Scout Notes

Barnes matches Vardy’s output over last four ahead of Double Gameweek

Crystal Palace 1-1 Leicester

  • Goals: Wilfried Zaha (£7.5m) | Harvey Barnes (£6.7m)
  • Assists: Andros Townsend (£5.7m) | Jonny Evans (£5.5m)
  • Penalty misses: Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m)
  • Penalty saves: Vicente Guaita (£4.9m)
  • Bonus points: Evans x3, Guaita 2, H Barnes x1

BARNES DOOR

Harvey Barnes (£6.7m) is making a strong case for winter investment as he added his fifth Premier League goal of the season against Crystal Palace.

It was the midfielder’s second in as many outings, made all the more impressive by the gap between his two most recent outings.

Despite Leicester facing matches on Saturday and Monday, Barnes played 90 minutes on each occasion, suggesting he is more nailed-on to start and, therefore, more viable as a Fantasy asset, than many of us had previously thought.

Brendan Rodgers praised his powers of recovery in the aftermath of the Foxes’ 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, as well as his performance – helpful information for anyone considering a swoop for Barnes.

“I thought he was outstanding, to play a second 90 minutes having done so well against Man United, to play with that level of fitness. His movement was very helpful, getting us the penalty as well. All around he was a good threat.” – Brendan Rodgers

As mentioned by Rodgers, Barnes’ running would have ensured two attacking returns for Gameweek 16 had Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m) not missed the first-half penalty he won.

“I just said at half-time, it’s one you’ve got to let go. Kel’s practised five penalties this week in training and they were great. He was confident going in to take it and that’s all I can ask.” – Brendan Rodgers

……….. IT’S JAMIE VARDY

Even without adding that assist to his Gameweek 16 score, Barnes has still matched Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) as a Fantasy asset over the last four matches.

Bringing in eight points at Selhurst Park, one through bonus, the winger has racked up 20 during that time, an average of five per game.

The fact that Vardy suffered an inevitable benching on Monday means he also has 20 points over that period and an average of five per game – despite a £3.4m gap between him and Barnes’ price.

Leicester are certainly on the Fantasy radar right now with a Gameweek 17 trip to Newcastle in mind as well as Double Gameweek 19 meetings with Southampton (home) and Chelsea (home).

Considering that Vardy has suffered a dip from the form shown earlier in the campaign, and typically performs better away from home, Barnes could well be used as a cheaper alternative route into their attack based on recent performances.

The fact that he has started each of the last four, lasting 90 minutes in three of them, might count against him in the short-term, although Leicester do have a six-day gap between Gameweek 16 and 17 fixtures.

GOOD WIL HUNTING

It feels like some time since Wilfried Zaha (£7.5m) has delivered for his 19.4% ownership but there are plenty of encouraging signs moving forward.

His contribution to Crystal Palace’s campaign was, of course, limited by his self-isolation period for Gameweeks 9 and 10 – perhaps why he has been off the radar to some extent recently.

However, Zaha’s Gameweek 16 opener ensured he has now scored or assisted in all but one home start against sides outside the Premier League’s current top two.

With that in mind, the winger is worth considering between now and Gameweek 21, when Palace face three home matches from a possible five.

Even better, those home meetings are with Sheffield United, West Ham and Wolves – exactly the sort of opponent Zaha has enjoyed posting attacking returns against this season.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell, Kouyaté, Tomkins, Clyne; Schlupp (Ayew 84′), Riedewald (McArthur 74′), Milivojević, A Townsend; Zaha, Benteke.

Leicester City XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; L Thomas, Evans, Amartey, Justin; N Mendy, Choudhury (Tielemans 57′); H Barnes, Praet (Vardy 66′), Pérez; Iheanacho (Gray 72′).

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1,024 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    To double-check, I have transferred Burke to Soucek and am using the FH GW18.
    I therefore only have 1 more FT before the DGW19, being before that round?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      you will have one free transfer the game week after playing the FH

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

      Yes. You'll have one FT for GW19 to add to your GW17 team after the GW18 updates.

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

      Cheers all.

