Scout Notes

Can FPL managers still rely on Liverpool assets for Double Gameweek 19?

SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 LIVERPOOL

  • Goals: Danny Ings (£8.3m)
  • Assists: James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m)
  • Bonus points: Ings x3, J Stephens x2, Bednarek x1

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Liverpool assets put in the worst possible audition for Double Gameweek 19 as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Monday night.

During their last Premier League match before they host Manchester United and Burnley, the Reds struggled to offer much in the way of attacking quality, continuing a concerning trend ahead of the upcoming mini chip season.

Over the three matches that followed the 7-0 win at Crystal Palace, Liverpool have scored just one goal and taken two points from a possible nine. Such an achievement is all the more discouraging considering they faced West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle and Southampton.

For the first time since May 2018, Jurgen Klopp’s men have now failed to score in back-to-back league matches, having found the net in each of their 21 previous outings.

“What was disappointing (about the defeat)? How long have we got? We were not good enough. It’s our fault, my responsibility, that’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool can hardly protest at their misfortune either as they failed to register a shot on target until the 75th minute when Sadio Mané (£11.9m) finally found some space to shoot but tested Fraser Forster (£4.0m) only with a low, scuffed effort.

That was the longest the Reds have had to wait for an accurate effort in a Premier League match since December 2015, 89 minutes into a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle two months into Klopp’s Liverpool tenure.

“We were dominant in the right areas, had the moments but then the decision-making was not that good. The last pass, we missed the last pass. I heard now we only had one shot on target; we had a lot of shots next to the target which we did not finish, but even with them we probably did not have enough for the moments we had. Our fault, my responsibility and that’s it.” – Jurgen Klopp

ALWAYS CAPTAIN… WHO?

Fantasy managers considering Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) for the Double Gameweek 19 captaincy are almost certainly having second thoughts in the break between Gameweeks 17 and Blank Gameweek 18.

After scoring 16 points as a substitute against Crystal Palace, the Egyptian has now blanked in each of his last three Premier League appearances.

That is the longest he has gone without an attacking return in 2020/21 and, against Southampton, there was very little in the way of straws to clutch at.

Most of Liverpool’s play went down the left-hand side through Andrew Robertson (£7.4m) and Mané on Monday night, their crosses into the box well dealt with by Jack Stephens (£4.6m) and Jan Bednarek (£4.9m) before they could get through to Salah. As a result, Southampton now have more clean sheets in the last four matches (three) than any other side.

Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.8m) also impressed in his handling of Liverpool’s left-sided attackers and in one of the rare moments where Mané got the better of him, the cross was just too high for Salah to get over it, his effort going over the bar.

Meanwhile, the right-winger’s link-up with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) was virtually non-existent as the Englishman had one of his worst games in a Liverpool shirt to date. He gave the ball away 38 times against Southampton, the most of any player in one match this season – and he only featured for 77 minutes before James Milner (£5.3m) replaced him.

So then… what now for Salah as a captain candidate in Double Gameweek 19? After all, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) scored a double-digit haul operating as a false-nine at Chelsea and faces Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in that round.

Meanwhile, both of Bruno Fernandes‘ (£11.3m) Double Gameweek 19 matches are on the road, where he has produced 10 points per game this season.

And the other advantage they have over Salah is another chance to impress. It is clear that Liverpool have serious attacking problems right now but the only chance Fantasy managers will have to assess whether or not they have made progress in solving them is a third-round FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

However, how much we will be able to read into that match remains to be seen. Considering the busy December schedule, which does not let up in January, Klopp and Dean Smith are almost certain to chop and change their teams.

As a result, potential Salah backers have only the last three matches to rely on for their captaincy decision – and they were not encouraging.

By contrast, De Bruyne and Fernandes both feature in Blank Gameweek 18 bringing their existing form into relatively appealing matches likely to allow for encouraging Double Gameweek 19 captaincy auditions.

