Scout Network

Scout Network: How does the International break impact your FPL planning?

Each week as part of our Round-up of all the top fantasy content being created in the Scout Network our members will also be tackling a key FPL question. This week we asked: How does the International break impact your FPL planning?

As a content creator, each FPL week is whirlwind fast; the international break is a chance to take a breath and reflect on my decisions but also a useful time to work on some new graphics.

I always think wildcarding is a useful option during an international break. You can take your time deciding which players to pick, build team value and have the ability to react quickly to any injuries. If you are not wildcarding, holding your free transfer until the press conferences is a wise move.

I don’t tend to take note of player form in other competitions as there are too many differences to the Premier League. Players play in completely different teams with different setups, sometimes in different positions. The standard of opposition may not be as strong either.

Ted Talks FPL

There is never a universally good  time to WC, but the first international break is always a milestone I like to reach before considering the WC. By now you have 4 weeks of data so start to get a feel for which teams to focus on and who you need to ensure is in your side. The good thing about wildcarding over the break is you have two weeks to plan so it doesn’t feel rushed. If you aren’t WC then you need to resist the urge to transfer early to catch a price rise. Two weeks is a long time in FPL especially with COVID to contend with too, I would be holding off on my transfer(s) until the press conferences just in case someone has picked up a knock while away, or even if they tested positive for COVID which is becoming more and more regular now too unfortunately.

El Statto

The international break is a good time to perform a little surgery on your broken team with a wildcard. However, if you can afford to save it, I always feel the best time to play a wildcard is a week before you play bench boost because that can help you maximise the points. If you can survive without using a wildcard till a week when only 10 teams play or 8 teams play double, and provided half of your picks click, you should be able to add at least an added 30-50 points via this back to back wild card + bench boost option (and if you can plan it right a free hit next can help you cover 60-70 point gap).

FPL Poet

At FPL Greece, we are strong advocates of playing the game without following strict self imposed rules.The international break provides indeed a good opportunity to assess what has happened so far and make correcting moves while keeping the team value above the baseline, but in essence, it is nothing more than a regular break.

If using the wildcard now is the outcome of meticulous planning, based on fixture swings, players’ form or the realisation that certain issues needs to be addressed asap, then it might make sense. If not, then there’s always next GW with the hope that it is triggered from proactive planning rather than bad performance.

FPL Greece

We at The FPL Wire believe that during the international break, it is always recommend to hold onto your transfers as long as possible, especially during the pandemic. We have already seen a few players test positive and with that added risk, it only makes sense to wait. The only way we’d recommend it is if you’re getting players like Son or Salah who are not playing during the international break and if you have zero room for manoeuvring is the price changes occur.

The FPL Wire

Son and Kane celebrate scoring against Manchester United in Gameweek 4

On the basis that 19.1% of the Top 1k have already used their Wildcard and 32.2% have used at least 1 chip, there’s plenty of chance to catch up if you are using your chips more strategically!

FPL Gameweek

International Break is a point in the FPL calendar that we love to hate. On the one hand it gives thinking time to assess the issues and problems within our individual FPL teams, on the other hand I spend it constantly on edge worrying about injuries or players that return late to their Premier League clubs.

Playing wildcards over International break can be a really useful strategy in terms of removing the injury worry as it is easy to swap a player out if the worst happens, as well as enabling you to catch price rises and avoid price falls thus building team value which will be pivotal later on in the season, however Wildcards can be so handy in the later part of the calendar year so for me trying to navigate this first set of International fixtures without it if possible seems a good idea.

FPLFamily Sam

In most seasons we typically plan to wildcard over the first international break, after witnessing a good four weeks of games and analysing the data. This also allows us to catch the price rises over the break and dodge any injuries that may have occurred to our players otherwise. This season however although we haven’t had the best of starts, our teams look salvageable so we’ll be holding the wildcard a bit longer. Chasing team value is not worth the risk of a potential injury or COVID case. Sit back & enjoy the international matches and wait for the press conferences before deciding on your moves!