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

    so Bamford is a doubt

    i wont even field 7 at this rate

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

      Source? Pls stop spreading rumours. It's already tough fielding 11 this week 🙁

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

        dont know sauce.
        just log in and saw it last page

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

          Probably fake then 😛

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

          If you have no idea of source, why do you feel the need to state it as fact

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

            This

      2. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It's from the interview with Bielsa post match v Burnley. He said he wasn't sure the extent of an injury. Not fake news, but by nothing new to worry about.

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

          Hmm... Thanks

      3. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Bielsa said it in press conference, not fake. Check Leeds live site.

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

      Bissouma Banger needed

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

        A goal would be wonderful.

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

      Source link(s)?

    4. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Marcelo Bielsa asked [on Sunday] if Patrick Bamford has an injury issue: "With respect to Bamford, I don't know yet.

      That's all what he said.

  3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I initially thought I'd possibly use my FH on BGW18 as I'd be too low on players otherwise. Then I thought I'd use it for DGW19 as I figured i might be able to get away with 8/9 players for BGW. Then I was considering BB for DGW as I've made sure I have a full playing bench. Now we have the possibility of some teams having multiple double gameweeks in the next month or two and more postponements later on from similar occurrences possibly adding to the next known DGW or creating more DGWs for other teams.

    Not a religious man but the saying "man plans, and god laughs" can't help but come to mind.

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

      Later doubles hasn't changed my plans to benchboost in 19.

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

    Whats all this Bamford news now?

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

      Apperantly his eyebrows look weird...

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

      Nothing you can do

    3. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He's in the Leeds squad for today's game. Chill.

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Great news!

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

    Marcelo Bielsa asked [on Sunday] if Patrick Bamford has an injury issue: "With respect to Bamford, I don't know yet.

    But apparently he has anyways travelled with the squad.

    https://twitter.com/ColmVHayes/status/1343865132624080896?s=19

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

    So Klich wasnt rested for wba? Thought he was safe with that early sub

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

    What to do with KDB??

    I think Chelsea match will be off ?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      sell him

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sell him 2 days ago

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

        Best replacement? ex

        Penandes , Salah , son

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

      I sold Kdb for Son this week. Dias can easly become Dier if postponed and that’s it.

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

      Keep for now. He can save you FH in GW18 and can have DGW19.
      We will get more info this week.

    5. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m holding for now.
      I’ve been hit bad so far this gameweek with DCL, KDB, Dias and Zouma all missing out. But looking forward.

      GW17 DCL returns.
      GW18 KDB and Dias return.
      GW19 Zouma returns for his double and KDB, Dias and DCL may have a possible double because Everton also have a single GW. Patience is key.

    6. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It’s not off yet so wait. City team being tested as we speak and it’s dependent on the results..

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

        How could it not be? They've closed their training grounds

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

          I’m not saying it’s not going to be off, but I’ve seen on Sky News this is what they’ve said... all I’m saying is hold off a bit, that’s all. I personally think it will be off, but until they say it is, it isn’t. It’s subject to Covid results today apparently, so I’m waiting until as late as possible before doing transfers

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

            I can’t work out how to share the story but it’s at the bottom of the Sky sports news one on Everton n City update near the top for info..

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

          Training grounds now open and game appears on for info..

  8. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bamford needs a rest, so maybe this is the week ?

  9. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Settings > Notifications > Filters > Muted Words > "Bamford"

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

      I don’t see why people getting so wound up, if bamford injuries sub will come on

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Doesn’t work like this. What about those with double city defence, KDB, DCL, James etc. as well?

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

          They have less options then. Plenty impacted by City Newcastle postponement,same way last minute weather postponements impacted games before.

        2. NejiHyuuga01
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          If by James you mean Rodriguez, then those who still own him deserve this

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

            Reece surely

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

        If only we had so many subs

      3. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No point in talking about it. Deadline has passed. Nothing can be done.

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

          Agreed , though I think fpl should have 5 subs to choose from in future.

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

            Increased budget?

      4. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        My 3 subs are already coming in, that’s the issue with most I guess..

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

      Does this work on

      Settings > Notifications > Filters > Muted Person > "Fudgy"

      ?

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

        It didn't work for "The Train Driver" 😉

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

          Touché 😉

  10. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How nailed is Holgate? A good FPL option at 4.8?