“They are football problems; yes, we are worried about that but football problems you solve with football and that’s what we are working on. We know about the situation, we are not silly, and we have to show a reaction, 100 per cent.” – Jurgen Klopp

SITTING ON DEFENCE

Liverpool’s Monday-night defeat did not do wonders for their defensive assets ahead of Double Gameweek 19 either.

Once again, they were patched up in that department, Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) dropping into centre-back alongside Fabinho (£5.4m) in Joel Matip‘s (£5.4m) continued absence.

However, a lapse in concentration during an early James Ward-Prowse (£6.2m) free-kick from Alexander-Arnold allowed Danny Ings (£8.3m) to nip in and find the net.

“His finishing is quality but he works hard for the team too. It is important that he is fit and he’s back.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Interest in Liverpool defenders had been relatively high for this game considering Southampton went three matches without scoring between Gameweeks 14 and 16.

They even came into Gameweek 17 with a number of key absentees including Alex McCarthy (£4.7m), Jannik Vestergaard (£4.8m), Oriol Romeu (£4.5m) and Che Adams (£6.1m) who missed out due to self-isolation, knee issues, a calf problem and concussion respectively.

“Oriol [Romeu], maybe one or two weeks out, so hopefully for the Leicester game he is back. Moussa [Djenepo], looks not so good. Che [Adams] is only out with a concussion, so hopefully also back as soon as possible.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

They even lost Moussa Djenepo (£5.4m) to hamstring problem during the first half, making way for 21-year-old Nathan Tella (£4.4m), but still had enough about them to absorb Liverpool’s pressure and stretch the visitors’ defence on the counter-attack in key moments.

“(Djenepo) had a bad injury history with his muscles. It was maybe a setback. I said to him head-up, he will come back strong and I tried to give him a lift.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

“We had so many injuries and still competed. I think the system works.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Southampton XI (4-4-2): Forster; Bertrand, Bednarek, J Stephens, Walker-Peters; Djenepo (Tella 32′), Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Armstrong; Walcott (Valery 82′), Ings (Nlundulu 77′).

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Fabinho, J Henderson, Alexander-Arnold (Milner 77′); Oxlade-Chamberlain (Shaqiri 57′), Wijnaldum, Thiago; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 17

1,182 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How does price change work while using Free Hit? Can the players I had before Free Hit go cheap?

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

      Anyone in your team prior to free hit will either go up or down.

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

      Yep, the prices will keep changing and you won't really know by how much until you get your team back in GW 19.

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

    I really hope they don’t cancel the season. Football is the only thing getting some people through. Exercise in this weather isn’t ideal and there’s not much more you can do. 40 cases from 20 teams is not much considering it’s staff and coaches being tested as well

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

      They already said there will be no cancellation.

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

        Everyone has been saying there won’t be this throughout this and then it happens. Vaccinate the players and let them get on with it no more testing

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Vaccinate footballers before the vulnerable?

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

            They’re tested weekly before the vulnerable 🙂

          2. F4L
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            soon the UK will be vaccinating 1.5 million a week. Vaccinating 1,000 people who are currently involved with the PL or thereabouts wouldn't have a massive opportunity cost at all.

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

          It's not clear yet if vaccination prevents transmission, ethical questions aside about vaccinating fit, millionaire footballers over the clinically vulnerable and care workers

          1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Don't forget the precious teachers.

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

      I would say the worry is more that when it is clustered like it was at city, the chances that someone like a more elderly manager or club staff contracts it are higher. One in 50 might not sound too bad until you have 5 cases at one club.

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

        These managers will have the best private care in the country. I think they realise there’s nothing to worry about on their side of things

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

          managers like roy hodgeson and Sam allardcye really do not have 'nothing to worry about' because they, presumably, have private health care. They are both extremely high risk, along with numerous other PL and football league managers. I'm not sure if you're ignorant or just minimising the threat to them for other reasons

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

            Big Sam recently took the job. I can understand Woy but Big Sam nah not having it he knows the risks

            1. Well you know, Triffic
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Sam already said he's worried by covid

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

              what a dumb comment.

