Pro Pundits

The importance of flexibility and reacting to ever-changing FPL circumstances

This season more than ever has taught us that one of the most important skills to cultivate as a Fantasy Premier League manager is flexibility.

Right now, we have to think about what chips we are going to use in the upcoming rounds and which players can be useful in the short and longer-term.

Prior to the Premier League announcing the rescheduled fixtures for Manchester City, Manchester United, Burnley and Aston Villa I had, what I thought was, a well rounded team for Double Gameweek 19 as well as a plan for Blank Gameweek 18.

That involved Free Hitting for the upcoming fixtures and thus I set about removing players who didn’t have the form I required and also didn’t have two fixtures in Double Gameweek in 19.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkin‘s (£6.1m) was a prime example of this. While his underlying statistics make for positive reading, as an FPL asset he was a frustrating one to own.

Just one return in the last eight Gameweeks, against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 15, coupled with the fact that during this period Watkins has played the likes of West Brom, Brighton and Burnley left him on shaky ground in my team as a result of his decidedly disappointing FPL points returns.

Considering he didn’t have two fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, and my plans for a Free Hit in Gameweek 18 where he could be brought back, I transferred out Watkins for Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) preparing my team for Double Gameweek 19.

Fast-forward a few weeks and the rearrangement of the Aston Villa game that they missed in Gameweek 1 into the Double Gameweek 19 fixtures and suddenly selling Watkins feels like a missed opportunity.

Had we known about the rearranged fixtures earlier I likely would have persevered with Watkins and a couple of others as they would have given me almost a full XI for Blank Gameweek 18 without needing to use a chip and then I could have held two free transfers for my Double Gameweek 19 preparation.

However, this season in particular is all about flexibility and adapting to situations as they arise. Rearranged fixtures will likely be a common theme this season, as a result of the usual postponements due to the later stages of both the Premier League and FA Cups, as well as this year the coronavirus (COVID-19) postponements.

The loss of two fixtures in Gameweek 16, as well as a further match in Gameweek 17 highlight the fragility of our FPL teams this season.

For my team, the use of the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 18 is essential. Without it, my line-up consists of five players and the suspended Yves Bissouma (£4.5m) this is not a team that can successfully achieve a green arrow this week.

I do have two free transfers and thus with a cleverly deployed -4 could field a team of eight, but doing this would mean losing some key players who I transferred in ahead of Double Gameweek 19, thus compromising my team for the next gameweek whilst still not achieving a team that I feel comfortable with in Blank Gameweek 18.

As a result the plan to Free Hit ahead of Gameweek 18 still stands.

Every FPL season that I have played and had a Free Hit chip to play the aim has been to play the very best team possible with one or at a push two decent bench options and a couple of cheap burner spots knowing that they won’t ever make the XI.

The 2020/21 season has already shown us the importance of a bench though. I have already mentioned the full match postponements that we have seen over the last couple of weeks, however this doesn’t account for the individual players who have missed out while the games they were due to play continued.

FPL favourites such as Alex McCarthy (£4.7m) Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) Kyle Walker (£6.1m) and Sadio Mané (£11.9m) to name but a few have already missed matches as a result of Covid, indeed the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) and Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) at Newcastle have now missed eight matches through the illness if you include their Gameweek 11 match which was postponed.

Saint-Maximin and Barnes return as Newcastle host Burnley

Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin

The impacts that COVID is having on the Premier League is, as a result, having an impact on the way that I am playing the game. I never captain and vice-captain players in the same match, try not to treble up on any teams just in case their game is called off and I am thinking very carefully about whether the Bench Boast and Triple Captain chips should be deployed at this moment giving the lack of notice that COVID affords to FPL managers.

The key impact of COVID on my Free Hit team is the bench. No longer do I feel safe having burn options on the bench, my FPL first team and bench all need to be decent options if I am to ensure with as much certainty as possible that I can achieve a full XI players playing by the time the final match kicks off.

However, it is also making me reconsider something that has always been a key part of my Free Hit strategies. Fielding three players from the teams with the best fixtures.

The fixtures in Blank Gameweek 18 suggest that the most aggressive strategy for FPL manager who are playing their Free Hit chip is to triple up on Manchester United (away at Burnley) Manchester City (at home to Brighton) and Arsenal (at home to Crystal Palace).

Thus leaving two spaces in the starting XI to cover Spurs, Aston Villa, Wolves, Everton, Sheffield United and Newcastle – as well as potentially Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brighton if you don’t believe that the Manchester sides and Arsenal will keep a clean sheet.

On paper, this seems like a good idea. However the loss of just one of those three key triple up matches could have huge consequences for an FPL Managers free hit points scoring ability. During Gameweek 16, I owned Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m) and Rúben Dias (£5.8m) from the postponed Everton vs Manchester City match as well as Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Heung-Min Son (£9.8m) when the Spurs vs Fulham game followed suit. This meant that even with a solid performance from my bench I was still down to only 10 men. This has had a major impact on how I play FPL in the current climate.

