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. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you play

    A) Dallas (Bur)
    B) Coufal (Bri)

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

      B

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      Coufal

  2. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    WC'ing for GW16 but defenders falling like flies! Chilwell --> Matip / Dias / Cancelo (FT) before WC?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell ** - Targett -- Justin
    Salah (c) -- KDB -- Fernandes -- Son -- Soucek
    DCL -- Bamford

    4.0 -- Lamptey ** -- Brewster -- Mitchell [1FT + 0.0m ITB]

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Diaz been great for me, Matip would tempt me also

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It's just a one-week punt with WC next GW so it's been Dias and Matip for me. I put Cancelo in there in case Dias would get a rest?

        But with Walker out, you wouldn't think Pep would want Dias left out too?

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’d go mendy mate

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

    Evening....if coufal doesn't ay I'm down to 2 defenders... 0ft. 0itb

    A....stick

    B....lamptey to balbuena - 4 (a move ill probably male before dgw19 in any case - and potentially then for a hit....)

    Martinez
    Robbo dallas coufal (lamptey james)
    Salah kdb bruno grealish (soucek)
    Dcl watkins bamford

    Thanks

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn’t normally recommend hits for defenders but I’d take the hit

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B. Lamptey has been a troll and you were going to do it anyway

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B - hit for defneder is worth it this time with the uncertainty.

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

        Cheers guys

    4. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't do the hit.

      Think Coufal will play personally.

      And if he doesn't, You likely won't be alone struggling to field 11 this week with other absences and possible rotation.

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

    Before I wildcard for GW16, for this week only should I stick with Mahrez or take a 1 week punt on Foden or Torres?

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stick

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stick - no point you rouletting whilst Pep also roulettes, haha.

    3. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Stick. If you have a FT, maybe spend it on a bench option instead

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

    Anyone keeping Chilwell, got him for 5.6m? Not sure what to do

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I sold and would advise the same (esp if can get to pool defender)

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

      If you have a strong bench to cover him, you may as well keep him providing he’s only out for say two weeks

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

      I am planning to keep him for now for DGW19, but guess will see what Lamps say after the Arsenal game

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Already gone for me.
      Seems a lot of money to have sitting around with no idea of when he'll be back.
      I assume he'll drop a bit more too.

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

      I sold for Matip. Will allow me to upgrade Steer for DGW.

    6. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Monitoring but keeping for now because got him for 5.5 and if available He's a great asset for DGW19

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

      It is kinda hard for me cos have Lamptey also so that mean hit and even if replacement get cs it will be few ponts + and maybe ill need him back rly soon

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

    1ST WC owners

    Whats the plan with team ?

    We have just 27th december to use it..

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, Monday at 3pm GMT is the first kick off of GW16.

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

      It’s a coin toss for me.

      As part of my WC strategy, I would need to downgrade DCL or Grealish to upgrade my bench to play BB in GW19.

      I’m not very keen on this though.

  7. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Dias or Cancelo long term?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Dias but Laporte Stones and Dias will share time.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I picked Cancelo for my wc fwiw

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

        Will they, though?

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

          Dias won't, for the most part.

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yup. Laporte being eased back from injury.

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

              Ridiculous. He's been dropped for lackluster performances, mainly vs Spurs, while Dias and Stones have been largely flawless.

            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Pretty sure it's not that, it's bad form

                1. Royal5
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 3 months ago

                  Things changes fast i see. Not long ago Stone was "useless" and Laporte "world class".

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 3 months ago

                      Who are you quoting exactly? Also simply responding to your point that he's being eased back in from injury- simply not true confirmed by pep too

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

          Dias

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

        Merry Christmas everyone.

        Got my backline sorted for tomorrow. Last week it was Chilwell, James, Cresswell, Walker, Lamptey. Did a rash -4 to remove Lamptey (and Watkins) for Taylor and Bamford. Seems to have been some extra Christmas casualties and my defence looked like a set of traffic lights. Chilwell to Dier tonight; Walker to TAA tomorrow and I'm ready for the next few weeks

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

        Bring in ( no WC so may FH in 18 and likely TC Salah in 19)

        A Dallas ( good for double week)
        B Cancelo (double up with Dias- good single week player for double week and plays blank week 18)

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

        Any opinions ?

        A) Kane & Grealish > Salah & Adams (-4)?
        B) Walker & Kane > Robbo & Firmino (-4)?

        WC in 16 but going Salahless this week seems incredibly risky. B gives me more exposure to Liverpool, both defensively and in attack.

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

        Can get 8 players for 18 and 7 players with a double in 19 without free hitting in 18. Worth saving it?

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

          Maybe but if you're not going to use FH in a blank week nor use it in a double game week what are you saving it for?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            There will be further opportunities later on but I'm sure they will be more easily planned for without a FH chip than this one.

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

          You could try and make a BB team.

      7. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thoughts on this WC for next week?? Will only have 1FT to use before BB in 19...

        McCarthy Meslier
        Coufal Balbeuna Robo Taylor Justin
        Son Bruno Salah Raphinia Soucek
        Vardy Adams Bamford

        Really tempted for Antonio but doubt he’ll be fit... Double Burnley defence also not sure on

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

          Looks goof

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

          Amd after that what ? Wc gw20 ??

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

          Justin? Any news on Pereira?

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            True... I’ll keep an eye out

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

        I still have my first wildcard and here is my current team

        ————McCarthy————
        —Dias Zouma Robertson—
        -Salah Bruno Son Soucek-
        ————Kane DCL————
        Subs: C. Taylor, Fodder x 3

        0.0 ITB, WC, FH and BB available

        Who should I downgrade to upgrade the fodders?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Still only 14 men

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

          Risky but for me, Kane

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

        Merry Christmas. Thoughts on below?

