Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 17

Happy New Year and welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 17 ahead of today’s 16:00 GMT deadline.

As Fantasy managers, 2020 certainly kept us on our toes and its 366th day was no exception with the announcement of additional fixtures for Gameweeks 18 and 19.

Those with assets from both Manchester clubs, Aston Villa and Burnley now have more players available for the upcoming blank and double.

But are you leaping for joy or simply scratching your head wondering what to do?

As Pro Pundit Andy was at pains to point out when talking through the implications of the fixture changes yesterday, the ideal solution will depend on your team and chip situation.

Step forward the innovative FPL Community with two tailor-made graphics.

The first, by Legomané, helps us plan transfers by using a traffic-light colour code to highlight the rest periods between matches:

(click on graphic to enlarge)

And the second, by FPL Zh0u, is a handy flowchart on strategy, which can steer our teams in the right direction.

(click on graphic to enlarge)

Andy wondered if it was time to abandon our plans for Double Gameweek 19, especially with Manchester City now having arguably the most attractive fixtures, at home to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

The Pro Pundit, who leads the Mods & Cons mini-league, originally wanted to play his Bench Boost chip but is debating whether targeting his transfers to bring back Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) is perhaps the better course of action.

Liverpool also enjoy two home fixtures in the upcoming Double Gameweek and Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) had been the default captain choice for many, however two frustrating blanks has dampened our enthusiasm.

But reporting on the match against his beloved Newcastle United, Neale emphasised that it could have been very different for those who backed the Egyptian:

This was one of those games when the margins between double-digit haul and a three-pointer were slim …  But Salah has historically had a profligate side to his game and occasional frustrating afternoons come with the territory.

– Neale

Something our Captain Sensible writer Jan Sienkiewicz does when making his recommendations for the armband, is to consider how the games will unfold.

Often Fantasy managers like to target teams thought of as ‘whipping boys’, but sides frequently adapt their approach based on the opposition – and Newcastle are no exception:

The Magpies resemble a solid outfit in a backs-to-the-wall 5-4-1 but look less so in a 4-4-2/4-2-3-1, conceding goals against the likes of Burnley, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion – all at home – this season when playing without a third centre-half.

– Neale

Leeds United, however, take a different approach: employing the same style of play no matter who they are facing.

The open end-to-end nature of their games means that no team has conceded more big chances than the Whites this season and, at the same time, no team has taken more shots in the box. 

On the Scoutcast, Joe and Az both identified the trip to a rested Tottenham Hotspur as the standout fixture for captaincy. And Jan agreed, making Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.7m) his top candidates for the armband, despite their recent poor attacking form.

But it was the attacking displays of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that caught the attention of Pro Pundit Zophar. Considering their budget options, the seven-time top 10,000 manager noted:

Raphinha’s numbers, in particular, are excellent as he is second for shots in the box (nine) and joint-top for chances created (10).

– Zophar

And like Zophar in his column piece, David picked out a cheap midfielder whose displays have impressed recently for Aston Villa:

His total of 24 attempts on goal is the highest in the league between Gameweeks 12 and 16, at least 10 more than any other midfielder at the time of writing. El Ghazi is also top of the league for big chances (six) and shots on target (15)

– David

However, it remains to be seen if Ross Barkley (£5.9m), returned to fitness and available for selection, will dislodge El Ghazi from the starting XI.

Moving up in price, the recent performances of Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) have been encouraging. In his Scout Notes on the match at Stamford Bridge, David observed:

It was noteworthy to see Christian Pulisic start a second game in two days and manage to last 90 minutes each time – perhaps suggesting he can offer a robust route into Chelsea’s attack for matches against Fulham (away) and Leicester (away) in Double Gameweek 19.

– David

Finally, Harry Maguire (£5.4m) is the headline differential pick for the New Year. Pro Pundit Tom is impressed by his attacking threat with no defender having taken more shots in the box, and Manchester United sitting top of the ticker from a defensive perspective until Gameweek 25.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

RedLightning rounded-up the Community mini-leagues and competitions in a hot topic yesterday.

As mentioned, the Manager of the Month in the Community Members mini-league is Josh Paulin. Josh wins a £50 Amazon voucher. Josh, please contact Geoff (geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk) to claim your prize.

The Manager of the Month winners in 2020 were:

SeptemberHamdy Sameeh
OctoberEmmanuel Oloche
NovemberJames Frimpong
DecemberJosh Paulin

And for those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 17 can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

2,511 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son Salah or Bruno captain lads?

    1. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

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

      son

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

      Son

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son and Bruno vc

    5. corderz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son C and Vardy VC here

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

    PLAY POMPEY!

    1. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      UP UP UP UP UP

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

    Any news on Maddison injury?

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just over an hour to go.

    Panic!

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still unsure whether to play FH TM I see

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FH seems the much easier option.
        Would sell Salah and maybe Robbo and need to cokey them in 19.

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes,me to,need to sell Salah and get him back.plus I need to take -8 and -4 in 18 and 19.
          I might play FH and no chip in 19
          GL

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers, likewise.

    2. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How many FPL deadlines have you seen go by?

      My guess is 380+

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Timezones mean less than others.

  5. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    1. Konsa vs man u
    2. Coufal vs Eve
    3. Dallas vs spurs

    1. FPL_Admin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Konsa

  6. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?!?

