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. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need to do a transfer this week as FH18 and BB19. 0 ITB

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robertson Justin Coufal, Lowton Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Soucek
    Adams Kane Bamford

    Any suggestions? Thanks

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

      Justin - > Stones possible?

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

      Nothing to do really. Adams to Watkins if you fancy him more but you could just roll it

      1. Garfield1001
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cannot roll I am afraid as going to FH next week.

        You think Watkins is a better option?

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

    Bench one:

    A) Creswell - EVE(A)
    B) Raphinha - TOT(A)
    C) Adams - LIV(H)

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      c

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

      c

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

    If I have 2FT then FH, will I have 2FT after of the FH week?

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

      You know

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

        I genuinley don't... pls answer?

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          resets to 1 FT

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

            Thank you

            1. Trippier Hazard
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Haha, Torres even changed his name!

        2. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          am sure you know..

  4. Mikey44
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TAA or Vardy for the dgw? Thanks

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

      Vardy

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

    Need a 4.5 def

    A) Balbuena
    B) Holding
    C) Alioski
    D) Lowton
    E) Clyne

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I went Holding but I have Coufal.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      I've got a) and c) with DGW in mind

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

      Cheers all

  6. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Going to be a long weekend for people with 3 City player. Me included.

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

      Why?

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

        Another 3 players with covid and we won't know until Sunday.

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

      Longer for those with none.

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn’t be to worried

  7. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you sell for Stones this week?

    A. Konsa
    B. Taylor
    C. Mitchell
    D. Save and reconsider next week

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Taylor

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell

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

    Most nailed budget enabler and DGW19 player?
    A Struijk
    B Nat Phillips
    C Ryhs Williams

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

      B but it’s close with a

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

    Given that I have Fabianski in goal, who to start out of these two?
    A) Kilman (bha)
    B) Coufal (eve)

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

      A. DCL will score

  10. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Johnstone forster
    Dias dier dalas kilman target
    Salah son bruno lokman grealish
    Bamford vardy dcl

    2 ft, 0.2 itb, didnt plan anything for upcoming gws, this gw plan is grealish lokman johnstone/kilman out with a hit, might play FH in dgw19, whats your thoughts ?

  11. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who’s my best captain choice this GW?

    1. KDB
    2. Bruno
    3. Salah
    4. Kane

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

      2

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

      2, or maybe 4

    3. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      4

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

      4

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

    1 - GTG?
    2 - Is 8 enough for gw18 if I did Salah to KDB?

    Martinez
    Dier Dias TAA
    Salah Bruno (vc) Son (c) Raphinha
    Kane Bamford DCL

    Steer Soucek Coufal Dougla 1FT 0.7ITB

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

    Thoughts on Mané as differential captain?

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

      I'm seriously considering it.

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

      Like it.

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

      In for a penny.

    4. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was thinking of selling for bruno.

    5. squits
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have him and salah. Think mane captain for this one.

  14. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which gameweek does the YC ban go from 5 yellows to 10 yellows?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      After the team has played 19 games

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

      After 19 games ( but as Villa missed 2 is week 21 for likes of Grealish)

    3. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      After 19 games played. Different GW for each team

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers everyone

  15. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The best Bowen replacement for 6.7 in your opinion:

    Raphinha, Neto, El Ghazi, Soucek, Saka or Barnes?

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      El Ghazi

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        El Ghazi has high chance to be benched

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes

  16. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez - Ryan
    Dias - Cancelo - Zouma - Dallas - Mitchell
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Neto - Anguissa
    Kane - DCL - Bamford
    1 ft., .5 itb

    These rumors about Cancelo seem to have legs, and I am concerned he may not even play both matches in GW 19. I am considering transferring him out for Justin. It would leave me with just 7 players for GW 18 (I have the FH but don't want to use it). Does this seem like a good idea?

  17. tropicain
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi everybody,

    I have a question concerning the rules. As many players I'm going to play FH for GW18. What happens when the deadline is passed concerning the price of the players in your team? You get your team from GW17 back but I think that, as many of us will play their FH, a lot of players will lose value. Then, what will be the prices of the players in your team once back?

    Imagine, I have Grealish and keep him for this GW. But I'm going to sell him while DL is passed tonight and push the FH button. He is going to lose value this evening. Will he be back for GW19 with a price drop of 0.1 (or maybe more if he doesn't perform well - he surely will get his 5th YC) or at the price I sold him when free hitting?

    Thanks for your answers.

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

      It's like you didn't log into FPL for a week, team moves value.

