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

    Brain freeze. We do Xmas on the 24th so did my Coufal transfer in last night. Sat waiting this am for deadline to pass so I could activate WC. Took until one o'clock to realize what was going on 🙂

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

      And of course, to make matters worse, he’s probably out this weekend.

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

        He is not.

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

    Better option long term?

    A) Cancelo & Balbuena (Have Dias)

    B) Dier & Coufal

    The West Ham defender will be on bench duty except for DGW19.

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve gone b for Lamptey and James

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

    4. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A

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

      Cheers all! 😀

  3. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any news on if Coufal will be given leave?

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

      I think we don't get any

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

      he will play am sure 2 days yet

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

      We won't find out till the lineups are given imo. No need to stress urself about it since a hit to get someone else wouldn't be prudent.

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

      Leave for?

    5. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just make sure you have a playing bench player and your bench order is right

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

      I am starting him and have Bednarek (ful) and Taylor (lee) ready on bench to cover if needed

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

    Thoughts about wc17, fh18 and bb19 strategy?

    Wildcard gw 17 to build bb19 team

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You should save the WC for later DGW. Use FTs and a couple of hits to 19. TC probably the better chip for you to use if you can't fully take advantage of the BB

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

        Wise words. Atm it looks like tc19 suits better for my team

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

      I mean you'd get the best of 18 and 19 but will be short on 26 and 29 maybe since we don't know who gets doubles and who gets blanks in those yet.

  5. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Done Justin to James GW14, James has a knee problem after deadline and miss out on Justin 8 points. I've already done James to Coufal and he will probably miss the game since his wife gave birth. Very annoying.

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Damn, son.

      That’s annoying

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Son injured?

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

          Source?

        2. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Not yet 😀

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

    Will Konsa play this week?

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

    Guys was all set on fh 18 and loading up on dgw players, and then James injury news came and lamptey..And suddenly walker news putting me to get canceloor stones in for James and fh 19 rather than 18..

    Suggestions needed guys

    Martinez
    Lamptey * james* dallas kwp bal
    Salah kdb bruno grealish bussiu
    Kane Watkins bamford

    A) James to stones free
    B) James and lamptey to cancelo and a 4.5m blank gw defender
    C) Watkins to Adams free and then kdb and James to son and robbo -4 Next gw and stick my fst plan of fh18 and loaded up on dgw players..

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

      Any news that James may play DGW ? and Sell Lamptey instead of him

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

        No news yet..and we may not get any sooner..also he is dropping..

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

      I'm very much in the build using FTs for 18 and FH 19 now - makes more sense for me as I can't fully utilise BB and I'd rather TC in a smaller DGW

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

    Coufal or Cresswell? ( Money not an issue)
    Read a lot that Coufal has better stats, but what are the better stats? Is Cresswell on set pieces?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer Coufal and use the cash elsewhere

      Coufal vs Creswell stats
      https://twitter.com/FPL_Banger/status/1341776482843021312?s=19

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A. Cresswell to expensive

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

      Watch out - Coufal’s wife gave birth.
      https://www.trendsmap.com/twitter/tweet/1342379016926482433

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

    Start Mendy or McCarthy in goal?

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

      Mendy

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

      Mendy..

    3. Goodricke
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      With Scott Parker self isolating, i have a feeling Fulham will be ineffective against Saints.

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

    Damn, lucky news for Cancelo owners considering how likely he was to be benched vs Newcastle

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

      What's the goss? Relying on Cancelo to start!

      1. olly:)
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Walker has COVID

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

          Ah, unfortunate. Half-expected him to play vs Newcastle too.

          Cancelo, the gift that keeps giving 🙂

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

      I'm so tempted to get him in. He's due an attacking return too!

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

        Certainly better than Coufal or Dier, that's for sure.

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

          I agree with that completely.

          Who can play RB if not Cancelo?

    3. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelo sums my season up!! Haha, he played 5 games in a row, I brought him in and he was benched, I took him out and he’s played every game since!!! Hahah

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

        Exactly what happened with Reece and me.

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ah rotten luck mate, it’s soooooooo annoying!!! The week I took him out it was either him or Ziyech, I took him out and he started and got a clean sheet and then Ziyech went off injured after about 20 mins!! Typical!!!

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Lol same here but have Dias now 🙂

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

      Cancelo to Dier last week has probably gone wrong

  11. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2ft, 1.8 itb

    Martinez
    Robbo Coufal Chilwell (Lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah Bruno KDB Bowen (Burke)
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    A) Chilwell to TAA & Lamptey to Dallas
    B ) Chilwell to TAA & Watkins to Adams
    C) just get TAA
    D) other

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

      C

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

      A

  12. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If only Pep would say Aguero is as fit as ever I would get him for Ings. But I guess I should save the transfer and hope Ings will play. And I have a feeling that Burke will finally score a goal this gw

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

      🙂
      Martínez
      Coufal, Robertson, Taylor
      Son, Salah(C), Fernandes, Grealish(VC)
      Wilson, Bamford, Ings

      Button, Burke, Lamptey, Douglas
      1 free transfer, 2.6 million in the bank

  13. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    In a way this is good people will be missing . It shows the importance of playing bench.

