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

    Frustrating week to own Pope. Either a match against one of the weaker teams in the league with a bunch of diseased players on the back of last week's clean sheet, or a blank awaits

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

    thinking of bringing in a West Ham defender over city/utd/spurs/chelsea - must have lost my mind!

    Any early WH team news yet?

  3. Sid1891
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka to Zaha for a hit only this GW?

    Thanks

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For a hit no

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Zaha is never worth a hit. Believe me I've got him

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  4. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor > Rob Holding Or Save FT

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

      did that yest

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can anyone else not get a decent Free Hit week 18 team. So many drafts and not happy with any of them

        1. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          define decent

    2. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would have Balbuena & Coufal on field if I saved

    3. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same issue, might save & get a city defender using 2 FT

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

      depends on your bench and BGW, DGW plans.

      I just made the transfer, will play him this GW and in BGW18, no FH18. Don't need either him or Taylor for DGW.

    5. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What about Pieters?

  5. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    thoughts on these transfers after FH week?

    Lamptey + DCL ---> Antonio + Pieters (-4)

  6. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost:
    Who to get in for GW17 and BGW18?

    A) Fernandez
    B) Holding

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

      if Fernandez is Newcastle one, then B for sure

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's right. Cheers

  7. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I assume Justin is nailed as nailed gets?

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, it's his spot to lose

    2. Won't sleep till after…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Rodgers loves him. No sign of a return for Pereira yet either.

  8. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    okay lads, need a Lil help for y'all, I kept the decision for my 2FTs till the end and now I'm genuinely confused about the moves

    Martinez (Forster)
    Robbo Dallas Coufal Stones Taylor
    Salah Son Bruno KDB Bissouma
    Bam Che Welbeck

    I want to use the FTs to remove Welbeck and Taylor ideally, but the thought of downgrading KDB to Rashford/Barnes has crossed my mind as well.

    Any help would be reciprocated with wishes for a green arrow for your team :))

    Thankssss

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

      Dont remove kdb. He has an excellent double in 19

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

      Bissouma to soucek or a Leeds mid? Ready for the double

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

    Adams to Watkins for free?

  10. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zouma to start?

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes but 2 pointer incoming

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

      Would thick so.

  11. Bergkamps second touch
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Ederson confirmed to be out or is it just rumours?

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

      Confirmed. He's self-isolating.

      1. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        wow

        1. DandyDon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          any ideas on other one out?

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

    what's likelihood of Taylor be back in time for dgw?

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

    5.4 to spend, Harrison or soucek?

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sou for me

  14. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH18 BB19. Last call, Taylor to Lowton and play over Dallas?

    1FT 0.2m ITB

    Johnstone
    Robertson Justin Dallas
    Salah Son (C) Bruno (VC) Soucek Raphinha
    Vardy Bamford

    McCarthy - Adams Coufal Taylor*

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

      Yes

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ta

  15. Uncle Gamst
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any thoughts on which is better most appreciated.

    a) Kane > Aguero
    b) Dier > Stones

    Man City - BHA CRY/AV wba
    Tottenham avl shu LIV

    For -8, I'm also content to bring in Dias & KdB for Justin & Salah who blank in GW18. City also seem to have the easier GW19 & GW20 opposition;

    Man City - CRY/AVL, wba
    Liverpool - MUN/BUR, tot
    Leicester - SOU/CHE, eve

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

    Bench Adams, Raphina or Soucek?

    1. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adams

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

      adams

  17. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    bring in Harvey Barnes or Raphinha?

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can't trust Barns to finish in an open goal

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

      Definitely raphinha

  18. the snazzy viking
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Keep Zouma
    B) Sell Zouma for 5.5 def (who?)

    cheers

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For Dier

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maguire

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

      Keep

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

      Keep

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

      Keep

    6. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      thanks all

  19. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any last minute thoughts here? One free transfer & 0.5 itb ?

    McCarthy
    Dias Dier Dallas
    Salah Son (C) Grealish KDB Fernandes
    DLC Bamford

    Subs: Brewster, Balbuena, Konsa

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team! Hold

  20. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bruno or Kane/Son for the armband?

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

      Defo going for a spurs player - villa will likely be hard to break down

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

      I have same dilemma, keep changing. Currently back on son

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

      Son

    4. bring_on _the_fantasy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane - Due and big on and on pens

  21. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to get in this week and for the DGW19?
    A) Dallas
    B) Stones

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

      B

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

      A

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

    Would you start Rodrigo or Stones

  23. lankdog
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best mid for £8.8m or under for the next two GWS? Planning on doing Salah & Adams >> Kane & someone ahead of GW18, before moving back for the DGW

  24. pratikpaw
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best 6.4m replacement for Taylor? Have Cancelo, Dallas, Justin and Coufal.

    A) Maguire
    B) Saiss
    C) Bellerin/Tierney
    D) Dias (city double up)
    E) Chilwell

    Thanks!!

  25. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor to:
    A) Holding 3 games (wba, CRY, NEW)
    B) Pieters 4 games (FUL, MUN, whu, liv) more attacking potential and 0.1 cheaper

    Free hit 18 available

    1. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley Fulham might get postponed

      1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  26. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hello guys, would like it if y'all could give your suggestions

    1- start DCL or soucek (thinking of starting DCL)
    2- captain son/kane/Fernandes (thinking son/kane coz Leeds)
    3- Taylor bednarek alioski zouma Dunne are my defenders, save FT & buy a city defender next GW or do Taylor to holding?

  27. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy fast in here now!!

    Best 4.3 defender ?

    Killman
    One of the cheap pool defenders?
    Leeds?

  28. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who should you captain?

    A. Kane
    B. Son
    C. Bruno

  29. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka or Zaha?

  30. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can only keep one, but which one? (Have Bamford)

    A )Dallas
    B) Raphina