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. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Balbuena dropped then?

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

      Looks like Dawson is preferred

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

      Nope just rested for two in a row

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

    Anyone activated their FH yet.

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

      Could easily lose their FH if the league stopped.

      1. I Must Break You
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would hope they would cancel any chips played this week if the league is stopped?

  3. RED HOT CHILLI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What sorcery is this? I get a team in the Cup who's on 347 points and ranked 7.4m - and he free hits? What did I do to deserve this?

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

      You'll still win.

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

      hahaha

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

      this made me laugh for no reason

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Only started in gw11 though.

  4. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My cup opponent's team name is 'Golden showers'.

    Had a schoolboy chuckle at that.

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's a piss-poor name

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

    Why is the next game week in 12 days?

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

      we need a break

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

      FA cup

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

      Fa cup

  6. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    'Professional' watch:

    Fabio Borges: Adams to Watkins, Kane (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/440328/event/17

    Magnus Carlsen: save FT, Salah (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/76862/event/17

    Ville Ronka: Lewis to Holding, Bruno (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/617620/event/17

    Jay Egersdorff: Podence to Smith Rowe, Salah (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/259780/event/17

    Mark Sutherns: James to Justin, Salah (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/194/event/17

    Lateriser: save FT, Kane (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/55085/event/17

    Jan Sienkiewicz: -4 hit, Adams + Mane to Martial + Son, Son (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/3904/event/17

    Darren Wiles: save FT, Salah (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1331101/event/17

    Ola Hovde (OR #1 for last 7 GWs): Taylor to Coufal, Bruno (c)
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/4865323/event/17

    Happy new year and GL all

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      + Top 10k EO:

      Fernandes 114%
      Salah 111%
      Son 107%
      Bamford 86%
      Kane 71%
      Calvert-Lewin 58%
      Justin 52%
      Grealish 40%
      Martínez 33%
      Vardy 33%
      Robertson 32%
      Dallas 31%
      Mccarthy 31%

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

        top 10k captains
        Son 26.7%
        Kane 23,2%
        Bruno 21,8%
        Salah 21.6

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Really nice spread this GW
          Like it when there's not a dominating choice

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

        What!! We can't celebrate Fernandes or Salah points.

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

        So Fernandes and Salah are rank killers. Very scary that!

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yep, scary with my Kane (c)!

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

          How are they rank killers? if you own them both, 10% and 15% have there score doubled, hardly a killer, especially if your captain returns too

      4. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        capped vardy so need bruno,son and salah to blank...lol

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I really like the Vardy pick this GW

      5. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Sun - happy new year!

      6. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wow. I did not expect Salah to be that high

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

        Thanks for posting this every week mate.

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

        Did the same transfer as Rönkä, my live is complete

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

        Has Egg Doff been smoking? Smith-Rowe has had one shot in the last 3 weeks

      10. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I enjoy this every gw. Thanks Sun

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

        Those who FH 18 will lose cup to someone who FH 19 and vice versa. What's the point of cup anyway

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Everyone will get knocked by a dead team with Auba (c) over the next 3 GWs anyway

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

            Yes hahahaa

      12. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This is what I don't like about the Pro Pundits.
        They advice something else, and do something else.
        Lwteriser always said Leeds was more a Son fixture than a Kane fixture for him and even adviced people to bring in Son rather than Kane if they only want to bring in one. And he's now himself captained Kane?

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

          so what? who cares what they say? They guess. Just like the rest of us.

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

            I'm okay if his picks don't score.
            But advicing something else and then doing something else is not ethically correct I think

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

          Maybe, like normal humans, they changed their mind?

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

            Shouldn't they atleast inform everyone if they do so?

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

          Not the first time he pulls a stunt like that...

          1. John Terry’s dog
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Stunt ? LOL

        4. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Agree, there's a lot of it. Play your own game

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

          He has history of doing this. Imagine listening to his advice at all.

      13. Lev Yashin
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Anyone's team here called Pathetic Athletic?

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

        My day just got a bit better.I'm leading my mini league and second place got son in and captained last week for KDB . Didn't work out for him. Was sure he'd captain Son again and I don't have him. To my shock he has now got KDB back in for Son for a hit. We both captained Bruno. Sorry for the long post but I had to tell someone.

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

        Stop telling us your Cup opponents teams.

        No one is interested!

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

          My opponent is a dead team from Thailand!

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

          Oh go on, tell us yours!

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

        How do price changes work with FH?