KingFut

The Transfer Algorithm isn’t particularly toggled for international breaks. In general though, planning for two free transfers ahead of the break is a great idea due to the somewhat increased risk of events during the break. Perhaps particularly so this year and this international break in particular, with as much as 3 international fixtures per team and a touchy Covid situation. I am not very confident in the players professionalism for avoiding Covid when leaving their PL – bubble for some time off around the continent. It wouldn’t surprise me to get an uptick in Covid-quarantines at the other end of the break. Anyway, playing the WC at the early stage this season based on just missing out on the most recent haulers seem a silly idea. The value of keeping that option in case of a fat-tale event is so important this season. If it doesn’t turn out, having the wildcard intact ahead of the first likely DGW will be great anyway.

Transfer Algorithm

I always use the first International break to take stock of the season so far. Where have I failed, how could I have navigated it better. Once this has been completed, I usually hit the wildcard button with glee & promptly tear up my team to accommodate the conclusions of my earlier findings.

FPL Take the Hit

What’s happening in the Scout Network?

KingFut

Ahead of GW5, KingFut pundits Mohamed Korain and Omar Khairallah recorded two episodes of ‘King El Fantasy’. The duo first recap GW4 before looking into their transfer strategy for the international break and upcoming weeks. You can find all this and more on YouTube

El Statto

This week El Statto welcomed Scout Academy member FPLTalkingPoint to the team of writers and we’ve used the break in game weeks to look at “results orientated thinking” and how this impacts fpl. FPLTalkingPoint’s provides great insight and a different way to thinking about FPL strategy.

FPLFamily

This weekend’s Live Stream looked at some of the action that occurred over international break and touched briefly on the injury fears with the likes of KDB, Kane and Sterling and how much worry we should give them as FPL managers. We also looked at Lee’s Wildcard draft as well as the drafts of our Patreons who currently have their wildcards active. We also passed the magic 7k followers mark over on Instagram just prior to the International break.

Scout Network Spotlight: Ted Talks FPL

At the age of 18, I surprised my dad by appearing in his work fantasy football league. I had always helped him pick his team in previous years, but that year I was determined to compete. I had contacted the organiser out of the blue, asked to be involved and he generously obliged. Thus an 8-year rivalry began with my father, discussing the pros and cons of Clint Dempsey, why I’d overlooked Herman Hreidarsson and one-liner cliches such as ‘Never pick newcomers to the Premier League’ drilled into me. The difference being that this was a restricted format of Telegraph Fantasy Football with only 12 transfers available in the entire season. Patience was key, which is probably why age and experience trumped youth and enthusiasm, more often than not…

In 2017 this league came to an end and I switched my full attention to Fantasy Premier League. I couldn’t believe the difference, the possibilities – 1 free transfer every week, hits, wildcards & chips! I started reading articles on Fantasy Football Scout & started interacting with other enthusiasts in the FPL community on social media. I was hooked and wanted to improve. In 2018, I started producing my own content and with a bit of beginner’s luck achieved an overall rank of 63rd in the world.

Since then, my focus has been on supporting the FPL community with simple but meaningful graphics. I am a firm believer that clear, visual information is the best way to convey an idea – lasting longer in the mind of the reader. That is why I’ll always favour presentation over complexity.

This graphical fixture ticker shows the teams with the easiest fixtures in the next 6 GWs. Green/Amber/Red colours to signify fixture difficulty, home games are full squares & away games only have a border. The 20-team version can be found here.

Scout Network: How does the International break impact your FPL planning?

I keep a close eye on which teams are performing well going forward, as well as those conceding the fewest chances. Football pitch charts are used, like the one below, to compare two separate stats, which help us form a conclusion about a team. In this case, we’re looking at attacking prowess, measuring low % shots (small chances) alongside high % shots (big chances). One hypothesis might be Man City are creating lots of chances (as they typically do) but are struggling to create big chances with the lack of a fit recognised striker.

You can find a similar chart for defensive prowess here.

One of the most recent additions to my repertoire has been the ‘top 5’ lists, showing the best players to pick from each outfield position and price bracket. Here are the must-have players from GW5:

You can find all ‘top 5’ picks here for attackers and here for defenders

Scout Network: How does the International break impact your FPL planning? 1

I attempt to use all of this content in my weekly videos, which focus on the week’s hot topic; always with a stats-focussed theme. You can find my most recent video here, looking at the players to bring in from the most attacking premier league sides.