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

      Great option, Ancelotti turning into Mourinho

  11. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If things will go like this with canceled games/injuries/rests than people with 5-10pts from yesterday will end up with green arrow after this GW! 🙂

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

      Mitchell owners drooling...

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

      Currently on 2, having missed out on Zouma and Stones pts already so Bamford really would cap it if he's out too

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

    Dallas on pens with both Klich and Bamford out?

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

      It would be great.

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

      Hernandez

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

    Next we'll find out spurs squad hit with a case of food poisoning and no one can play.

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

      What did you do?

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

        I spiked their pasta with laxatives

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

      Mere food poisoning wouldn't stop Harry 😉

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

        It won't just be his mouth that's open

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

          Spurs playing in brown at home... This season

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

        Will it a diarrhea of goals?

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Only Linekar knows

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

    Everyone has Bamford anyway, not like it's gonna affect anything.

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

      If only...

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

      Everyone ?

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

        It's just 2 more points for those owning other strikers at his price range ie Watkins

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

          Is it ?

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't own him what have I missed ?

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

    At this rate this is going to be my first BGW of the season.

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

      *is*

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

    I wonder whether FPL might want to consider providing a budget of £110m and introducing a bench of five players. Bearing in mind that a postponement can wipe out up to six players in our squads, a bench of four doesn’t really cover it. There will be more postponements no doubt too, likely more than one in a given week in the future (compounding the problem).

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

      See what they do if it gets a lot worse.

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

      No thanks, will be terrible benching headache every GW

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

        Perhaps. The alternative is you have a GW with only 6 or 7 players playing due to postponements. I think it’s important FPL are open minded for this season. These are not usual circumstances.

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

      Basically what you're saying is, that every player should have another premium player in their starting XI and another 4.5 on the bench 😉

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

        Up to every player how they use it but I do think FPL needs to do something as this situation will continue to occur until the end of this season IMO.

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

          We'll all be in the same boat though.

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

          Yes. Every player is in 100% control to do whatever they want, but giving 110 for a 16 player squad instead of 100 for a 15 player squad will in almost 100% of the teams result in an additional premium player. If you've opted to go without Son you would get Son. If you've opted to go without Bruno you would get Bruno. If you've opted to go without Vardy/Kane you would get one of those.

          In fact more teams will be identical, and the only thing you are really changing is another cheapie on the bench to cover Covid-19.

          I would be more exited about 100mil for 16 players then.

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

      Benchboost would be tasty.

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

      No - 3 subs are fine.

    6. Steve Chance
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      'If you can meet with triumph and disaster
      And meet those two imposters just the same...
      You'll be a man, my son'

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

        England will be playing 4-4-f*cking-2

        1. Steve Chance
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Lol!

    7. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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

    Guys - is Balbuena nailed? Can only afford 4.4...

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

      Seems very nailed to me.
      Diop had one match recent in which I thought he looked very bad 😉

    2. NejiHyuuga01
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes he is, but might get some rest during midweek GWs

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

      It looks like he is. The only minute he's missed since GW 3 was due to a small injury.

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

      yes. solid performer, a great option for the DGW.

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

        Thanks all, looks value at 4.4 then

  18. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    The second round of games in DGW 19 will probably be similar to this one when it comes to rest. Kane and Son stays.

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

      Good point Ben. And anyone free hitting for GW18 might reconsider a fodder bench in favour of subs from teams involved and try and spread across all teams in case another game is axed.

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think so as there is basically a rest before and after the games with a decent space Inbetween them. Not the 48 hour turnaround we have now.

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It’s less than 72 hours in many cases. Many will get rotated.

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

          Can't see it myself, shortest break I can see is 3 days which modern footballers are used to.

          Will still press on with the benchboost as with all the congestion later in the season it probably won't be any better any other time.

    3. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Doubtful as it comes after the short winter break and most games are spaced out 3-4 days instead of 2 for many this time. This GW is also occurring after the most crammed part of the season it's always the worst for rotation

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

    Where are the news of game dates? City, ManU etc...

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

      Nobody knows anything.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This should be the title of the next article

  20. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Bamford a doubt?