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

      Price changes for your gw17 will happen normally "in the background" during your fh18. So your team value in 19 will be the same as if you did nothing to your 17 team.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Your team will revert to as it was before. If the players you had previous week before FH are more expensive, then they are. If all 15 have dropped in proce twice, ie lost .2 tv, your new tv is 3 million less.

    4. tropicain
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks a lot! That's what I thought . I hoped not but now I'd better make my 2 FTs this week then... Damn no idea what to do!

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

    Pick one to downgrade and save money for BB19 (I'll do 15 DGW players):

    Grealish

    Martial

    1. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i think the answer's Jack

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

        Jack has one card away from ban, but Martial might not start both gw19 games

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

    Bottomed

    Bench 1

    Z Zouma
    S Soucek
    D Dallas
    R Raphinha

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D

  20. L S P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores move between 17-19?

    A) Grealsih (mun TOT EVE mci)
    B) Neto (bha EVE WBA)
    C) Saka (wba CRY NEW)

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      I'm taking a punt on Saka

      1. L S P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Big Sam scares me but I need to free some cash for 19 which means Jack has to go.

        I think. Blerg.

  21. 2OLEgend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench and who to captain?

    Martinez (McCarthy)
    Dallas, Dias, Zouma Cresswell, Coufal
    Soucek, Raphina, Salah, Bruno, Son
    DCL, Bamford, Vardy

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

      Captain Bruno

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Captain Son and bench West Ham boys

      1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Or maybe Zouma instead of Creswell

  22. TheBrat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1Dias
    2Mitchell
    3Coufal

    Pick one to play please....

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Has to be Dias

  23. Nemanja Vidic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    2FT 1.3 ITB

    Mendy (Steer)

    Regulion Saiss Justin (Coufal) (Mitchel)

    KBD Fernandes Son (VC) Grealish Saka

    Kane (C) Bamford (Brewster)

    17) Mendy -> Martinez
    18) Regulion - > Dias
    19) Kane Son Mitchel -> Watkins Salah AWB (KDB TC)

  24. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys I've done a tone of research and looks like these are the 5 positive players for City:

    Walker, Jesus, Doyle, F. Torres, Ederson

    I am not claiming that I am correct, just had done a ton of research and seems that the consensus on twitter is that those 5 are isolating and apparently Cancelo is fine. That could be wrong and maybe instead of Doyle, Cancelo to be one self-isolating.

    To conclude:

    Ederson - confirmed out
    Walker - confirmed out
    Jesus - confirmed out
    F. Torres - highly likely I would say 80% out
    Cancelo - 49% out, 51% in imo
    Doyle is 50 50.

    Take it out as you wish.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pep confirms City will have five players unavailable for their PL clash at CFC following positive COVID-19 tests. Walker, Jesus plus three unnamed players are in isolation. "I don't think the PL allow us to name [them] but you will know [on Sun]."

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

        Great detective work. Thank the lord it’s not Dias.

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

      The thing is, we don't know. Pep said 5 tested positive. You could be isolating and not be positive. So just because they're isolating doesn't mean they count as one of the 5...

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You are right we don't know, this is just educated guess.

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

        Hi, I like your comments. Thoughts on disadvantages with bench boost in gmw26? I dont know if my team fits gm19 with benchboost since I lack a goalie + struggle to spread the money. Cheers

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

        What is this based on? If you return a negative test why would you isolate?

  25. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    "How many times transfers do I have after ht? PS this is my eleventh season playing FPL and I am good at this!"

    Yes, without any shame I copied addition to my name from TM 😉

  26. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start Mitchell or Justin?

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Justin

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell won't play so there is that

  27. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do?
    A. James —> Maguire
    B. Kilman —> Lowton.

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  28. MikeS
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do if you had 7 players for gw18 and 10 dgw for 19 now with 1ft left?

    Fh 18 still and get another dgw player in now with my ft?

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

    Need to do a transfer this week as FH18 and BB19......0.2m

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Chilwell Cancelo Dallas Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Raphina Soucek
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    Any suggestions or just burn a transfer?

  30. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which 3 forwards are template for gw19 only?

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

      Bamford for sure - then vardy and Adams seem popular (Antonio could come back in the mix)

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

      Bamford + 2

    3. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My guess is for those with KDB, it will be Bamford, Watkins, Adams/Antonio.

      For those without KDB, it will be Vardy, Bamford, Watkins.

      Maybe Ings could get thrown in. there if he appears in form.