Click the links for more info on the Scout Network, FFS International or the Scout Academy, or fill out this form if you have your own channel or tools and would like to join!

UEFA Champions League Fantasy – Who are the top picks for Goalkeepers and Defenders?

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

265 Comments Post a Comment
  1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you play

    A) Brewster (FUL)
    B) Foden (ARS) also have KDB

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Foden

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

      Foden 100%

    4. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    5. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I d play Foden, GL

    6. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

    7. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Prolly Foden yes. But if KDB + Sterling is out I would play Brewster. Monitor the situation

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

    Bottomed

    Thoughts on this WC. Any changes or looking ok?

    McCarthy
    Dias, Chillwell, Gomez
    Pulisic, Salah, Son, James R, Grelish
    Kane, DCL
    Sub: Brewster, Mitchell, Dunne, Meslier

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

      I would get TAA in

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell might be injured
      Gomez rotation risk
      Dias rotation risk
      One of mitchell or dunne needs to be upgraded as none of them are safe starters.

      Would try to squeeze in one of Robbo / TAA as well

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure Gómez will always start...Pulisic is a gamble...weak bench if Mitchell and Dunne no longer start

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

      Rather have barnes over pulisic

  3. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Martinez 4.0
    TAA Saiss Zouma Lamptey 3.9
    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish Stephens
    Kane DCL Maupay

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

      Looks good

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

      Who would you get for 3.9? I think TAA money can balance out the team a little more

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Benchfodder... there are currently two options.. one from leeds and one from everton.. going with the leeds guy. I think the team is well balanced.

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

      Still feel no KDB is a bit kneejerk

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You can't have them all. As long as Kane can replicate KDB's points it is not an issue at all. Tough fixtures for City as well. Will look to get KDB / Sterling in for gw 9

    4. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No citeh

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Look at reply above

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Have you considered going without TAA?
      Frees up a lot of money, could be worth considering.
      But I like the look of this team.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Already got 0.8 itb... great team value. No reason to go without TAA imo. If I did I would go with Robbo instead.

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Alright! What are your thoughts about Zouma -> PVA?

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

      pulisic worries me, he's injury prone

  4. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on these moves for 2FT?

    Werner and Foden --> Son and Maupay

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

      Nice moves

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like it..

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

      great!

    4. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Seem reasonable moves, however the two players you drop may have a great GW and I still do not know why people buy Maupay vs CPL, if you exclude last GW they had the best defence in the league. I d go Son + sth else in similar price. Good luck with your choice.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Look at the fixtures after that though.. you have to plan ahead 🙂

      2. xHaTr
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        West Brom at home the week after is really what appeals to me about Maupay

      3. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I saw that, maybe I m wrong but if you look at it backwards, WBA have great fixtures (BUR, bri) as well. Very weird season, too many forwards with potential to score many goals, just to me Maupay hasnt come into consideration yet. Lets see if he proves me wrong

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He has scored 4 goals in 4 fixtures

          1. skodaole2
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            True, but against teams that tried to attack, Brighton in previous years struggled vs teams that tried to defend.

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              I feel like there's past bias involved here.

              Maupay is doing very well statistically and in terms of actual returns. He's just a bit unfancied because he plays for Brighton. Watching the MUN game I have no doubts about him.

              He is a great pick and one of those guys that will tick along all season and then at the end people are gonna look at him and be like: he scored 170 points?! He's on penalties too with Lamptey rampaging into the box.

              I much much prefer him to Wilson after considering fixtures and team quality.

              1. skodaole2
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Not at all, I always enjoy the discussion, especially when there are experienced players here and we disagree, nothing bad can come out of it. I did not try to undermine Maupay's value at all, I always try to find players from unpopular teams, hence my getting Pereira from the beginning and Watkins before GW 2.

                I remember what Murray did for Brighton the previous years and how under the radar he stayed. I also remember getting double Brighton before the "easy" home fixtures that ended up with blanks (did not play FPL the last 2-3 years, played some draft leagues in a different site but doesnt make any difference). Maupay is definitely one of the decent strikers and Brighton are a serious team. However in my opinion they would struggle to score vs defensive opponents but are quick enough to counterattack against attacking opponents.