    Not put fodder.

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

    have some awesome defensive fixtures this week, which 3 should I play? I'm currently on ACD, with Bednarek first on bench and Taylor second

    A) Dallas vs BUR
    B) Bednarek vs ful
    C) Coufal vs BHA
    D) Dias vs NEW
    E) Taylor vs lee

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      ACD Yes

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

      DCABE

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

      ACD

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes I would do that same

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

    How many dgw players do you plan to have for GW 19 if you are

    A) free hitting
    B) Not free hitting

    And which big hitters are you planning to have for dgw 19?

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm WC next and may set it up to have 11 for 18 and make 2-3 transfers for any more double GW players I want to get in.

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

        So 13-14 DGWers GW 19?

        1. noahzark22
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Potentially. Depends on form of Spurs assets

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

      6-7 DGW players

      Not FHing

      Salah, Bruno. Kane and Son depending on mood.

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

        FH GW 18?

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

          Nope, keeping FH

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

            Same for me. Keeping all the chips til later. Might TC In 19 though

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

      Out of the starting XI:
      A. 10-11
      B. 8-10

  16. Shankly611
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas to all celebrating!

    Wilson > Bamford worth it for a hit?

    Bamford has better fixtures and DGW 19, which is important for me because I'm playing BB19 but dont have my first WC.

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

      Do it for free next week instead?

  17. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ive never had a successful TC attempt, so why not mid season Salah against West Brom? My most successful was GW38 punt to make up ground and it allowed me to hold my lead.

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

      It could end very well, think it’s not very likely that Salah will blank borh of those fixtures

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Because DGW

      1. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Done that three times and twice my player played one game

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer DGW but Salah sound so well in the WBA game

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Should do well*

  18. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FT, 1.5 itb

    Walker and Chilwell -> ???

    Or Walker, Chilwell and Grealish -> Son and ??? (-4)

    Current team:

    Martinez
    Zouma/Dallas/Taylor
    Salah/KDB/Bruno/Grealish/Soucek
    DCL/Bamford

    Bench: Button, Brewster, Chilwell*, Walker*

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You need to tell us your 18/19 strategy

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

        Not sure yet, probably just FH19

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

          Or BB 19

  19. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Got 6.1m for a one week punt on a defender to replace Chilwell. Will WC after.

    Benjamin Mendy?

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

      Mendy is A good option

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Both Mendy and Cancelo are good options

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

      Mendy or Matip

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

      You'd think but Zinchenko played well vs Arsenal.

  20. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which plan is better? Wondering if A is better as it saves me a FH chip, any big players missing?

    A)
    -Gw16: WC
    -Gw18: 7/8 players
    mccarthy
    DIAS - DIER - CANCELO
    SON - KDB - NETO - bruno
    KANE - bamford - adams
    (johnstone - rapinha - justin - dallas)
    -Gw19: BB
    (Kdb & Kane -> Salah & Vardy)

    Or

    B)
    -Gw16: WC
    -Gw18: FH
    -Gw19: BB

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

      B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  21. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which option do you prefer? WC next gw. Assuming Cancelo has a fairly good chance of playing so it’s him, Taylor + 1 more defender and a striker

    A) Justin (MUN) + Adams (ful)
    B) Matip (WBA) + Wilson (mci)

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

      A

    2. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Only Cancelo can play at RB?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Most likely yes but there is a possibility of a CB playing there

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He’ll start, surely!

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

    Hopefully we'll be seeing some AGUEROOOO from KDB assists!

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

      Or just KDB!

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looking forward to him on the FH now!

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 3 months ago

        From the 20 minutes he gets off the bench maybe

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

      Aguero and Torre becoming essential differentials

      Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus have tested positive for the coronavirus

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        "essential differentials", really?

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

          Yes, it's essential you avoid them.

    5. Muscout
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Do players normally get time off if their wife has given birth? Considering WH play Sunday, is Coufal still likely to start?

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

        Yes to the first question, no imo to the second

    6. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What type of injury is keeping Hames out for so long?

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

      2FT, 1.5 itb (no plan for GW18 and 19)

      Walker and Chilwell -> ???

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

        Have Zouma, Dallas and Taylor

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

      If only pep can say mahrez is going start for sure!

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

      What’s everyone doing now Coufal is most likely out for this game week?

      1. Mattious8
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Why is he out?

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

          He's not injured or anything. His wife gave birth a few hours ago so most people think he'll be given paternity leave.

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

          Wife just had a baby. Sounds like he’s on Parental leave

          1. Mattious8
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Gothca. I had him Creswell and Dallas going. Chilwell and Zouma. Not sure what I'm gonna do now.

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

        Ah, just brought him in.

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

      I remember some TC flops like Mane, Sane, Carroll, Negredo. Any others?

      1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Duffy , lol

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Kane DGW few years back 3 points total, then there was the Sane 3 pointer & who can forget the LOLS Duffy 🙂