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. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Coufal's wife born a baby.

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

      Oh. Jesus 😉 Is he out then?

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Not necessarily out. I have a feeling he is gonna play just because the game is on Sunday and the baby was born yesterday

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

      Oh boy, which means I definitely have to do one of the above transfers..

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I think he will play tbh

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

      Prob will cost 4.0 m at the start

  2. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    WC template for DGW19 team?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You wish to join the knights?

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

    James out for next 2 GWs at least, right? Wonder if I can keep him in the team if I I don't need him until DGW.

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

      Probably wise if you have cover.

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

    Lost on last page, anyone else here not got Salah?

    I’m now scared.

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am, don't want to lose either Kane or Vardy to get him

  5. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Sanchez now Brighton's No.1 goalkeeper?

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

      Not certain, but Potter did seem to suggest that.

  6. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    The chip strategy for DGW19 for those *without* their first wildcard all depends on which chip you want to use in DGW19

    If it is Bench Boost, then you probably need to Free Hit in BGW18. You plan your transfers before BGW18 to maximise DGW19 players.
    If it is Triple Captain, then you are probably saving all other chips. You plan your transfers to ensure your team is set up for the medium to longer term.

    1. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You can still attack the dgw in 19 with TC, just not the bench? I am looking at FH18 TC 19.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I think the people in the best position are those with their first WC as the BGW and DGW correlate perfectly. So you WC16 with 13/14 DGW players, use FT in GW17, FH in GW18, use FT and BB in GW19, FT in GW20.

        If you don't have a WC then I think you need to consider how many DGW19 players you will have. If you think you will have 10/11 players for DGW19 them FH in BGW18, TC in GW19 could work.

        1. TRE2
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Agreed. Also, several teams with dgw19 have good/decent fixtures leading up to 19, i.e. Liverpool, Burnley and Southampton

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

    Merry Christmas all, hope everyone is keeping well 🙂

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

      Apart from FPL, all good 😛

      Merry Christmas you too 🙂

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

    Merry Christmas y'all!!

  9. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas all!!!

  10. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you lose Vardy for a hit to get KDB? Captain would still be Salah

    1. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on how you’ll handle gw 18 and 19.

      If FH in 18: not worth it
      If no FH in 18: yes, do it

      You’ll want the armband on kev for gw18

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How do we know that Chilwell is out for 2 weeks when Frankie says that he is just doubtful?

    1. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      We dont, but the risk he wont feature in the next 3 (or gets a cameo) is too high imo. Especially for his price

  12. TRE2
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry christmas everyone!

    Very torn on whether to do Chilwell and DCL to Robbo and Adams/Wood for free.

    FH18 and TC 19.

    DCL ownership and form is a worry, but thinking pool defenders could haul big. DCL hasnt had double figures in a while (gw9) and Wood could be decent for the next 3 gwks. Adams stats poorer, but Fulham next.

    Any thoughts?

    1. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      For me DCL is a season keeper, but you have some valid arguments to make that move. Adams over Wood for me

  13. Kip
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    For the DGW, would you rather have:

    A) Fabianski, T. Silva, Rashford, Antonio
    B) Johnstone, Coufal, Rashford, Cavani
    C) Johnstone, Coufal, Madisson, Vardy

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

    150k+ managers sold KDB ahead of Newcastle home 😆

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Very likely to play too as he was rested midweek.

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

      Good christmas news.

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

      Might have gone for Salah\Mane or downgrade and beef up defense with LFC players.
      If you not going to captain KDB then selling isn't as risky as it seems.

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

        I get that.
        But .... Newcastle mate 🙂

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

          All depends who Pep will pick to play if its Kun and Mahrez then maybe KDB will haul is he goes for wasteful donkeys like Bernard Silva or Sterling then he will end up with another sub 10 score.

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      How many did buy Salah?

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

        Idk
        They'll be punished !

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

          78.7% of those KDB> Salah

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

      KDB ownership 24%
      Son ownership 70%

      I know which one I'd rather have.....

  15. DonBenzema
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Can’t seem to remember a bigger benching headache this session than this GW. Constantly shuffling between the options...

    Which two options would you bench?

    A) Dias (NEW)
    B) Zouma (ars)
    C) Dallas (BUR)
    D) Coufal (BHA)
    E) Taylor (lee)

    Keep in mind I already have CHE coverage as I have Mendy in goal.
    Your input would be greatly appreciated!

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

      E for sure.
      Then C.

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

        Cheers - merry Christmas

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

      BE

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

        Cheers - merry Christmas

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

      DE

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

        Cheers - merry Christmas

    4. TRE2
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      E and C/D. Dallas likely to concede, keep getting attacking returns, but will it continue?

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

        Hard to tell, but you’d imagine if Leeds ever were to keep a clean sheet it would be against Burnley at home

        1. Bielsa Murderball
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          if you don't play an OOP Dallas at home against burnley, when will you play him?
          I don't see Leeds conceding to Burnley as I feel burnley will have very little of the ball(

          1. Bielsa Murderball
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            So, D and E for me*

          2. TRE2
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Agreed. Im starting Dallas every week for now, and it has worked out alright so far. But dont have Coufal (yet).