                Obviously scoring 4 goals in 4 games cant be ignored and with favourable fixtures makes sense. I have not just thought about him as an option yet.

                1. Rasping Drive
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  I don’t think there’s any team in the league that would try and defend against Brighton. Every team would see it as a fixture they should/could win.

                  1. Atlan Arjan
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 5 months ago

                    This

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds good

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

      that move could easily backfire

  5. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Laporte or Dias

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      None at the moment. City have tough fixtures and defensively they look out of sorts

  6. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 4.4m defender?

    I'm looking at:

    A) Balbuena
    B) Lewis
    C) Cooper
    D) Robinson (SHU)

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

      B

    2. ElChapo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If Marcal is still out, Max Kilman could do a job for a few weeks. good short term fixtures too

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I've used my wildcard so I have 0 interest in a player like Kilman who is a rotation risk. I also have double Wolves defense already too!

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

      B

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would find the extra 0.1 somewhere.. if your on a WC the obvious move is to downgrade Martinez to McCarthy.. equally good picks imo. Long term McCarthy prolly even a better pick

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I disagree on McCarthy being better than Martinez. And I'm not on WC so the point is moot anyway. Very happy with Martinez.

        I don't have 0.1m to spare because I'm looking to do Foden + James > Grealish + ??

        At least that's the plan right now. It can easily change.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Tough situation to be in then. I wouldn't want any of them. Prolly go with Lewis or Cooper. Are you in a rush to shift Foden though? Could come good vs Arsenal. James could start as well.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Nah mate. Not this week. I've already made my FT this week. Will be keeping Foden for sure.

    5. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I do not know if Balbuena will be nailed, i think they just signed Dawson. If yes i d go with A if you can bench him for 3 GWs, soon the rough schedule will end. If not, probably Cooper.

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

      B. Some attacking threat and a nice set of fixtures coming up too

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

    Got good match ups this week so tempted to hold but would like to hear opinions.

    McCarthy
    James - TAA - Saiss - Justin - Mitchell
    Pereira - Salah - De Bruyne
    Kane - Werner

    Soucek - Podence - Davis on the bench.

    1FT, 0.8 mill ITB. 257 points overall so decent, not needing to chase., still got my wildcard also.

    GTG for one more week?

    1. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Your bench can cover a Mitchell or James no show, since you intend to save, why not

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence first on bench imo

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        but yeah you can save this week.

      2. ElChapo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        agreed, not sure why i didn't have this already

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Your team looks real good, id like to just echo the Podence first bench slot advice

    4. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      hold

    5. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't start Mitchell, He could easily come on for PVA after 75 mins. You gotta back ghe attacker especially as Leeds have centre back issues

      1. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I was thinking Mitchell will start and PVA will have a run out in the second half.

  8. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Latest WC that I feel is more balanced.
    What do we think?

    Martinez, Macey
    Robbo, Zouma, Saiss, KWP, Mitchell
    Grealish, Son, Hames, KDB, Salah
    DCL, Antonio, Brewster

    0.1 itb

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good I would be tempted to go TAA over Robbo for the slight price difference but Robbo has started the better going forward

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        That would mean Zouma/Saiss down to 4.5.
        Zouma would probably get the chop if I go down the TAA route

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I see that would upset the balance more and make you weaker overall. Your team looks good

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

      Probably would be wary going without a more established striker personally, guess it depends whether DCL & Everton will continue their form.

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane > KDB imo. At least for the next four. But I understand why people are hesitant to go without KDB on a WC.

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m not keen on any Chelsea defence right now, but it looks great overall

  9. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So iv 2ft and I'm willing to take a - 4 if I have too, what would you do with this team?

    Martinez
    Saiss, taa, shaw, Justin
    Salah, sterling, James Rodriguez, greewood
    Jimenez, werner

    Bench,

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Id look to replace Shaw deffo no need to take a hit with that team

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Shaw out and save 1FT

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with this

        1. Where dahoud at
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks everyone, yea I reckon that's sound advice

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gwood + Jimenez -> Maupay + Son?

      Depends if you got bench coverage for Shaw though. If you don't prolly just do Shaw -> Zouma (?)

