article on here about premium defenders having great value. It looked at the best score possible last season and came to the conclusion that premium is better than cheap defence, but only as many as three.

  25. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Really? That surprises me given that defenders generally provide the highest points per £.

    I'd imagine that most people who have previously used that formation had 2-3 budget defenders in their back line, rather than the all-premium set up I've suggested.

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      (Reply fail to my thread above)

    2. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      See the formation section here

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/08/player-value-and-the-most-efficient-use-of-the-fpl-budget/

      Has the reason why 5 at the back doesn't normally work. It could in theory if there are enough premium defenders, but there's not been enough for the last few seasons

      1. Our Tiny Windows
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That’s the one.

  26. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    My apologies if this is a taboo question - is there anyway to automatically export stats tables from the member's area to an excel spreadsheet?

    1. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No.

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Very taboo but I like the diplomatic way you asked the question but I dont think you can. Maybe I'm wrong though.

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think that would kind if defeat paying membership 😉

    4. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think the OPTA data license would prevent that

    5. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Try here, this is what I've used for data analysis before

      http://www.football-data.co.uk/data.php

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

        Thanks Hedge

    6. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You could hire a furloughed secretary to type them up for you

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

      Thanks for the replies. Ofcourse it was for my use only, just to apply a weighting to some key stats so I will be mathematically guaranteed to captain a hatrick scorer each week.

      1. Hedge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Let me know when you have that formula nailed 😉

  27. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What an excellent interview this. Really enjoyed it.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yep - there's an awful lot of sense talked in it to be fair

      The general sentiments of "slow & steady wins the race", "less stats, more games" and "there are no essentials" - these are genuinely good soundbites for anyone trying to improve their FPL game

      "Ignore TV as much as possible" is another one I thought might have reared it's head, as it's equally useful over long periods of time in a game that generally really penalises an accumulation of transaction costs (hits)

      For my money, these are the areas where you'll get the most bang for your OR buck, rather than clicking sort on statistics tables, or looking for obscure trends in backward looking XGabc's to predict forward looking FPL points, taking reams of hits to promiscously bed hop from big hitter to big hitter etc (not that any of that guarantees failure either of course! 🙂 )

    2. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lots to take on board, I'm often guilty of not giving players enough time and chasing points, bit more patience.

  28. Pedersen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry if it have been asked. But if Bruno and Sancho (if he arrives) have the same FPL price, which would you prefer to have?
    Same question with Pulisic vs Timo Werner

    1. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd always go with the proven players, the others may need some settling in time (or they might score debut hatricks!)

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Werner for me. Chelsea fan though, so my heart might be in it.

  29. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Not many people in these sorts of interviews mention that they were helped by a big dollop of luck. Why not?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Because a good rank is down to skill and a bad rank is down to luck.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This is a fair point.

        I think FPL is 70% skill and 30% luck.

        In my last 10 seasons I have finished in the top 10k 7 times. So this confirms the statistics.

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          surely it must be 33% skill, 66% luck and 1% Pep

          9K
          20K
          12K

          1. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            interesting debate.

            Lets look at your ranks as an example, sine they're extremely consistent (in relation to FPL careers)

            You placed 9K, but the following year, your rank were beaten by more than 2x the number of competitors.

            The following year, you overtook almost 50% of the pack

            When you look at it like that, its far too erratic to put much of the emphasis on skill - and thats looking at a very consistently good record. Did you get that much less skilful in the middle season?

            Heres my take:

            80% is being engaged: turning up consistently before the deadline, and knowing having the common knowledge of the crowd (ie X is banned or sold to Inter Milan, and Y is in good form) and picking a captain with a plausible chance of a good return.

            10% is Skill - planning your transfers to avoid hits, having good captains options in your squad and capitalising on favourable fixtures etc

            10% is luck - picking someone who looked a good prospect, and they actually deliver on it. Or winning the Pep Roulette with your captaincy. Avoiding unnecessary changes to your team due to unforeseen injuries .Etc.