Now I am looking to find a balance between the best FPL assets for the Gameweek and the risk involved in owning three from one team or match. Of the three big matches only Burnley vs Manchester United is on the opening evening of the Gameweek. The other two follow on Wednesday and Thursday evenings meaning that any postponements or players missing will likely not be known to FPL managers at the time of the deadline. Thus while I feel slightly more confident in having three Manchester United players because of the timing of the match, I can’t see myself risking owning three players from Arsenal and Manchester City also.

By owning two players from Arsenal and Manchester City that allows me to also own an extra couple from the other matches thus spreading the risk factor and hopefully enabling my free hit team to achieve the most points possible – which is after all the key aim of the chip.

My current plan is for a team that looks like this, however there are still a couple of games, such as Sheffield United vs Newcastle, that I may invest further in when it comes to my bench in order to protect my team further.

By setting up like this I believe I have covered the majority of the big assets for the gameweek, with the exception of a second Manchester City defender as well as setting up my team to cover all the matches. Doing this gives me confidence that my squad has the depth to cope with any unexpected eventualities, however it does meant that it lacks the likes of João Cancelo (£5.7m) or John Stones (£5.0m) and another Arsenal player. However, if I plan to play 4-5-1 then the lack of a further Arsenal player is less of a concern than the lack of a second Manchester City defender.

There is definitely a balance to be found between the right players and the safest formation, I’m not sure that this most recent draft has yet struck that balance, however it is definitely closer than the ones that preceded it. Thankfully there’s still plenty of time between now and the Gameweek 18 deadline to get it right!

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

957 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Barnsley FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah to KDB worth it?

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

      Yes

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

      Problem for me is that I won’t be able to get him back easily if I sell Mo.

      I don’t want to lose Son or Bruno either, so I can’t really afford KdB as well on top of that.

      I think I’ll just get Foden.

      I know as soon as I sell Salah the mega haul will inevitably come.

      1. Barnsley FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Foden is definitely an interesting option, the price offsets the slightly higher rotation risk.

        The advantage of taking Salah out for KdB is an extra player in GW 18 too though, which might tip the scales for me.

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

          Slightly higher, it's massively higher.

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

      Yes

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

    Villa will have a TGW in GW19?

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No advantage in fpl terms really is it? Surely it's Impossible for anyone to play all 3

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

        Goalkeeper?

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

        It's a big advantage.

        I have Martinez and Grealish already. Would also bring in Watkins.

        Newcastle would get a DGW but it's avl ars so I think most will just avoid them. Same way that no one has WBA or FUL players for this DGW.

        1. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wilson surely an option in that scenario.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not confirmed

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

      If Villa and Newcastle both lose in the FA Cup then it's possible although still unlikely.

      But no point speculating until the FA Cup games have been played.

    4. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Villa play in the Cup this Friday (Newcastle on Saturday), and then on Wednesday (GW18), and the following Saturday and Wednesday ((GW19). Where’s the space for another GW19 fixture?

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

        The penny has dropped. If Villa and Newcastle go out of the Cup in Round 3 they could play their PL fixture on 23-24 Jan, which coincides with FA Cup 4th Round fixtures and, presumably, would still count as GW19. There would also be a reasonable gap between games so, if it happens, there’s every chance that Grealish etc would play all three. It’s still a long shot though, as there are many other rescheduling options.

        1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Would they not make it the first match of GW20 and not part of GW19? Only played FF 3 previous years and haven't seen a triple game week, has such a thing ever happened?

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

            Sky have just announced that Villa have closed their training ground due to significant COVID-19 positive tests, so all bets are off.

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

              Yikes!

    5. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unlikely, Klopp throws the cup every year.

  3. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On a Free Hit for GW18.

    Should I go:

    A) 3 ARS (Tierney, Saka, Laca) & 2 MCI (Dias, KDB)

    or

    B) 3 MCI (Dias, KDB, Gundogan) & 2 ARS (Tierney, Laca)

    Rest of the team:

    Lloris
    Dier Dias Tierney
    KDB Bruno Rashford (Saka/Gundogan)
    Laca DCL Kane

    Thanks!

  4. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What's the general consensus on how many players justifies using the free hit? With a -4 hit I could field eight players and Riedewald (let's call that eight and a half). Would look like this:

    *
    Cancelo - Dias - Reguilon
    KDB - Rashford - Bruno - Neto - Riedewald
    Kane - *

    1. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't use FH for that.

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

      I'd roll with that lot

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

      20 pts for me

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

    Salah to Bruno? Or is he likely rested?

    1. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He isn't rested in the league.

