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. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Carlo confirms rotation vs City, will probably give DCL the rest he promised there

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

      As long as he start vs sheff, afterwards he can rest all he want

  2. Blues for Salah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Went into this game week with James, Chilwell, and Walker as my defenders with Coufal and a 3.8 filler on the bench. I hate this stupid game.

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

      Ouchy

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

      FH comes early?

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

      Take some hits and relax

  3. The SK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot?

    Martinez Forster
    Chilwell Lamptey Alioski Mitchell Ferguson
    Salah KDB Bruno Mahrez Grealish
    Wilson Bamford Brewster

    2FT 0.8ITB

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

    Merry Xmas all.

    Is it worth a 4 point hit to get KdB, that would also involve selling Kane?

    Transfers would be:

    Lamptey, Mahrez, Kane --> Matip, KdB, Bamford

    Alternatively I can do Lamptey to Stones/Matip and keep Mahrez or swap for Foden/Torres and keep Kane.

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

      Won't do Kane > KDB

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

    Walker + Coufal ---> TAA + Stones (-8)?
    Have some bench options, but would be down to 10 if they don't start and they're not nailed either.

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

      I could also do just Walker ---> TAA (-4)

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

    If coufal is back in the new year I have 1 playing defender

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

      He will play Sunday

  7. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Are we anticipating a dcl rest against shu ? I can’t really do anything either way just wondering

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

      60mins for him after 3p in the bag

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

      Scroll up

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

      No. But just my thinking cos he's from Sheffield, ex Sheffield United player. I know that makes no sense!

  8. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Merry Christmas All

  9. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pheww decided to take the prices falls/rises and delay my Chillwell > Coufal switch

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

    Thoughts on Foden for a one week punt?

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

    So coufal isn't injured and has just had a baby? He could still play then?

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

      Very politically correct these days the P.L

      Wonder how many other women there are in the league now.

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

    Is Coufal out tomorrow or just speculations? 1st sub anyway but worry since many others could get rested.

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

      Speculation

      But he posted his missus had a baby so people think he might be given time off to spend with his new born especially over Christmas

  13. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    This news doesn't mean Coufal must be out this week. At most only 30-50% to be out.

  14. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Trent or Robertson?

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

      Robertson

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

      More ppl may suggest Robertson. But if you don't have both now, I may suggest you to go catch Trent. $0.1 cheaper, FK takers, good differential.

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

      Robbo

      Post from FFFix on Robbo Vs TAA

      https://twitter.com/FantasyFootyFix/status/1341304447725690880?s=19

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

    Most likely to keep a clean sheet?

    West Ham v Brighton
    Or
    Leeds v Burnley

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

      West ham

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

      West Ham.

  16. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have coufal, lamptey and james.

    Would you do lamptey to balbuena - 4?

    It's a transfer I'd probably end up making for a hit eventually for my dgw19 bench boost...otherwise run the risk of only 2 starting defenders

    Thanks

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

      Yes

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

        Thanks

  17. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Coufal clean sheet, goal, assist and max BAPS incoming!

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

      hopefully!

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

      Nice.

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

      Thanks

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

      Lol

  18. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What the hell Coufal? My team is more important than your baby!

  19. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Happy Christmas to each and everyone one of you, even the United fans amongst us!

    Have a lovely day and best wishes for Boxing Day footy and the festive period!

  20. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, this is my first season playing and I really need some help navigating GW18 and 19. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Martinez Button

    Dias Chillwell Coufal Ayling Taylor

    KDB Bruno Son Grealish Bissouma

    Kane DCL Watkins

    1m in the bank and 2 FTs. All chips available except the first wildcard.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Pick a strategy for your team
      Its either
      FH 18 and building for 19
      OR
      Building for 18 and FH 19

      The Former more popular... While i am doing the latter.

      Pick whats best for your team.

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

        I think the latter is probably better for my team. What do you think?

        1. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I cannot tell that mate. It depends on what transfers you make from now until GW18/19 after identifying your strategy.

        2. Weeb Kakashi
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Also you have to see what team you come out with through the blanks and doubles in GW 20.

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

      gw19 triple
      gw25 wc
      gw26 bench boost
      gw29 free hit

  21. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lamptey Richarlison> Cancelo Benteke for free?

    Have to get a forward less than 5.9m.... so as to afford Mahrez> Son next week.

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

      Dunno about benteke....

      Maybe welbeck or rodrigo?

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Welbeck gets benched and i do not trust either Potter or Welbeck. Rodrigo also has sporadic starts. Other option is Fabio Silva.

        Tekkers has good fixtures and has been playing good recently. Has got a chance every 19 minutes....which is one of the best.

  22. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell to dallas -4

    Play taylor

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

    West Ham play Brighton at home.

    Coufal not needed against that level of opposition.

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

      Sure herself will be asleep. His Mam can mind the child. They're at home. He can head off at 12, goal, cleansheet, subbed off in 60 mins and be back by 6. Job done.

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

    Ancelotti: "I think, not for the first game [v Sheffield United in GW15] but for the second game [v Manchester City in GW16], we are going to rotate the players."

    Quote on Everton rotation ^

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB hopefully will return good then.

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

      Lol he's giving up on the City game without even trying. Any other manager would rest for Sheffield and play full strength agaisnt the tougher opposition. I guess it's smarter but cowardly.

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

    Fully expecting another Arsenal loss. So if Burnley and Brighton win, Arsenal go 17th with Burnley having a game in hand. Wow

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

    Maxim Tsigalko died age 37.

    Those who played CM 01/02 will remember the name.

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

    Cant wait for Fudgey to rant when Coufal starts

    Amazing start to Boxing day already!

  28. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who comes into City starting line up for walker ?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelinho

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

      Cancelo rb Mendy lb

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

      Cancelo

    4. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all

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

    Is it sure that Coufal is not gonna play?

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

      No

  30. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is it likely that we see more positive cases at Man City? Or have they returned a negative test yet?

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

      Walker had a cold and Jesus is just anticipating his boxing day hangover

      Should be fine mate!

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would expect that the club would have tested everyone before releasing the statement.

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

      Everyone else returned negative tests

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

        Lets see what happens within next 48 hours.