Feature

Merry Christmas from Fantasy Football Scout

Christmas Day is finally upon us, although perhaps not in the form many of us expected.

In years gone by, I have written these Christmas messages with references to Fantasy Premier League managers pulling themselves away from FPL content to spend more time with their family and friends.

But it would be naive of me to assume all of you have the opportunity to do so today.

2020 has been a generation-defining year for the people of the United Kingdom and the wider world. The global pandemic has affected all of us in different ways with subtle, often unquantifiable, nuances.

The one feeling that unites us this Christmas is heartache, as we all strive to adapt to life in an ever-changing world.

Football has not gone unscathed, as we all know. Fantasy managers can consider themselves lucky to have the sport in our lives still, but it has been forced to endure most of the year without the presence of its most important component: the fans.

And, of course, due to recent changes, many of us are now unable to see our nearest and dearest on the most important day of the year.

So, to anyone who has not been able to enjoy a sorely-needed Christmas celebration with family and friends, I say this: We feel your pain. You are not alone in this fight.

I know these crumbs of comfort cannot replace the things many of you have lost this year, especially on Christmas Day. There is only so much Fantasy Football Scout can do to battle the ongoing crisis but, if providing a healthy distraction from all the doom and gloom makes a difference in your lives, then I will be very proud.

To business, then.

As you know, the Gameweek 15 deadline looms large on Boxing Day morning, which is why the full array of Fantasy content is already up on the site.

Make sure you head to the Complete Guide to Gameweek 15 tab at the top of the page to find everything you need.

It is not long until the first Wildcard deadline passes – and don’t forget to set your plans in place for Blank Gameweek 18, Double Gameweek 19 and your chip strategy.

That just leaves me to pass on my gratitude to some key individuals.

Once again, deputy editor Neale Rigg has been an invaluable resource. You are all probably tired of my comparing him to N’Golo Kanté, but until we get another Premier League player renowned for doing the dirty work and mopping up in midfield as well as the Chelsea man, you will all have to make do!

Commercial director Chris James and community manager Geoff Dance continue to help the site develop behind the scenes and push forward to bright new things in 2021.

Head of content, Paul McKinnon, Will Timbers (or TopMarx) and Ted (Rotation) are also key members of fulfilling a number of key Fantasy Football Scout responsibilities – who all have my thanks too.

We have also enjoyed the help of Sam Bonfield and Ian Archer in developing our presence on social media. The pair have taken our Twitter and Instagram accounts to new heights with their vision and execution in 2020.

Video manager Andy Mears has had the same effect on our YouTube content during his first full campaign at Fantasy Football Scout.

We should also thank Gianni Butticè for spearheading our Matchday Live content, with the help of Seb, Toby and Lee. And we cannot forget host of the Scoutcast and captaincy videos: the long-serving Joe Lepper.

The editorial output has grown this season too. Andy, Az, Holly, Luke, Sam, Simon, Tom, Pranil and Utkarsh have all continued to provide excellent Pro Pundits articles – and we are delighted to have added Fábio Borges, Darren Wiles and the great Mark Sutherns to that list in 2020/21.

David Wardale, Jan Sienkiewicz, Colm Hayes and Marc Jobling all deserve praise for ticking key editorial boxes while Karam Tayser has done a great job in helping us reach new audiences this year with his translation of our content into Arabic.

And, of course, I would like to express gratitude to the moderators, who all perform the thankless task of managing our community at ground level every day.

The list of people contributing to the site behind the scenes continues to grow. To these individuals, you know who are you and you have my thanks.

I hope you all have as Merry a Christmas as the current restrictions allow. Good luck in Gameweek 15!

1,786 Comments Post a Comment
  1. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is James price locked??

    He didn't drop

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would worry about his mins

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That's not the question though

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

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/

      Please read the "Notes" at the bottom of this website

      It answers this and many similar questions

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I've read them but what's the reason he didn't drop at -100% if his price is not locked?

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          His price isn't locked

          If his price was locked, he'd be at 0.0%, with "Unlocks [date]" when you click his name. Search for Gabriel and you'll see this

        2. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          It's not that accurate

          1. Ze_Austin
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            This too. Price prediction sites won't always tell you exactly when a player's price will rise or drop. Just the probability of it happening tonight, based on the net percentage change in ownership

  2. gringo1000
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Stones for James? Good move?

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't trust pep as always

      1. gringo1000
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, good call

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

      I just did Lamptey > Stones for a -4 but only because my bench would’ve been Lamptey, Mitchell, Stephens otherwise!

    3. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Matip better option

  3. gringo1000
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I love how after a nice piece on Christmas by the FFS editors, we're straight in with the burning issues that are in our minds on this Christmas Day 🙂

  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which one alongside Salah & Robbo on GW16 WC.

    A. Mane
    B. Firmino
    C. TAA

    GW15 team has B as a punt against West Brom!