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I agree I don't think the government would stop it for that reason + financial reasons. But if the players feel their safety is at risk then I think it'll be stopped at short notice with no questions asked. But the PL sounds like they're happy to continue. Hope it carries on and gives us something to kill some time with in this lockdown.

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      60000 new cases in the UK today it s unreal. But money talks and can't see the league getting stopped

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

      I don't think they will cancel\suspend season just yet but surely idiots like Mendy or Mitrovic ain't helping.

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Should be automatic 10-game ban for players proven to have flouted rules.

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

      They will desperately try not to.

      There is the financial impact AND th impact on people who love football and will want to watch it as they dont have otehr things to do.

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

    Sterling instead of De Bruyne viable if chasing?

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

      He’ll be a big differential to him but if KDB outscores you’re chasing gets a lot harder

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

      Im debating similar.

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

      Just get both. The fixtures they have you have to think the worst case scenario is that it turns out to do no better than other choices.

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

        I'm considering this at the expense of Salah for the double

  4. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is forster set to play both games in the DGW? this literally decided if i bench boost or TC

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

      Think McCarthy will be back by then. He never tested positive just his wife

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        too much worrying. triple captain it is

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

      Doubt it. And no way I’d be playing BB after today’s news that premier league cases have doubled

      1. zizoo10
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        good point, didnt think of it that way

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I doubt. 2 weeks before Saints play again in the PL. McCarthy should be back. Worst case he misses one and plays one.

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

      McCarthy is first choice. If fit he'll start

  5. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Dias
    Grealish KDB Bruno
    DCL Kane

    Could take a -4 (James to Cancelo)

    FH or take a hit? Will bb19 and do the above transfer before it anyway.

    Possible FH team

    Steffen
    Tierney Schar Dias
    Rashford KDB Bruno Son Saka
    Wilson Kane

    Steer Yedlin Mitchell Brewster

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

    FH-ers - are you going just Bruno or Rashford / Martial alongside him?

    Since 0-5 defeat against Man City, Burnley played 6 PL games and conceded only 3 goals in those.

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

      Most likely rashford

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

        very tempted by him too - he returned in each Man Utd away games, averaging 8 pts / away game.

        Just those Burnley stats pushes me away a little bit

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

      Prob Rashford.

      Martial too risky with Cavani lurking.

      1. MSTRKRFTSMN
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cavan I has a 3 match ban

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

          Which expires right on time for the Burnley game. He'll have served it by the time the game comes around.

        2. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          which will be fully served by the time the Burnley match comes around. Villa, City, Watford.

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

      Just Bruno and prioritising on City mids

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

      Got kicked out way too early!

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

      Gutted, missed out by 1 point on gwk10. Tough competition!

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still going somehow, although managed to finish first out of everybody still in it in GW17!

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

        Amazing score, will see if you can get an article mention.

    4. STEP rOVERS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      53 on the dot.....

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

        🙂

  7. fantasywizard
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will you play this 9 players on BGW18 or would you free hit?

    Martinez
    Dias, Maguire
    Son, Bruno, KDB, Saka (or Smith-Rowe)
    Kane, Watkins

    Cheers!

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

      I'd play 9

  8. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Maguire Holding Lascelles* Taylor*
    KdB Fernandes Saka
    Wilson Watkins Kane
    ¦ Salah Soucek Coufal

    1 FT, 1.3 ITB

    Taylor -> [?]

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

      Lowton

  9. stachman
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is gameweek 19 going to make up for all postponed matches? Or are there going to be some more double gamweeks again? I ask about current situation of course, not about situation when some other games will get postponed for any reason. Basilcy - will all teams have equal number of played matches after GW19?

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

      There will be a record number of DGWs this season. There's still the COVID postponed games to play so City, Villa, Everton, Fulham etc. all have DGWs after 19.