        If I FH now do I get any rises from players I bring in?

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

          Only for this GW.

        2. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No only the players returning get rises & falls is my understanding

        3. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No

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

          Cheers all except Rupert

      17. Bolton’s Wanderers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Which would you prefer for GW18 and GW19?

        A) son and Antonio

        B) Podence and Martial

      18. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        For BGW18, Neco Williams to

        A. Mitchell ars
        B. Kilman EVE

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Another option is ssve FT and play 9

        2. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Struijk of Leeds is 3.9 and played last two

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Blank in 18, won't need him in DGW19

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

          See who plays.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            And if both play?

      19. Plagued by indecision
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Balbuena another annoyance I need rid of...

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

        I have this for GW18. Good enough and hope Taylor is fit?

        Martinez
        Dias Taylor*
        KDB Bruno Son Bissouma
        DCL

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It's the hope that kills

          Replace him

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

            Who upto 4.9?

      21. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FreeHitters,

        If we make a transfer and confirm before freehitting do we still have that free transfer done for GW19??

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

          no

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

            Together we may get the message across.

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

              I'll be changing back Tuesday.

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

          NO

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

            Nice username 🙂

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

          Glad you asked

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

          You could spend -44 and all the hits would be negated by your FH

        5. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          lol

      22. G00LI0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Anyone else moved early on Antonio? A cameo goal today will start a bandwagon running into GW19

      23. Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If I wildcard. Can I change my mind and free hit later on?

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

          As long as you don't confirm sure

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

          You can indeed by making your transfers and not activating either chip at the time.

          You can then play either chip and it will wipe out the points hits.

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

        Ooh juicy. Can do...

        Bednarek and Kilman
        To
        Stones and Strujik for free

        Yay or nay?

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          N

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

            Why.

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Bednarek have double to come. Kilman looks nailed atm

              Stones is great but don't think he's nailed for both matches in 19. Plus no Ederson and I think you're doubling up City D. Struijk is enigmatic pick

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

                Terrible double but I did actually forget he has one wow!

                Ok well I'm stuck for week 18. This is my problem.

                Cheers

        2. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe but way too early to think about

      25. Dream Killers 2.0
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Whoops! First time I've forgotten the deadline in a long time. My strategy was to FH in 18 and BB in 19. Have two FTs going into 18.
        Perhaps I should change my strategy now...? What do you think?

        Martinez
        Robertson, Chilwell, Allioski
        Bruno, Son, Salah, Grealish
        DCL, Bamford, Adams

        Steer, Bowen, Cresswell, Mitchell

      26. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Martinez
        Taylor Dias Holding
        Bruno Son
        Kane DCL

        This is the best thing I can do for the upcoming GW18. I think I will FH.

        No FH: Martinez Taylor Holding DCL
        FH team: Lloris Maguire Stones KDB Rashford Saka Wilson

        Is it worth?

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

          You can only get 4 attackers with your free transfer?

          1. Shark Team
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It would mean I have to lose one of Salah Raphinha Soucek Bamford, all of them I need for my DGW19 BB team

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

              You're so close to be able to save your FH though such a waste.

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

        Am i have to make my 2 transfers now and after that hit the free hit or first free hit and after that the trasnfers for gw19???

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

          Like a WC, hit before deadline.
          Should have used the FT.

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

          All transfers are cancelled when you use the FH. Doesn't matter how many transfers you make before the FH. Your team will go back to what it was at the end of GW17.

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

        Just went to get my team ready for GW18 and have only 4 players left. 😀

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

          Living up to your nickname

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

          So you'll FH and have a great GW19 team.

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

            Yep. Have 9 Players plus Son and Kane. Considering whether to keep them or bring in Man City and Villa Players. Probably TC Salah.

      29. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Does anyone have a link to the doubles? Ive been going off the ticker, so I didn't get in a City defender this week only to realise they do infect have a double.

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

        Balbuena benched again omg

      31. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Everyone's talking about the cup yet I didn't even manage to qualify after last weeks disaster...

      32. Patio Kev
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Right got 9 players for GW18 and 2 FT so thinking of bringing in 2 players that play in GW18 and then have doubles or a decent fixture in GW19. Any good suggestions ?

      33. Plymouth
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Considering you want for example Rashford and Holding on the FH team, shouldnt we bring them in today before the price rise?

        Just to avoid the potential of risking for example 0.2 on your preferred FH team closer to the deadline?

      34. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Make or break for Mark's WC team.