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

      C

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

      C

  5. karsworde
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I'd stick with Bobby!

  6. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Almost forgot it was Christmas

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

      FPL deadlines more important than remembering christmas

  7. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start kwp or cresswell? Seems like saints quite a few injuries

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

      Cresswell for sure.

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

    Where's everyone getting their takeaway today?

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

      Why you getting a takeaway?

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

      Heard KFC is open.

      1. Pompey5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That’s the tradition in Japan

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

          For them probably is a quick takeaway and back to work.

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

            Off down the pub for Xmas party. No covid here.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Eating...at work!

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

    Merry Christmas to one and all.

    Apart from Salah Cappers

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Damn ,, ok

  10. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Aye very true David but enjoy we will , Merry Christams to all at FFS too

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Christmas

  11. KneejerkJoe
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Xmas to all of you. Sorry for The long post..

    - Toughts on my plan going forward?
    - Are no Spurs just brave, stupid or insane?
    - Can I get by with no hits, even tho my bench is really bad (expect zero points from Kilman and Lewis over the next 5 gws)
    - Should I go for -8 this Week, to Get in a city defender, And if So, should I downgrade Jesus to Adams or Grealish to Raphina?

    Already used my 2ft this week, Got 0,2mitb And this team:

    Martinez
    TAA Coufal Justin
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Bamford Jesus
    ...Johnstone Welbeck Kilman Justin

    Gw16: KDB -> Mane
    Gw17: Jesus -> Martial
    Gw18: FH
    Gw19: Save, tc Salah, 10 double gw players.
    Gw20: Mane -> KDB + Somehow Get a city defender.

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

      1. Strategy could work yes, like the TC instead of BB in GW19
      2. Brave/insane looking at their GW16-19 fixtures
      3. I would have at least one sub you feel confident will play each week
      4. I did a -4 to get Dias and Stones in this week so probably yes as fixtures look good. Jesus > Adams out of those.

  12. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas All! Wishing you all great day where possible, several green arrows over this period and all the best for 2021.

  13. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Planning on doing a bit of hokey pokey over the next 5 weeks to get the most of out of the upcoming fixtures.

    Thoughts on this strategy?

    GW16 KDB > Son
    GW17 Cresswell > Coufal
    GW18 Fernandes > KDB
    GW19 FH
    GW20 Son > Fernandes

    Will lose 0.3 with KDB, Fernandes out but will have generated 0.5 (through GW17 move) to get them back in.

    GW18 team will be:
    Martinez, Dias, Stones, Son, KDB, DCL, Kane

    1. KneejerkJoe
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks for ur reply.
      Plan looks ok, but how will your gw19 team look like with no FH?

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

        Only 6 DGW players if I take no hits.

        Martinez
        KWP* Coufal* Dias
        Salah* Fernandes* Soucek* KDB
        Kane, DCL, Bamford*

        1. KneejerkJoe
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Then I would do:
          Bruno to Son in 16.

          In 17 get a gw18 defender or upgrade ur nok playing keeper to a dgw player.

          Save in 18.

          In 19 get in 2 DGW players (KDB -》Bruno?) and TC Salah.

  14. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Has hit season returned? Seeing a fair few going around.

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

      Seen a few with only one playing defender so might be a few hits

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

      Feels good to not be taking hits when everyone else is

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Indeed, though the triple defense injury forces me into one next GW 🙁

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

          Oh 🙁 well still -4 ain't that bad.

    3. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Two consecutive GWs without a hit for me. Before that I took many.

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

        Same here. But I feel I'm lucky in not having any of the mounting injuries - it won't last.

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

      Had a few minus 4 in the beginningofthe season and minus 12 3 weeks ago, rank jump from 700k -> 170k

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Took a -12 a few weeks ago and actually made a points profit overall, what a season this is lmao

  15. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    First drunk transfers in fpl made yesterday. Merry Christmas

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

      How drunk ?
      Did you buy one of Andy Carroll, Ivanovic or Danny Welbeck ?

  16. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Happy Christmas you fpl addicts!

  17. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys Happy Xmas I have Watkins and James, both to drop today?

    If so I will be priced out of kdb James watkins to robbo son adams..initial plan was to save ft this gw and do that in next week.

    But now Adams rose and Watkins and Justin to fall is it wise to do Watkins to Adams this gw and James kdb to robbo son Next week for -4???

  18. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you?

    a) Bruno -> Salah (-4pts)
    b) Bruno -> Mane
    c) do nothing (no Pool assets)

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

      A

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

      A

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        But losing Bruno is also stupid

    3. Pompey5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Any other options? Bruno is so reliable

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

      A salah is the most essential player in the game

      1. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        But not necessarily the most reliable!

    5. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don’t lose Bruno. Sell someone else for Salah.

  19. Pompey5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas all.
    Don’t have any pool but not sure who to change as really like the front 7

    Sanchez
    Chilwell Dallas Targett
    Son KDB Bruno Grealish
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Was debating KDB to Salah but he has to due soon.
    Chilwell to Stones or maybe Matip I think this week. Any other ideas?