      So the answer is a definitive no.

  10. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    i can get this team for free, do i still Free Hit ?

    Martinez
    Cancel • Mitchell
    Bruno • KDB • Rashford • Son
    DCL • Watkins

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Similar position to myself.
      Its right on the border of FH or not to .
      Im considering saving the FH now.

      You have most the players that could hurt you the most.

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

      No but a hit or two

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

      FH is one of the most valuable chips and i wouldnt be using it if you have 9 players

  11. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Team as it stands with 1.2m itb and 1 FT.
    MARTINEZ
    Taa,Chilwell,DIAS
    GREALISH,FERNANDES,Salah,Raphinia
    KANE,Watkins,Bamford

    Johnstone,Soucek,Dallas,Coufal
    ( 6 PLAYERS IN CAPS PLAYING wk 18.)

    plan A. :- GW 18 FH GW 19 . BB Grealish,Kane >> KDB,Antonio/Adams -4 . 15 DGWers.

    plan B. :- GW 18. TAA,Salah >> Cancelo,KDB -4 giving me 8 starters.
    GW 19. BB Kane,Grealish > Vardy,Rashford -4
    or Kane,Grelish > Martial/ Ings + Salah -4.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Option B saves the FH but only 8 playing in 18.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d say you’re borderline, probably just on the wrong side of the border and should FH.
      But don’t. Take that -4 hit, maybe even bring in another player who plays in 18 & has a dbl as well (Utd & City) for a -8 and push through it.
      There’s gunna be more carnage to come. The FH will be a powerful chip this year I think

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

      Your plan B. :- GW 18. TAA,Salah >> Cancelo,KDB -4 & stick for 19? Why transfer out/back playing players with good fixtures?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I want KDB in. Without using the FH Salah who has no game this week would have to go.
        Maybe if Salah goes then he should stay gone until after they play Spurs.

        Bringing TAA in was a mistake.

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

          So keep KDB for the good fixtures. A non-performing 12.5 asset for 2 games v City over 3 when even Soucek v Bur/Wba looks a preferable option for 19

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thats the point ill be getting him in for Salah but he will be staying.
            If Salah comes back then kane would fund Grealish >> Salah/ Rashford
            So id have both KDB and Salah/Rashford from 19.

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

              Deliberated this for a while as it suited my purpose also: Kane out (without Son) is your call as a manager. As a Son owner (and holding) can't & don't want to make that call. Your call!

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

    Darlow a stand-out GK option for me for FH

    Playing Sheffield is a CS potential and what is more he is 3rd in most saves made this season

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

      Will Sheffield have a shot on target?

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

        CS points for me if not 😉

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

      Him or Leno look good

    3. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Schar potentially with an odd goal could be a great option too.

  13. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I currently have 11 for GW18 but one of them is Lamptey.

    Is it worth taking a -4 to get him out for another, do we know anything more about his injury? I would probably bring in Holding.

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Take the hit. Holding is a much better choice than Lamptey in the long term anyway.

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I did Lamptey to Holding 2 weeks ago. Over the moon with it. But not sure if it’s the perfect time to get him now as he doesn’t have a DGW in 19. But if you’re FHing in 19 then he’s a decent-ish pick

  14. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Has anyone ever had a rival or anyone they actually know as a cup opponent?

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

      Not me, and with 4.1m qualifying the chances are pretty slim. Would be fun for bragging rights though

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

      I've always wondered whether I've drawn anybody famous/celebrity status in the cups. Would be very pleasing to know if the team that I knocked out in GW17 was someone like Danny Murphy or Adrian Durham 🙂

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you know 1,000 people that play FPL, there's about a one in 7,000 chance you will draw one of them in any cup round, so whilst it is obviously possible, it is also pretty unlikely.

    4. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I drew Magnus Carlsen once ... he beat me but I got my own back by leathering him at the clever man's chess, also known as draughts

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

    Anyone made a COVID proof GW18 FH team?