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

      He travelled with squad apparently

  21. How good are the top 10k?
    El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A word on this obsession with "the top 10k". There are always articles and conversation about what they're doing. While ostensibly very understandable, the truth is that most in the top 10k aren't necessarily better or worse at the game than you, if you're outside it. I've been in the top 10k a few times, best season finish was around 4k. Every season in my mini league, the winner finishes in the top 10k. And you know what? We are all around the same level. And you know what else? None of us has some wondrous insight into the game, especially less so now as there is so much research done for everyone, from official FPL to sites like FFS, and from Twitter to the mainstream press.

    It essentially comes down to captain picks and something that is really overlooked: an excellent start to the season. Of course, there is also spotting players coming into form before bandwagons pick up, but I don't see top 10k managers doing this much more frequently than the rest over the course of a season. As an example, I am languishing at about 1 million 700,000 or thereabouts. The main reasons are my awful captain record at 4 out of 15 gameweeks (worst in my history), as well as a lacklustre start to the season. Other than that, I've transferred well and so forth.

    The thing about getting an excellent start is that it is pretty much a shot in the dark with some degree of educated guessing of course, but certainly a lot less so compared with mid-season, as there is no data to work with, no form indicators either. Then there is also the fact that chasers tend to take risks in order to catch up, a position that top 10k managers are not in and so they can dine out on their fast start for much of the season in a lot of cases by staying reasonably sensible and conservatively captaining between the big hitters.

    Bottom line: the top 10k is nearly entirely populated by managers who are above average, yes, but they are certainly not better than most in the top million or so, for the most part. They tend to get it right in the first month or two, which involves a lot more luck than at other times in the season, which enables them to sit pretty while chasers take risks to catch them. This obsession with what they are up to suggests they have some sort of magical fpl manager ability, which is simply untrue and misleading. As usual, patience, a good eye and of course. A good bit of luck wins this game.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Top 10k seem to have more points than those at 500k though 😉 , suggests that the collective template and choices are worth monitoring

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        They are usually obvious choices, like Dallas or Soucek

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

        Case in point.

        There are other collective templates that have done poorly. Arsenal fans, like me, might have more Arsenal players, and so far, that hasn't worked out for them.

        But of course a template of the highest scoring players wiill naturally be at the top of the overall rankings. They already scored lots of points.

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          If you have a template with Arsenal players in it though, it is not based on form or results, but bias as fans. I understand your point but I regard fpl managers who do this as average or below average, as they are swayed by personal whims. My post is with regard to managers who play without such bias interference

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

            My response was to Hotdogs suggesting that the 'collective' template is worth monitoring, since those with more points have more points. But whos's to say that those wih more points are more collective-template-y? There are certainly managers in the top 10k, 100 or 1 who do have very unique teams. But of course it's obvious that the avferage team in the top 10k has owned players who have score more points than the average team in the top 500k. So the definition of a 'collective template' seems to me to simply be teams that have scored more points. I'm sure a lot of people at 500k have been implementing collective-templatey teams, with popular choices, but ones who didn't score so well.

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          they have scored a lot of points because they have made decisions to get players that have scored lots of points or captained players that have scored lots of points, while others have not done this, maybe luck or maybe not.

          I have been using a general strategy of lining strong attackers against weak defences and making transfers based upon that, rather than looking at players as season keepers. I wonder if the top 10k are a bit more aggressive than the ‘must have City’ or can’t sell Salah mentality ?

          That said, I sold Son before his 4 goal game and Vardy before his hattie so it didn’t always work, but sold KDB & Bamford this week for Kane & Neto with an eye on GW18, so fingers crossed.

          It is an interesting topic though

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

            I don't think there will be a strategy or way of thinking that can define the top 10k season to season due to the massive level of variation in outcome. I think we really romanticise that part of FPL 'management', but it's clear from FPL pundits and personalities, if you will, that there are many ways to play the game that can have positive outcomes (even ways that seem illogical), and that is what often leads people to proclaim that the game is 'all luck'. It's frustrating because people are rewarded for seemingly poor decisions almost as often as good decisions, and over the course of a season, that might not balance out. And most decisions aren't actually good vs badd, but good vs good, and those who rise to the top happen to have choosen the best good options in hindsight, which can sometimes happen multiple seasons in a row. Obviously you increase your chances if you are a good thinker and planner, as well as committed and up to date, but our strategies are more personal stories we tell ourselves, they have an impact, but much less than we think they do imo

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              maybe it is all just a collective luck ? .... but ... we make maybe 2 or 3 decisions each week, 2 transfers and a captaincy choice, then we have the chips to deal with ... ultimately i’d you get those decisions correct more times than not then you will get a higher rank.