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

      Yeh, you don't want to lose any of your starters other than Chilwell. You can't have 'em all - I've convinced myself KDB will be the week's highest scorer and I don't have him. Fingers crossed.
      As you Chilwell replacement - I've got Stones and he'll play this week but will be rotated. For longer term you could punt on him, go for Dias, stick with Chelsea in the guise of Zouma or Silva or choose a nailed-on option like Dier. Matip's too fragile for me.

      1. Pompey5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. Previously had Salah and switched to KDB when he was out with coronavirus.
        Dier is a good shout for Chilwell.

  20. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez owners, what you doing?

    The feeling of when you at last take him off and he goes ahead and gets that 20 points haul. Also have been ever chasing this season, so having him when he hauls would be huge.

    1. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He's gone for me. Already done Mahrez > Raphina which allows me to do Lamptey > Robertson.

      City attack not firing and Mahrez nowhere near guaranteed a start/many minutes.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes. That's the logic thing to do, but we all know how fpl works.

      2. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Also, how much do you rate Raphinha? Haven't seen much of him..

        1. Le Bluff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Seems to be passing both the eye and stats tests. Looks heavily involved in Leeds attacks and seems to be fairly nailed on.

          Just think with Leeds' fixtures, their upcoming DGW, and for 5.4, he's definitely worth a punt.

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

    Wonder how quickly Amad Diallo will adjust to the Premier League. Any other United fan a little excited at finally having a right winger even if he's a youngling 😛

  22. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start Dallas or Coufal?

    1. Pitch Perfect
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Who are the other two?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        TAA,Dias(Ferguson)

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

      I'd start Coufal.

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

      Coufal.

  23. Donhush
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hey everyone; which of these;

    1. Keep Watkins for 1 more week
    2. Sell Watkins for Wood (FT)
    3. Sell Watkins for Adams (FT)

    Wishing you all a merry christmas

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      3

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

    Happy Christmas all and a safe 2021. Appreciations to all running the site and the kind contributers.

  25. tc93
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FT, 0.0 ITB- who to replace Chilwell with?: (btw planning on FH 18 and bench boost 19)

    1) Chillwell + Grealish --> Robbo + Rafinha (bought grealish at 7- now 7.8)
    2) Chillwell --> Dier
    3) Chillwell --> Coufal

    Team:
    Martinez
    Chillwell / KWP / Dias
    Salah (c) / Fernandes / Son / Grealish / KDB
    Adams / Bamford

    Bench: Button, Ayling, Michell, Davis.

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

      I'd did Chilwell to Taylor. Cheap, great fixtures and a DGW (albeit with one tough fixture).

      1. tc93
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yea I’m not too sure- really? Taylor over Coufal? Coufals got really good dgw fixtures

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

      I'd get Coufal from the above if Taylor isn't an option for you.

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

        Taylor is perfect as a rotating defender, not to nail on every week like you would with Chilwell.

        1. tc93
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Who would you suggest then? Coufal/Dier or Zouma?

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

            If you have Chilwell cos you rate the Chelsea defence, then Zouma or Silva would be fine. Dier is nailed and should get some cleanies now. Dias is more nailed than Stones - I have them both (with Zouma). But for when Stones is rotated, I have Coufal and KWP (Taylor would work too) to step up.

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

      Both Chelsea fullbacks are out. Not sure I've seen Azpilicueta so cheap.

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

        He'll only be good for 2 games though

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

          Perhaps, what if time is extended on chilwell or james ?

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

            After 2 games, they face Man City then have a blank.

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

              Perfect timing then, to get james of chilwell back for an attractive double !
              Didn't he say he was FH 18 & BB 19 ?
              I'd like a chelsea fullback for GW 19.

  26. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start Zouma or Lowton?

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

      Do you fancy Arsenal to actually score a goal?

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

    Just realising how suicidal it is going without Salah.

    Anyone else not got him? He could get a Hatty tomorrow.

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

      I have and am captaining him. But KDB could just as easily haul and I don't have him.

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

        I don’t have either

  28. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Has Jamal Lewis been axed? Was hoping he'd feature for me in the BGW.

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

      If he's dropped this GW when City put 10 past Darlow, he'll be back in the team by GW18.

  29. Vlekz
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If I fh in 18. Do I lose my FT for that week? That kinda sucks

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes and any rolled FTs are lost as well.

    • andres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James replacement...

      A taylor
      B dallas
      C other - up to 5.6

      McCarthy
      Coufal Dier Targett (James, Mitchel)
      Son KDB Bruno Salah (Soucek)
      DCL Bamford Adams
      1FT, 0.4

      1. andres
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        There is also:

        D james, kdb => raphina, robbo (-4)

        Frees up cash for dcl and mitchel upgrade later...