    By this I mean having 2 players in every game just in case.

    I see most FH teams avoiding the Everton - Wolves game. But if say Arsenal - CPL gets called off and you have triple Arsenal and Mitchell, you're pretty screwed.

    Thinking I might have some cheap options from that game just in case.

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

      Not on FH but a functioning bench is clearly valuable on a FH during these times

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

      Not on FH, but it's certainly a variable I'm working into transfers v points

  16. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah to Rashford and Taylor to Cancelo for a hit? Gets me up to 10 players this week

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds good to me

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

      Nice if you can do it and save your chips

  17. MSTRKRFTSMN
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Walker will return for city v Brighton and Cancelo move to left back?

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

      If Walker tests negative by then, yes. Mendy seems to be out of favour.

  18. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Keep changing my mind on what to do, wish I had 0.1 to do Adams>Watkins

    Martinez
    Dias, Cancelo, Mitchell*
    KDB (C), Bruno, Grealish
    DCL

    Forster, Robbo, Dallas, Salah, Soucek, Bamford, Adams

    1 FT, 0.0 ITB

    A) Free Hit
    B) Free Hit & Triple Captain 19
    C) Bench Boost 19 (DCL, Mitchell and Forster > Watkins/Rodrigo, Coufal/James and Johnstone/Randolph) for -4 before DW19
    D) Just Triple Captain 19

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

      I'd do C but maybe with a United defender instead of Coufal/James so that you can field an additional player in GW18 and BB in 19.

      1. Super John McGinn-
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers mate

  19. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Play Burke
    B) Play Mitchell
    C) Sell Mahrez for max 9.9 and play him (-4)
    D) Kane, Mahrez to Lacazette, Fernandes (-8)

    Which option would you go for?

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

      Mahrez would be benched this GW and go in GW20 (FH19) anyway so getting rid of him is not a factor in the decision, he goes in all scenarios.

  20. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Record number of positive Covid tests in premier league clubs last week.

    It’s out of control

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

      You think???

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

      There were also a record number of tests conducted (800 more than the previous week) so the number positive tests would be expected to go up.

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Meh, as long as its not the vulnerable catching it then so be it. Once the vulnerable are vaccinated by late March/early April, you'll probably see a big increase in the R rate as restrictions are lifted, but a massive decrease in hospitalisations and deaths.

      The PL will have to come to terms with the reality of the situation soon that if they are going to postpone games if a squad has 2/3 positive cases, the season will not be finished

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

      One more than yesterday is record many, doesn't mean it's out of control. Stop spreading panic!

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

        I fear we will be seeing a lot more scare-mongering posts from managers with poor ranks who want the season stopped.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Teams too. We saw this on Project Restart from the likes of Brighton, Watford and Villa and bound to see similar from relegation-threatened teams this time around.

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

            True

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

        In the context of 'elite sportsperson bubbles' and the 1/50 rate, along with repeated breaches coming to light I think it's fair enough to say 'out of control' without it being a ridiculous claim

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Crack down on the breaches, it seems clear that a few of the outbreaks can be traced back to these. Substantial bans/fines, then the message will start to get through. Lack of real consequences for the rulebreaking has been one of the main drivers of the spread in this country, IMO.

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

      50% more tests you fail to mention. Still only 1.7% positive. 40 isn't that much across all the people involved.

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

        It's basically the national average. And the national average has just been described at an extreme concern

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

          It is an extreme concern for the national population but I don't think it's going to change their mind on elite sports continuing.

  21. richarlison2348
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is taking a -12 to do kane, son, kilman, balbuena out for de bruyne, watkins, cancelo, and wan bissaka in gw 19 a smart move? I'd like to BB in 19 but isn't the end of the world if I can't.

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think that is a very good move. Kane and Son could outscore SGWs so I wouldn't take a hit to get rid of them. You do need KDB though.

      1. richarlison2348
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have no other way of getting him though, without taking out either salah or fernandes.