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Dier, Balbuena
    Bruno, Son, Salah, Grealish
    Kane(c), DCL, Bamford

    Nyland, Alioski, Anguissa, Kilman

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Perhaps out Kilman sub1?

      Very nice

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout and thanks

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Yes or No?

    KDB+Taylor >> Son(C)+Cancelo

    1. Dele
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

    2. SM001
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes if you don't have Kane. And i;m pretty sure Cancelo is on of the City players that tested positive.

      1. Critical Observer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        According to Sam Lee he is not.

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why are you sure he is one of the positive ones?

    3. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Selling KdB is insane I think. He has the strongest fixtures in the game now and if you have him he's a powerful differential.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Even to get Son as Captain? My plan was to get KDB back for 19 after FH 18.

        GW17; KDB+Taylor >> Son(C)+Stones
        GW18; FH
        GW19; BB; Son >> KDB

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not a fan?

  8. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which 2 would you play ??

    1) Soucek
    2) Coufal
    3) Dallas
    4) Adams

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

      1 and 2

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Own all 4 and playing 1 and 3 personally

  9. SM001
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Quick question: I've Wildcarded this gameweek(17). If I transfer out Son for KDB between 17&18 and use my FreeHit will KDB be in my team when my team reverts back?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same team as GW17.

    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No you free hitted

    3. SM001
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tits

    4. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Every transfer made for gw 18 using FH will revert back to your gw 17 team.

  10. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else who are planning on bench boost in gmw26? And what are the disadvantages? Cheers

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Team will have more money on bench for longer.

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        not if you already are skipping that and using TC in 19?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          BB = expensive bench with no fodder.

  11. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH18 BB19

    pick one...

    A) Soucek + KDB + Martial

    B) Rashford + Son + Watkins

  12. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1 and 4

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail to ATIMIS

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate !

  13. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good old fashion g2g?

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Kolman, dias
    Grealish, Salah(c),Fernandes, KdB, soucek
    Dcl, bamford

    Coufal, alioski,Adams

    1. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How you feeling without spurs players? Asking as my team is similar

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bad but font want to lose KdB so yeah

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Don't*

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

    I took out KDB for Mané as differential for double week alongside Salah ( FH week 18)

    Would you keep with Mané or now that City have double would you take hit to get KDB or run with Mané ? Asking now as may impact on free transfer today

    A get KDB back -4
    B Play Mané in double

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m captaining Mane today and moving to KDB in 18

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A for me now.

      What you thinking of doing? I’m thinking something similar with KDB...

      GW17; KDB+Taylor >> Son(C)+Stones/Lowton
      GW18; FH
      GW19; BB; Son >> KDB

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Or Cancelo in this week and then take a -4 to get Kdb back

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

        I would do Mitchell to Lowton this week but too much uncertainty over Fulham game. Think will bring in second keeper so not to lose free transfer and defer decision until next week.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah. What do you think I should do above?

  15. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Taylor to Maguire (-4)
    B. Play Coufal
    C. Play Dallas

    ???

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      B

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

      Depends on strategy but getting Maguire for 18 and then double for - 4 seems decent option to me

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to place 1st on bench
    A. Dallas
    B. Bednarek

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  17. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) DCL > Watkins
    B) DCL > Antonio
    C) Hold and wait for further info at the expense of -4

  18. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot with 1 FT?

    McCarthy
    Zouma, Ajayi, Mitchell
    Salah, Son (c), Bruno, Grealish
    DCL, Vardy, Bamford

    Bisouma, Taylor (!), Coufal

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd use the FT.

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

    Play Kilman or Coufal?

  20. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2FTs and need to burn at least one before FH in 18. Just 0.3itb to work with. Kind of at a loss, if you’re willing to help out.
    1) Grealish, Kilman > El Ghazi, Cancelo
    2) Grealish, Wilson > Son(c), Brewster
    3) Other?

    McCarthy, Forster
    Chilwell, Targett, Coufal, KWP, Kilman
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Wilson

    1. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kilman to Holding maybe? No double but more nailed

  21. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender for 4.9 or under?

    1. keotes
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones is 4.9 but rising in price tonight

    3. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones

  22. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who should I start
    A) Taylor
    B) Coufal
    C) Dallas

    1. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have all 3. Gone Dallas

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

      I started Taylor but dont think he'll play.

      Coufal first on the bench.

  23. Calculated Risks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? Also full 15 for gw19 bench boost and free hitting next week. 0 ft 0.9itb
    Martinez
    Robbo, Dallas, Justin
    Salah (c), Mane, Maddison, Soucek, Bruno ( vc)
    Wood, Bamford
    Mccarthy, Adams, Coufal, Taylor *

  24. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best Matip replacement for 6.8 or under? (already have Dias & Chilwell)

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think the ideal defense is:

      Liverpool City Chelsea WestHam Leeds

  25. bruuuno
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best dgw def up to 4.9? Stones?
    Have Coufal Cancelo Dallas Justin

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yea

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A soton one or Stones

  26. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    who scores more by the end of DGW.

    A) Rashford
    B) Son

    +

    1) Watkins
    2) Antonio

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Whatever RMT says.

    2. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tie

      Watkins

  27. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Zouma or Ogbonna?

  28. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Dallas
    Salah KDB Bruno Soucek
    Kane (c) Bamford

    Steer JWP Brewster J.Lewis

    Bench:
    A) Coufal
    B) Dallas
    C) Warde-Prowse

  29. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Soucek or Bowen?

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bowen

  30. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Clyne