      2. DonBenzema
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Looks like I’m going to flip a coin between Coufal and Dallas

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      EC

    6. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      D and E

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

      own all bar zouma
      i'm benching CE

  16. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hey folks, Merry Christmas!!

    On to more important matters lol, can’t decide on best chip strategy

    A: Navigate gw18 with 8 players and gw19 with 8dgw/3sgw players (2hits). Can then WC25, Bb26,FH29

    B: FH18, BB19 with 12dgw/3sgw players (2hits). Then WC26 and navigate through gw29

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

      Posting team would be helpful 😉

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

      If you have 7/8 or players in GW18, roll without a full squad, and free hit in DGW19. If you have less then FH GW18, BB or FH in 19 (depending how many DGW players you can get).

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

      I’m leaning towards A myself. May TC in GW19 if feeling brave.

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    5. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      How about helping someone else for a change? It is xmas you know!

  17. Mauricios Cappuccino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Choose one for this week only (WC next week.)

    James to Matip (bench Mahrez)
    Mahrez to anyone below 8.3 (rafinha, pulisic..?)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Matip

  18. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all have a great day

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

      Going to be one 🙂

  19. Rassi
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who do you think is the best max 6.1m def for just gw15? Will WC after this gw.

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

    DCL finally made the full 1.0M climb.

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

      He was there before but dropped back to 7.9m.

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

        Ah, didn't know.

  21. Bielsa Murderball
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who do you prefer from Raphinha/Adams/Rodrigo and why?

    1. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Adams. Focal point without Ings.

      1. Bielsa Murderball
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        cheers 🙂

  22. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which is the better strategy?
    A) WC in 16 FH in 18 BB in 19
    B) WC in 16 6 players in 18 TC in 19

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

      A

  23. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Wilson or Soucek?

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

      Soucek

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson

  24. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which 1 should I bring in just for this week?
    A) Mina vs SHU
    B) Matip vs WB
    D) Dias vs NEW

    1. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      City and Liverpool both have the best chance of a clean sheet out of the 3. Matip probably more attacking potential and will play so B for me.

  25. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why are people considering Salah TC in DGW19?

    He has Man Utd and Burnley at home, doesn’t seem it would be high scoring!

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

      not me

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

      I agree, which is why I’m using BB. There’s probably going to be a better DGW for Salah, Bruno, Kane or fern KDB at some point.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Per: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/12/24/gameweek-15-scout-picks-based-on-liverpool-and-man-citys-appealing-fixtures/?hc_page=4&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_23038846

      "I like the idea that this allows me the opportunity to triple captain Salah in GW 19 for MUN and BUR at home. As someone who religiously follows numbers, one thing I’ve noticed about Salah over the years is that he is an absolute beast at home so this is an opportunity I think which shouldn’t be let go. An important thing to note is that Liverpool have a week’s rest before GW 19 too, which puts to bed any talk of rotation hence Salah should be raring to go for 180 minutes in this spell. I am aware that his record against Man United and Burnley isn’t great, but how many times will you get an opportunity to triple captain a fully rested Salah for two home games?"

    4. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, even KDB or Kane single GW 19 is more appealing. Or even Bruno differential captain might work!

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

      I got trauma from my last 2 TC's (Sane and Mane) this year leaving it till the end of the season so I don't suffer for too long.

      So much luck needed when playing this chip.

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

        We're in the same boat. Are you going Salah TC ?
        I'm playing BB 19

        1. No Salah
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hi Amey,
          BB19. With captain probably on Bruno - let’s see.
          Will field only 7 players in GW18.
          Forget TC, I Might even lose Salah by 18 🙂

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

          Not playing my TC until last few game weeks of the season.

      2. No Salah
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Oh man! When did You use TC on Sane?

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

          When he was playing well and scoring and then Pep decided to bench him.
          I know there is always risk with City players but at the time young Leroy was their most in form guy, oh well...

          And then Mane decided to crook himself in early minutes of the 1st double gameweek game...

          Without luck you got no chances in this game.

    6. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I can understand people chasing, but I don't think any of the fixtures appeal to me enough to use a chip. Would be a no brainer if Salah or Bruno had West Ham or Leeds type fixtures but no, not for me.

  26. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play 1:

    a) Vestergaard
    b) Soucek
    c) Taylor

    1. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Bielsa Murderball
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A with B first sub

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers all, i have James starting so good chance my 1st sub plays and maybe 2nd as Vestergaard is flagged.

  27. Kip
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to play?

    A) Soucek (BHA)
    B) Lookman (SOU)

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

      B

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  28. dillydally1982
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone think Torres might start for City today? Between him and Benrahma for a place in my Draft team.

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

      Could start today depending on what timezone you're in

    2. Kip
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Even Pep wont start him today

  29. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Coufal on paternity leave?

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

      Nah, he'll try anything tog et out of the house...
      "Darling we got very bad injury crisis and boss would like me to play in this one, have no choice. Also we got pre match meeting to go over tactics once again so gotta go now."

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Wow mate nice cause I was worrying. Where did you find his words?

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

          In a christmas cracker?

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

          Life experience my friend...

  30. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Chilwell and James? 0itb

    1. as33
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lindelof? Dias?