        1. TRIPOS TOPPER
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          you can't have them all

          but taking out Son and Kane for -12 on the week they p[lay possible the worst team in PL history seems mental

          1. richarlison2348
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            You think it will be fine if I go into the double GW without De Bruyne? I just assumed he was essential.

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

              Son and Kane could easily outscore KDB and Watkins even with their single game against Sheff Utd. Factor in the 12pt hit on top and it seems risky. No one is essential.

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

          I'm going in without Salah. On Liverpools current form I'd prioritise getting KDB over Salah, and then that frees up some extra £ to upgrade someone else.

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

    You, me, myself and I are anonymous and not verifiable sources 🙂

    Post the link to a source of information, so others can judge the validity and context for themselves - covid, injuries, contracts, etc.

    1. richarlison2348
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I can get behind this comment.

  23. geoffrolph
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    WC team

    MARTINEZ - MESLIER

    DALLAS - CANCELO - STONES - COUFAL - AWB

    FERNADES - KDB - SON - GREALISH - SOUCEK

    KANE - BAMFORD - WATKINS

    gtg?

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

      Good team but you only have 10 playing this GW, I'd probably get a United defender and use a FT between before GW19 to switch back to Dallas or Coufal.

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

        or an Arsenal defender

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

      NOOOOOOO

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

      I like it - you holding your FH card or is it already spent?

    4. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Similar to my team

      Which attacker will you bench in GW 19?
      I don't think you need Watkins.

      Wilson could be a better option than Bamford & then you can switch.

    5. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What’s your plan for gw19? No Salah?

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

    How many hits would you take for a DGW 19 BB team before it becomes a waste of points?

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

      1 or 2 if key players

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

      -8 max

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

      Well an injured player to a dgw player is pretty much a free transfer as you’d hope to get 4 points minimum. So unlimited of these.

      For a bad single game week player it’s an effective -2 so I’d be happy to do 3-4 hoping at least 1 or 2 returns would cover the hit.

      Complicated by longer term fixtures. But depending on what your team looks like. a DGW does offer a way of doing a mini wild card at very little cost

      1. richarlison2348
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Based on this logic, is a -12 to take out two non starters for wan bissaka and cancelo worth it? The other transfers would be son and kane to de bruyne and watkins to afford it... everyone I've asked so far has told me its a horrible idea

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      depends on the potential upside of the players you are bringing in compared to the players you are transferring out

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

      I'd feel I'm wasting my BB if I'm taking hits for it, especially more than a 4. If the point is to maximise points that week, going in with a -8 or -12 kind of defeats the point.

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

    8-12.
    Not sure I'd play it in gw 19 with all the rising covid cases

  26. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah expected to drop tonight do you think?

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

      Probably tomorrow.

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

      One arrow, slowing down. Not today, but maybe tomorrow

  27. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Planned WC team GTG? BB in GW19

    GW18: Martinez Meslier Maguire Cancelo Stones Coufal Chilwell KDB Bruno Son Grealish Soucek Martial Bamford Watkins

    GW19: Martinez Meslier Maguire Cancelo Stones Coufal Chilwell KDB Bruno Salah Grealish Soucek Rodrigo Bamford Watkins

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on Martial. Rotation risk with Cavani and should be back for GW18.

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

        There’s always that risk. I could swap him to Lacazette?

    2. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good. Wait for Martial & cavani mins in the cup game.

  28. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) AWB + Dias
    B) Maguire + Cancelo

    (thinking about the danger of cancelo benching)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You may as well go A if you think Cancelo will be benched. I think he is nailed on both LB and RB

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        well i don't really know. if you're 90% sure cancelo starts I'd rather go B

        1. Von Lipwig
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I liked AWB when he was 4.0. Remember those good old days?

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

    Is Bailly nailed?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I thought he was a rotation risk but Lindelöf is still injured. Not sure how long he is out for. Definitely out for the cup games

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

      Only if he can stay fit which is a big maybe