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. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Happy Christmas everyone may the festive season bring lots of points!

    1. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      and to you too pal!

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers ted

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

      All I want for Xmas is captains hauls.

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes lots of them bring it on!

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

      Cheers Rushie! Merry Christmas to you too.

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers twisted may all your arrows be green!

  2. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    cancelo the best one week punt for this gw?

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

      Firmino or Kun are better 1 week punts.

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yerry Mina

  3. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas everyone.

    Play Justin or bring Dias for a hit? No other playable defenders though

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

      Just play Justin

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

    So Jesus gets an unreported dental problem, scores midweek, and now gets COVID. Nice dose of luck for me for Christmas

    1. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jesus is poor, good excuse to get rid surely?

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

        Yes, but an extra hit. I've got Chilwell and James as well 🙄

        1. Big Ping
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ah bad luck man :/

  5. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Jesus to who as 1GW punt before WC?

    It s for -4. Or just to play mighty Bissouma?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Punt

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Who ? I have Vardy and Adams

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Up to 9.8

    2. Mika-eel
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bobby?

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He is due to blank in easy games as usual haha

        1. Mika-eel
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Good luck with whoever you bring in, and that will probably be the case.

  6. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell to Cancelo a no brainer now? Can't get Robertson, unfortunately. Or just go Stones for 0.6 less?

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

      Save for doubles?

      1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm saving Chilwell for DGW. He will miss max 2 games and we will want him back anyways..

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

          People with fodder benches can't afford to that.

        2. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Plus the game he'll likely be back for is against City, then he blanks in GW18.

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

        That was initial plan, but I have no playing bench, so I am not sure what to do.

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

      Im thinking to ger Mendy

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

        t

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yeah

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

    Play 1:

    A) Taylor (lee)
    B) Wilson (mci)

    Leeds seems very good in attack and man city look solid in defence last matches.... Help

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      wilson might be rested

  8. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Is second wildcard available straight after gw16?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think so.

    2. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

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

    Any1 going for Kun, he loves Newcastle

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

      His chances of playing 90 are very less

  10. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any pressers today?

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

      Only Queen's

  11. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What's the deal with Coufal now?

    1. Mika-eel
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think someone mentioned that his wife recently gave birth.

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He is helping his missus out

    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Paternity leave

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

      Wait, so he's not gonna play?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        would make a poor human being for moyes to get him away from his new born and missus. and plus it's christmas. i'd say unlikely

    5. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      rested probably

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

      Now that’s a new one

      I am having the worst luck on budget transfers

      (1) Barkley hurt 5 minutes into Brighton game
      (2) Dendonker hurt after 1st presser
      (3) vestergaard hurt after 1st presser
      (4) maupay goes nuts - mental case after I get him

      Various other stuff with performance

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        More info about Maupay going nuts?

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

    So those getting cancelo in now, are you bb in gw19?

    1. Mika-eel
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Nah, City still has a decent fixture in 19.

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      great fixture for city in 19

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No, FH

  13. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martial or Firmino as 1GW punt before WC?

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

      Bobby

  14. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What time did you crack open your first beer? 11:45am here. Slacking

    1. Party time
        3 years, 3 months ago

        6 am

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

          😆

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

      Which of these to do next gw?

      a) DCL & Wilson to Kane/4.5 (-4)
      b) Wilson to Wood (free)

      Already have Son if that matters.

      NB: (a) would allow for TC, whereas (b) would mean BB.

    3. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Which move will get me more points. It s for a hit

      A : Chilwell to Cancelo and bench Jesus
      B : Jesus to Firmino and bench Chilwell

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

        B. You could carry Firmino through to DGW19.

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers. Doubt i will own him on my WC

    4. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      How likely Stones plays?

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

        Hopefully 100% because I'm bringing him in for the yellow flag magnet.

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

      Bednarek or KWP?

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

        Probably KWP. Can't believe I sold him for Lamptey last week.