              Good decisions give you a decent rank, luck determines how good 😉

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Great points, another thing is that a lot of people in the Top 10K atm are those who already blew their chips.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good point

        1. Gilles
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Nope. Only a third of them « bleu » at least one chip (excl. First WC). So 2 third or so have the chips package intact. Their good start allow them not to burn them

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yup, it would be interesting to know the number on average of how many captain blanks you can have in a season before you’re statistically out of chances of a top 10k finish.

      How many do you reckon it is? 7-8?

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Lol in that case I'm screwed. I'd say a third, so about 10-14. Not many get 24 to 28 good captain calls in a season

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          10-13*

      2. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Depends. Nailing two 20+ points captaincy hauls is just as good as 4 10 pts captaincy hauls. All luck.

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yep, great point. A lot of variables

        2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, but the question is rather: how many 2 x 2-3 points can you have in a season on average and still make top 10k?

          1. FER FUSCH AKE
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Average is much important, five 2-3 pointers can be offset by a two 20 point hauls before doubling.

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

        It doesn't work that way. You need to be averaging 8-9 points doubled from captaincy over 38 weeks to be in the ballpark. That's the simplest way to think about it.

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

          Well said.

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

          Indeed

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Those who finish top 10k season after season arent just lucky though.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No, and I did not say that

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I know. I guess I'm saying it's a balance.

          Top 10k at the end of season is meaningful when it is repeated.

          Most seasons I have done well I've gained ranks rapidly at end of season rather than been there throughout.

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Same here, the majority of my good finishes came with long, steady climbs up the ranks towards the latter 2/3 of the season.

          2. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            You're bang on. Consistently high ranks are achieved by managers who clearly understand the game on a deeper level than the vast majority. Best of luck to you mate

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

      Top 10k articles should only come towards the end of the season

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Love your username, as a Man Utd fan lol. I mean, I still see merit in them but it's overblown

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

          Towards the end we have to pick the differentials so it's useful but at this stage I never checked what top 10k is doing.

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

      I have been in top10k 4 of last 5 years, now at around 700k. Those who jumped early on Kane and Son are in top10k but those who went with ManCity players or others nonperforming players were left behind. Now I stubbornly have lost Spurs players and going with triple Liverpool to try to beat the template. Some of the top10k are there because of jump from good/lucky chips use. Some of them are clueless of the BGW and DGW so its still hope if you pay attention. Lot more active managers than before, Twitter, youtube and stuff everywhere.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Similar here. Not going Spurs decimated my rank. When I did get them in, they went into their current drop in form lol. Best of luck

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

        This is my fourth season playing. 9K, 12K and 20K in the last 3 seasons.
        I am also at 700K now, and I also brought in Manchester players early on. It has been a tough ride ever since 😉 !
        But from what I remember from my GW2 Wildcard and GW3 when I owned the players that (still) annoy me the most is that their prices got locked for ages. Had I known they players would not rise or fall before GW4 or something like that I would most def not have wildcarded 😀

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

      I particularly enjoy the reversed causality that players who are in top 10k teams must be good assets, which causes many people to buy those players, whereas it's really the case that managers are in the top 10k because those players have already scored highly. It helps the higher ranked managers to have those behind them chasing FPL points rather than looking at which players are most likely to score points in the future. And it's also seemingly easily forgotten that the top X, whatever the number, is changing every week, with managers coming in and out of it, based simply on whether or not certain actions came to fruition, like a ball being called over the line or an assist being given. Small margins that people grant large and skewed conclusions from. But I'm 3 million OR so I know nothing.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good points

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

          Especially the last one 😀

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

      Might be instructive to look at non-performing active teams to see what they are doing wrong; perhaps a cross sample of those on here, but who are not pro-pundits or Elite managers to see what they/we are doing.
      Champions League vs Power League - each fun in their own way.