  10. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Could I get anyone's thoughts following a bad couple of game weeks. 1FT 1.8 available
    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Doherty Mitchell (Lascelles)
    Salah KDB Fernandes Podence (Oriol Romeu)
    Jiminiez Mitrovic (Davies)
    Thank you for looking

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

      Mitrovic and Davies surely where the work is needed.
      I'd look at one of Wilson or Maupay instead.
      DCL if funds work, although maybe hold with the Merseyside derby coming this weekend.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mitrovic got great fixtures. Definetely not a priority atm. I would be tempted to do Jimenez + Poden -> Maupay + Son

        1. skodaole2
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          +1, one more to monitor is Doherty, he could miss some games through the rough schedule

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I agree had him from the start and completely regret it

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

          As good as the fixtures are, Mitro struggled to hit the target a lot in last couple of matches. I think there are better options out there with good fixtures.

        3. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I do like Jiminez if i was to address the podence issue instead of mitro who would you be looking at?

      2. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I was thinking mitro - dcl myself

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

      mitro must go

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        i have that feeling but podence also a bad weakness

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

    Fernandes to Son seems obvious choice for me, but already got Kane so not sure it's necessary for Spurs coverage. Would free funds to upgrade one of Soucek or Stephens next week as well

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Id keep Bruno on pens he's gonna keep racking up the points

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      "Coverage" doesn't exist. Son is a far better pick than Fernandes with the upcoming fixtures. Also saves you 1.4 to spend elsewhere.

      1. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        you're right about coverage but dont think this the week to do that move. Cack as Man U been Bruno is fpl gold

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

        Yeah, the 1.4m is helping that. With rest of my pot it means Soucek to a 7m or Stephens to a 6.5m which brings a bit more balance in the middle.

        Does spread funds meaning harder to get a KDB in (got Salah)

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

        Exactly, coverage doesn't exist and is the worst FPL term ever imo. It's all about covering the teams that score (or you think will score) goals with players in form. At the moment that is Spurs and Everton amongst others. The coverage theory could maybe be useful in the start of a season so you easily can switch/hold the players that not deliver/deliver, but never throughout a whole season. Ask those who kept Werner for the first 4 gameweeks if it was worth the Chelsea coverage?

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d do that move in a heartbeat. Bruno is only a good pick at 10.5 if you believe united will get another 10+ pens this season and Bruno will take them all. Even then it’s close.

  12. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Talk to me about Gareth Bale.

    I have fond memories of him. I stopped playing FPL the season after he left for Madrid. He's fresher in my FPL mind than most and I remember him being an absolute monster. He got 249 points in his last season from less than 3000 minutes.

    We've already seen James Rod come in from minimal game time in Real Madrid last season to dunk on the league. Bale is coming into an arguably better team.

    He's tipped to make his debut this week against West Ham. I don't think he's better than Son, but I'm thinking of doubling up if Havertz/Chelsea disappoint again. That's the other benefit of having a high cost midfield slot that all these wildcards with Son, Grealish, JamesR are missing - I can more easily afford to get Bale.

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Now Kane has 2 runners to put through on goal.

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What's your forward line?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Jimi, DCL, Davis.

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Be hard to get Kane or Kun then. Seeing aa your dosh is in midfield Bale a good punt

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah I guess so. I'm not gonna remove Jimi for 3 more weeks. I'm gonna stay patient. He's class and Wolves just need time to find their feet. It is basically exactly the same as last season.

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldn't go anywhere near him until he has proven he can find form. He hasn't played regularly in a very long time. The Bale you refer to is peak Gareth Bale from seven years ago. Not the same Bale you see today.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        And yet everyone was saying similar things about James Rod. Many people didn't think he's be anywhere near as good as he has been.

        These are Real Madrid players. They aren't your run of the mill washed-up stars.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I'm not completely sold on J. Rod either. There is still a difference between the two players you compare. J. Rod was in shape when he joined Everton and has played competitive football prior to the move. Bale has not played competitive football in a long time.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I mean the doubts are well founded with Bale. But the upside is enormous. Absolutely enormous. Very few players have that level of explosive potential.