            Too many fail to recognise season long 'engagement' when talking about why they did well. I always win my mini leagues - not because im more skilful, and not because im more lucky than the rest. I win because i turn up a good 35/38 GWs and make some choices (mostly informed by the wisdom of the crowd).

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Good post.

            2. Salarrivederci
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Here's an upvote for you. I like the added and superior 'engaged' to skill & luck.
              Halfway through my secodn season (my worst rank of 20K) i became a father. I would lie if it did not bring down my engagement to updating my teams, reading on FFS and planning ahead my chips and stuff. I did chop and change my team which could explain why I ended up as 20K and not 1mil 😉

              1. Salarrivederci
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                second season*
                my team*

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

          My estimate is that between active managers its 90% luck 10% skill. People dont realise how ridiculously big a 20% edge over the opposition actually is. Theres no way someone has a 20% skill advantage, let alone 30%+ over the field of active managers (Id say theres like 250k-500k actual real active good managers)

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

      There are players that consistently maintain a very high OR year after year. Skill accounts for way more than luck.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        No matter how much you want to break down the percentages there is no denying that luck plays some part. I'm one of those people with high finishes and luck definitely contributes.

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

          There is a regular poster here goes by the name of Bubbz. Don't know his FPL ID but you should see his history and tell me if it is luck. Doubt he has ever finished lower than 20k.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I'm not saying it's luck though. I'm saying luck is involved. You don't think he had any luck along the way at all?

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

              Of course he has had some luck, but maybe skill accounts for about 80%.

              1. Pasqualinho
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I have to agree with 7shades. Skill is completely the wrong word - diligence is what gets you in the top 100k.

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Check my username...that hatty came off the bench in a season I ended up OR53. Most people can get a decent looking team on the pitch...after that it is certainly over 50% luck at least.

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I do think skill and luck play an equal part. This argument however makes me laugh though, there's millions of players. Within those millions surely theres some that continually get lucky? So consistency doesn't necessarily prove that skill is more important

      4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        FPL is basically a gym for egos.

      5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep FPL is ultimately a luck management game - its how well do you manage your luck

        Poker is another classic example

        In both games - The shorter the period of time, the more the result is influenced by variance (luck)

        In a single gameweek in FPL, or a single hand in poker, "good" decisions based on sound logic or maths can generate "bad" (in some cases absolutely terrible) results due to the luck/variance factor and vice-versa

        The longer you make that measurement period though, (from single hands to multiple hands, from single gameweeks to seasons) the less of the result is influenced by luck

        A tournament in Poker for example, can still be won by a lucky player making blind/bad/impulsive/lucky (delete as appropriate) decisions that weren't supported by probabilities - same way as a season in FPL can have a bad player getting a high OR making decisions that weren't supported by any sound logic (triple captaining Vardy away to Southampton springs to mind - brilliant result, questionable logic versus those who triple captained Mane in the DGW - that was a 60 point swing right there, hundreds of thousands of OR will separate those managers)

        But when you start getting into multiple *TOURNAMENTS* in poker, (or multiple *SEASONS* in FPL) and the same names keep cropping up in the latter stages/winning... then chances are, bad luck is being outweighed by good decision making - same with folks who start to gather up multiple high OR finishes -i.e. it gets harder & harder to be lucky regularly...

        Or maybe another way - its (rarely) luck if you keep doing it

        But there are extremes at the end of every normal distribution, and luck is always a factor in FPL, as with all luck management games

    3. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Would love to have this mid

      Salah,Kdb,Son,Bruno,Pulisic

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Salah, Auba, KDB, Bruno, Sterling

        1. MosF94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Wonder if that's possible with 4s/4.5s everywhere else? 12, 11.5, 12, 11, 11.5 = 58. So 42 for 10 slots. 3*4.5 up front gives you 28.5 for your back 7. So it probably will be, technically, possible, but...

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        You won't.

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

        This is better: Salah KDB Bruno Sterling Auba 🙂

      4. CONNERS
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Its perfectly doable if you're happy with 4's & 4.5s making up the rest of your squad.