    9. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good points. Im around your rank and I can actually pinpoint the poor season to one transfer of Son to Bruno in GW2. Done for what i considered the right reasons but not only did I miss his 4 goal haul I missed Son in general who I would of just kept from then on and worked my team elsewhere. I dropped 3m places that week and its taken this long to get them back.

      A good start allows you a degree of control and there is not that constant feeling of chasing the game which ultimately leads to punty decisions ‘against the house’.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That must have been brutal. My worst transfer ever was Sanchez out a few seasons ago. He then scored five in two games. Similarly, I never recovered.

    10. Jars458
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      As someone currently ranked 2k but who finished 300k last year. I agree and resemble this comment.

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

        It also becomes more and more difficult to jump from one tier to a higher tier (ie from 100K to 50K, from 50K to 10K etc) because teams all resemble each other and the point difference is much bigger up top.

        So, if you are currently 500K like me and 96 points outside the top 10K a template resembling 80% of said top 10K, is never gonna get me there.

        However, that same team saw me jump 1M places in 3 weeks because there's only 30 points between 1M and 500K.

    11. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Decision making is the name of the game. Two parts to it
      1) Eye Test, watch a lot of games of the players you want to invest in
      2) Statistics and Probability

    12. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Only 30% of the top 10k have used more than one chip. The other 70% have used one or zero, and in most cases that one will have been their wildcard; they have got there through a mixture of luck and skill, not through early use of chips.

      Some of the current top 10k have never been there before this season, and many of them will not still be there come GW38, but whether by luck or judgment they must have been doing something right, and their template at this stage is certainly superior to the overall template, which includes many dead teams and casuals.

      Not all managers in my Top 10k Any Season mini-league are consistently top players - some of them may just have had one lucky season a few years ago when it was easier to achieve. But those who have had at least one previous top 10k finish and are in or near the top thousand again this season do deserve some respect.

      Those who have had more than one previous top 10k finish and are doing well again this season perhaps deserve even more respect.

      And we can also learn a lot from those who occupy high positions in our Hall of Fame. Most of them may be currently outside the current top 10k, but I expect many of them to be right up there by the end of the season.
      They may not be in the highest positions at the moment, but they know what to do to give themselves the best chances of beating the template and climbing the ranks.

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

        You can't say that the top 10k got there 'not through early use of chips', because that dismisses the 30% that did. And the 30% figure disregards those who have used more than 2 chips, and more than 3. So chips aren't insignificant, here. But I don't think it's the main point.

        I just can't see how there exists such a thing as a template, let alone multiple. While on the one hand the template is good because it brings you to the top 10k (because it's defined post-hoc as the mixture of players that did the best, disregarding the decisions made by the individual managers), and on the other hand, it's something that holds you back and needs to be beaten. I just hear a bunch of mythic mumbo jumbo when I see people talking about it tbh.

        And what's all this about deserving respect? You mean they've done well. Let's not make idols of people who've simply come out on top of a hugely variable business. These aren't chess gand masters, even if one of them is, and did well once. These are people, as you say, who have finished in the top 10 THOUSAND a couple of times, maybe more. We all know that getting close to OR 1 is nigh-on impossible due to variation and the amount of things that need to go your way. Yet you're not a genius if you achieve it, and you're not a genius if you manage to copy (or 'beat') the template on a semi-regular basis. Sorry, but people who do deserve our respect for their intellect and application would actually recognise that. People are just romanticising their hobby on here.

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The 30% is the total of all those top 10k managers who have used 2, 3 or 4 chips.
          As I correctly stated, the other 70% did not get there through their early use of chips.

          I'm not claiming that any of them are geniuses, just that they're either doing better than most of us this season (the top 10k), have regularly done better than the rest of us in the past (the leading managers in our Hall of Fame) or have had some success in the past and are also doing well again this season (such as the leaders in Top 10k Any Season and other elite leagues). We should be able to learn something by looking at their teams and methods and listening to their advice, but we shouldn't just copy their current teams - we should also be looking for ways to improve on them in order to move up the rankings.

          The top 10k 'template' isn't actually the 15 players that any of them actually own - it is merely just an indication of the players who are currently most highly owned by them and changes from week to week, is more useful than the overall 'template', easier to access than most other 'templates' and interesting to compare against other players that are recommended on this and other sites, some of which are affected by local hype.