      2. Bennyboy1907
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        KWP

      3. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ah, went with Bednarek in the end, just due to 6 points more and a couple of bonuses more. Not a lot of difference to choose from, but for 4.7 its okay

    6. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I've heard a lot of talk about how good Firmino is at Christmas but surely this is Andy Carroll's time of year.

    7. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What to do with this

      Mcarthy (steer)
      Coufal.zouma.justin (taylor mitchell)
      Kdb salah bruno soucek (podence)
      Watkins.bamford kane

      0.2m in bank... 1 ft... fh 18 bb 19

      1. kime67
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        coufal to dallas maybe?

        1. Hazardous1983
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Took chillwell out for coufal

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

        Save surely

    8. ymx
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy + kdb/Fernandes/soucek/podence
      Or
      Bamford +
      Kdb/Salah/Fernandes/soucek
      OR
      vardy +
      Salah/Fernandes/soucek/podence

    9. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Chances of Dias starting this week? Because I have Coufal who is likely to not play and only Justin as cover.

    10. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Coufal not starting?

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Unlikely IMO

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

        Of course he starts. 2 more days to the game

      3. Brehmeren
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He will play.

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

        He’ll play

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

          Merry Xmas Dunas lad! Any transfers this week boy?

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

            And happy Christmas to you you too. Yes had 2 frees and defence in tatters so Robertson and Coufal in and may make third with Lewis to Dallas for -4

    11. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Was thinking of capping KDB but with the jesus and Walker covid news I think I better play it safe. Here were go Salah

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

        Sterling my cap:)

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Good luck!

      2. L'Aeroplanino
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Salah is the best choice even without covid news. quick turnover means high chance of early sub off

    12. only2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Did some calculations between going with FH chip in gw19 or just manage with transfers. I got an extra 30-35 points when using the FH-chip. Question Is, does 30 points warrant the chip use or should I rather keep it then?

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        How on earth have you assessed this quantitatively?

        1. only2
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Haha good question

    13. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      BIG DILEMMA!
      Pretty set on FH18, now it’s TC or BB19. Pick A or B please.

      A) BB with 1 hit GW19
      Martinez (Johnstone*)
      Robbo*,Dallas*,Coufal*, (KWP*, Zouma*)
      Son, Salah*, Grealish, Bruno* (Soucek*)
      Adams*, DCL, Bamford*

      11DGW + Son, Grealish, DCL, Martinez

      B) TC Salah no hits GW19
      Martinez (Forster)
      Robbo*, Coufal*, Dallas* TAA* (Mitchell)
      Son, Bruno*, Salah*, Soucek* (Grealish)
      Bamford*, Adams*, (DCL)

      9DGW + Son and Martinez

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

        Can you please remove the players which are common in both the drafts?
        Too difficult this way

    14. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Oh my Aguero could turn this season on its head

    15. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thoughts?
      Right so I think I’ve decided to go with FH18 & BB19

      FH GW18
      Ederson
      Gabriel / Dier / Dias
      Auba / KDB / Son / Podence
      DCL / Kane / Wilson

      BB GW19. 11 double gameweek players
      McCarthy*
      Coufal* / Dier / Taylor*
      Salah* / KDB / Bruno* / Son / Soucek*
      Bamford* / DCL

      Bench: Johnstone* , Che Adams*, Alioski*, Balbuena*

    16. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Reece James to Cresswell for a hit?

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

        Coufal has better stats. Id save the 0.5m.

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

          Compare them on Understat.
          Cresswell matches/ betters Coufal on all stats per 90

      2. Brehmeren
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He will play.

        1. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Reply fail

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

      Who will play RB for City if not Cancelo?

      He started so many games needs a rest but I just can't think of anyone who will be able to replace him now that Walker has Covid.

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

        Zinc

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

          Zinchenko right back?!

      2. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Zin is better than cancelo offensive