            1. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              If he scores a brace people will get him in the week after. I don't see the upside really.

    4. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can not wait to see Bale playing for Spurs again. Two things worry me: Fitness and the fact that he won too many titles with Real M. If he builds fitness and Mou keeps him motivated, there is potential for amazing things.

      Fantasy wise ill stay with Son - Kane for now, but Bale's low ownership atm makes him a very tempting option.

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

      We all have nostalgic memories of Bale but i will have to see if his head is still in the game before i take the plunge.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        +1

  13. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Taken some time off to ponder but I'm still stuck.

    What would you do with this squad? (FanTeam)

    Lloris Meslier
    TAA VvD Saiss Zouma Vinagre
    Salah Sterling Havertz Rodriguez Soucek
    Wilson Jimenez 4.0

    I have 2FTs and some spare change.

    Been considering:

    A) Soucek > Barkley
    B) Wilson > Maupay
    C) Soucek + Wilson > Grealish + Brewster
    D) Vinagre > White (basically maintaining the 2 FTs and strengthening bench)

    Getting Spurs is difficult and annoying. I can't do it without losing two of Jimi, Havertz or TAA and I'm not really happy to do that. I'm kind of holding out hope that Bale at 9.0m could be the answer.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Prolly D (but not White imo). Then reassess with 2 FT?

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Also quite like B. But many people are bringing in Wilson atm.

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bale is 9.5 by the way

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Did not notice it was FanTeam. Sorry

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Not in FanTeam he ain't. 9.0m in FanTeam compared to Son's 10.2m.

      3. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        White is the best pick by far in FanTeam down there. He's 4.1m. Him or Vestergaard.

        But meh this is such a tough week.

  14. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who can come up with WC team of (mostly) differentials that looks workable? I'm starting to think anti-template is the way to go

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I don't get that logic at all.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Just a thought experiment 🙂

    2. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      How about, say Martinez/Son/Rod/DCL are exceptions...

      Martinez 4.0
      Coleman Boly Soyuncu Dallas Douglas
      Bruno Perreira Mount Son Rod
      Vardy Ings DCL

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Needs Pulisic.

        I'd go for Semedo, Reguilon, Robbo backline.

        For me, the only must haves on WC are Salah, Son, Grealish, DCL. Martinez as well I guess if you got him at 4.5m.

    3. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I d say get a few differentials but keep some of the more reliable and logical choices. Differentials can have a big GW but in the long run they cant get the same points with the popular players. So you can get 1-2 popular defs, 2-3 mids and 2 strikers and try differentials for the remaining spots.

  15. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Am I right in thinking that there's absolutely no need to WC here regardless of KDB news? Already took a hit.

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA Saiss Justin (KWP)(Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Hamez Son (Bissouma)
    Maupay Ings Wilson

    1. hewittj1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      its fine. roll it. KDB will play

  16. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Please RMWCT!
    Should I keep the 0.5m for the future or upgrade the bench (i.e Stephens to Bissouma/Soucek)?

    McCarthy (4.0)
    Robbo Castagne Saiss (Ayling Branthwaite)
    Salah Son Rodriguez Grealish (Stephens)
    DCL Kane Wilson
    +0.5m ITB

    Cheers!

    1. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Very similar to where I'm going to end up, so I like it. Personally not sold on Wilson; prefer Maupay or even Antonio, but it's a prefectly sensible choice! No harm in having 0.5 ITB ready for use; you'll never really bench anyone else for Bissouma or Soucek will you so the chances of you hitting a haul from them feel pretty slim.

  17. Fpl_elstatto
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    The articles mentioned in the Scout article on my fpl site this week:

    https://jumpersforgoalposts.info/2020/10/12/the-abc-fpl-transfer-guide/

    https://jumpersforgoalposts.info/2020/10/11/overcoming-the-rot-in-making-fpl-decisions/

    Any feedback or comments welcome

  18. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    The FPL Wire - Episode 6 (its a really good one imo)

    "Kane De Bruyne"

    In this episode, we discuss Anomalies, Overreactions, Wildcards, Tot, Avl, Caps & more!

    Share and Subscribe! 🙂

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0CtHbtbYMs

    Also on Spotify, Apple and all other audio platforms.