          I'm not trying to make idols of these managers, but what's wrong with giving them a bit of publicity for their successes?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            My bad, I must have misread the 70% bit.

            But I didn't misread the phrase 'Top 10k Any Season and other elite leagues'. Makes me a little queasy.

            1. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              My regular mini-league reports currently report on six mini-leagues that we describe as elite ones.
              They all have qualification criteria that rule out the vast majority of FPL teams.

              I realised that my Top 10k Any Season mini-league is not quite as elite as I would like it to be, which is why I created Multiple Top 10k Finishes as a new league this season, and a rather larger proportion of the teams in this one do have pretty distinguished records.

              It is a pity that there isn't a league for all the leading managers in our Hall of Fame, rather than just for some of them - that would be a really elite league!

              1. Gilles
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Good morning (its still morning here

                1. Gilles
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Would it be possible to get the code for the multiple 10k? Many thanks
                  And best of luck/skill till the end of the season

                  1. RedLightning
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    The league code for the Multiple 10k Finishes mini-league is: 8t42p6

                    1. RedLightning
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 13 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      ... and it is only for teams such as yours that have finished the season in the top 10,000 at least twice.

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

                      Many thanks for thaïs

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

                Oh man, you're in really deep. Good luck to you bro.

                1. RedLightning
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Can you suggest a better term to describe these six mini-leagues and to distinguish them from others such as The Next Great and The Good and January to May League which are or were open to all-comers?

    13. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve been inside top 5k several times and agree with the above. Captain fails really hurt and blind luck is helpful too!

  22. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What's the consensus on the best budget keep rotation with Johnstone?

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just get Martinez

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Flappy is the only one i'm considering. Not a budget pick by any means.

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

      Probably McCarthy or Meslier.

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

    Bench boost 19 crew

    If Johnson If West Ham gets 90 mins and a good performance today will you consider him for your squad?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Have cresswell Bowen and soucek so won't consider him but if I had a spot left I would go balbuena

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

      Think the other day was just an attempt to match up with Brighton's shape, but if he plays and plays well again I probably would.

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

      already used up my west ham spots for cresswell, coufal and soucek

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

      No. Too risky, I wanna maximise my benchboost as only get to play it once.

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

      Yup

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

      Saving a spot for Antonio (if he’s fit)

  24. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Going without any West Ham defenders for DGW 19 will either make or break my season.

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

      If you are not BBing I'd say you don't have to, if you are, might I ask who you are getting in?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Robbo, Matip (hoping he’ll be fine), Zouma, Taylor and probably keep Dier.

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

          Strong def. #prayformatip

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

      Burnley and west brom at home is as tasty it can get but knowing my luck with CS for defenders they probably concede 2+ in both games

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

      I've gone triple. God help my soul.

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Coufal, Creswell, Soucek the way to go?

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

        Very cheap plus also attacking threat, I've gone for it

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Team with the best DGW fixtures.

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Doubt it will

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Plenty are doubling or tripling up

  25. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any Maddison owner over there?

    I sold Grealish for Maddison this GW (genius). Should I now switch to Barnes?

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

      Nope. Rest is good moving forward.

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Better to hang onto him now. He's had his rest, so will play most games for the foreseeable.

      1. The Frenchie
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        thanks guys

    3. Mattymo23
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm keeping Maddison think he'll be back and has higher ceiling than Barnes for me

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

      He’s flagged, thought he had rest

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

      I rather have barnes tho he looks really on fire last games

  26. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Another 1 pointer late cameo a la vardy from bamford would be brutal, add a kane haul and my rank will plummet

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

      Risk of him being benched today?

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

        yeah

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

      Not to be a glass half empty kinda guy, but he could miss a penalty and cop a YC in 90 minutes..

      Point I'm trying to make is that his time on the pitch can also work both ways.

  27. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    For the DGW19 onwards (until I decide to WC):

    A) Chilwell
    B) Robbo
    C) TAA
    ..?

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

      C

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

    Viva La BAM

  29. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, if you have some news, plz share source. Dont spread silly rumors. TY

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

      Actor Daniel Radcliffe has decided to take up football. Chelsea FC are thinking about signing him up in the hope that he can do better than Mr. Kai Havertz. I dont wanna give my source.

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      There's no smoke without fire.