        Martinez
        Dallas • Coufal • KWP
        Salah(C) • KDB • Bruno • Son • Grealish
        DCL • Bamford
        (Steer / James / Brewster / Douglas)

        Keeping James for doubles. Will FH18 BB19.

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

        Hi,
        My team is:
        martinez
        justin, chilwell dias
        salah grealish fernades kdb
        calvert watkins adams

        who sell? please help 🙁

      11. Quan MisTaka
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Beat this

        Martinez (Steer)
        Robbo / Cancelo / Coufal (Taylor) (Lamptey)
        Salah / KDB / Bruno / Grealish / Soucek
        DCL / Bamford (Brewster)

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

          Need Kane or Son

          1. Quan MisTaka
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Can do Grealish to Son

            Or else will have to downgrade bruno or kdb to get kane in

      12. Barryyuen
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Help me out! 🙁

        McCarthy Areola
        Robertson Coufal Lowton Targett Ferguson
        Salah Fernandes KDB Son Soucek
        DCL Bamford Watkins

        Planning to do
        1) Watkins to Rodrigo
        2) Targett to Balbuena
        3) Ferguson to Alioski

        0FT and 0.0ITB.

        FH in 18 and BB in 19.

        Which means I have to -4 this GW as Watkins is dropping in price now. Otherwise, I will be priced out for 2 and 3, is this the right move? I’ll have an extra FT in 19 if I do this...

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

        Still start Coufal over Dier after the Coufal news?
        I presume Coufal is 90 or nothing so better off just letting it auto sub if needed?

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

          Yes

        2. On The Up
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          What news?

          1. Fit of Pique
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            His wife has given birth.

            But the game isn't until Saturday. Personally I think he'll play

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

        So Richarlison definitely out for the next game? Guess I'll have to play Wilson and hope for a penalty.

      15. dylano21
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hi all,

        I Have vestergaard, Coufal, Mitchell, James and cresswel.

        Would you take a hit to get a better defence ?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          You might well be on for only 1/5 playing so yes, a hit or even two wouldn't be so bad.

      16. JY84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I have both Taylor and Ayling... Between these two players, who should i put in my first team tis week?

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

          Taylor

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          One team can't score, one can't defend so...

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Do you expect Burnley to score?

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

            1 at least

        4. Fit of Pique
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Taylor.

          If it was Dallas I might say play the Leeds defender.

          But I'm an Ayling owner too and his move to centre back - plus their tendency to ship goals - means I consider Ayling a liability.

          At least with Taylor there's a decent hope for a clean sheet.

      17. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Do folk not think DCL might be rested on boxing day? Carlos had said he'll be resting him over the festive period and the Sheffield United game seems the most obvious game at this time. Though if Richarlison is out. . .

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          The tweet suggests Man City.

        2. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Rested Monday. He won’t be rested against Sheff Utd. No way in the world. And he will get a couple. Everything Sheff Utd are poor at is what DCL is good at. And it’s against his home town club.

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

        Merry Christmas, guys I need your help:

        Choose 1 option:

        A) James (ars)
        B) Brewster (EVE)
        C) Wilson (mci)
        D) Take hit for -4 currently 1.4 ITB

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

        Play Welbeck or Neto?

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

          Faced with that kind of decision I would just play the better player which is Neto.

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

          Neto

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

        Probably a blessing in disguise that injuries are forcing me into Jesus + Mitchell -> Bamford and Robbo

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

          You are gaining two good players and losing a player who does absolutely nothing every week. And you are also losing Mitchell.

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

          Incredible moves. No brainer.

      21. Barryyuen
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Long one but please help out 🙂

        McCarthy Areola
        Robertson Coufal Lowton Targett Ferguson
        Salah Fernandes KDB Son Soucek
        DCL Bamford Watkins

        Planning to do
        1) Watkins to Rodrigo
        2) Targett to Balbuena
        3) Ferguson to Alioski

        0FT and 0.0ITB.

        FH in 18 and BB in 19.

        Which means I have to -4 this GW as Watkins is dropping in price now. Otherwise, I will be priced out for 2 and 3, is this the right move??? I’ll have an extra FT in 19 if I do this...

      22. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Which combo sounds better from gw16?

        A) Son+Werner
        B) Kane+Pulisic

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

          Kane and Pulisic.

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

          Son, Pulisic & Cash (imo)

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

          Not keen on Chelsea...
          Is Kane and Son out of budget?

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Yes. Son&Kane would require Kdb+Watkins+DCL to 6.0 att and a minus -8 :/

      23. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thoughts on this DGW19 BB?

        Johnstone • Martinez
        Robertson • James • Dallas • Coufal • KWP
        Salah • Bruno • Grealish • Raphinha • Walcott
        Vardy • DCL • Bamford.

        Will have it for a -4.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Pretty good.

      24. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        captain Mahrez.

        Now Jesus is out, likely Torres starts up front and Mahrez plays on the right.

        Great differential and could haul

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

          Aguero is fit

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

        Worth having only 7 BGWers and 8 DGWers, to save FT?

        BGW:
        Martinez, Stones, Grealish, Son, KDB, DCL, Wilson (+Brewster/Mitchell)

        DGW:
        Taylor, Balbuena, Zouma
        Salah, Bruno, Rashford
        Bamford, Adams
        (Also playing singles KDB and Son)

        Or to little DGW players?

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

          Meant ti save FH 🙂

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

          Yes. Think a lot of people will lose good players, transfer value and valuable hits in the rush for chip points now. It depends on your team though. I think you’ve got good players getting decent points and you’re good to go with your strategy.