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

        Ole made some reference to him perhaps being rested. I agree it is unlikely

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          For the fa cup

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

          FA Cup

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

      Bruno will not be rested

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

    FH

    A) Maguire + Cancelo
    B) AWB + Dias
    C) AWB + Cancelo

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

      no one?

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

      C

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

        yeah? Thanks

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D: Shaw + Cancelo

      But if any of the above, C

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

        interesting. Shaw really? Thanks. I'll have a look

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah. Has good underlying stats last few GWs, and is more likely for attacking returns than AWB. The only is whether he starts or not, if the game does go ahead. If he rest FA vup tomorrow, then definitely starting vs Burnley imo.

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

      A for me

  7. tambourineman
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The Emirates FA Cup third round tie between Southampton and Shrewsbury Town will not be taking place on the evening of Saturday 9 January 2021 as originally scheduled.

    https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/jan/07/southampton-v-shrewsbury-emirates-fa-cup-tie-postponed-20210701

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

    Southampton's weekend FA Cup match vs Shrewsbury has been cancelled/postponed.

    https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2021/january/club-statement-southampton-fixture/

    Is it possible that their scheduled GW19 game vs Leeds might now be moved forward to GW18 instead?

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

      Cancelled or postponed?

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Meeting will take place start of next week to make a decision on what to do

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hope so. Unlikely tho.

  9. Congers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    “ There will be a meeting of our Professional Game Board early next week to make a decision as to what will happen with the fixture.”

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

      Reply fail

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

      Early next week could be Monday

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

        Wouldn’t they have to give Leeds and Southampton more notice?

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

          Not if they're postponing it but if they wanted to bring it forward then definitely. I can't see it happening anyway, even if they decided today it'd be less than a week's notice and other games that were brought forward / rearranged had a lot more notice than that

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

          Yeah but that schedule can take place on Thursday. 3 days not enough?

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

            Definitely won't be gw18

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds like it won’t be gw18 then, too short of a notice

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

    Is Salah to KDB a luxury transfer when you have Bruno or vice versa?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on team but def a transfer I would do if you can get salah back and keep kdb

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes unless you’re not FH18

  11. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    https://fplreview.com/season-review/

    Throw your fpl ID and see what rank you SHOULD be at... of course I’ve had the bad luck go my way this season so expected rank exceeds my real rank

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Assume this will largely depend on how many Spurs players you have

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Spurs = lucky

    2. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My luck sits at -85.9, sums it all up really

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That’s crazy

    3. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      My rank is 80k, this site says my expected rank is 564,532. Luck 63.29 (91%) 😀

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

      -60 for me -.-

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      83.6%

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

      Luck -67.98.

      Yep, they got that damn right!

    7. Tingate
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Expected rank: 437,332
      Actual rank: 3,542,769

      Luck: -147.63

      What a time to be alive.

    8. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      -67.22 ffs

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

      Does anyone know how to interpret the luck %age? Mine is 99.5% so needless to say this means very effing lucky, but what is the %age actually telling me?

      I'm assuming the points value for luck is self-explanatory

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

        Also, whilst we're at it, why do the ranks under XG data, implied odds and massive data seemingly bear no relation to the expected rank?

      2. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thought the % was the amount your rank would differ compared to expected rank? Not too sure

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

          I did the maths on this as that's what I thought too. It doesn't work unless it rounds to the nearest 0.5%

    10. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      +79.4%

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

      +55%

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

        Had very little Spurs for the record so not sure where it's drawing from

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

          From reading the FAQs 50% is bang average luck. I.e. your rating means luckier than 55% of players and less lucky than the other 45%

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

            Ah that makes a lot more sense thanks

    12. chrismoo75
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I must be lucky (doesn't feel like it)

      Current rank: 38k
      Expected rank 159k

  12. Cabra
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hello!
    Really strugglung to decide.
    I can take a minus 4 by doing
    Robbo to cancelo/diaz
    Salah - Mané
    DCL - Martial. (not really something that needs doing)

    To get this team, or Just use FH?

    Martinez
    Cancelo/Diaz - Mitchel
    KDB - Bruno - Son
    Kane - Martial

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

    Okay, now I think it's very safe to say that Lee-Sou will 100% NOT happen in GW18.

    "There will be a meeting of our Professional Game Board early next week to make a decision as to what will happen with the fixture."

    So they won't even have decided what to do with the Southampton - Shrewsbury game by the time the Leeds-Southampton game would have to be played. It's impossible for that PL game to take place in GW18 (which is midweek next week)

    However, there is a possibility that the Lee-Sou game might get moved out of DGW19 if they reschedule the FA Cup game to be that week. Most likely though, I think they'll postpone it even further rather than disrupt the PL fixtures.

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

      Things stay as they are 99%

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Its definitely not happening in 18. But will it not take place even in 19?

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

        It most likely will. But they could postpone it to play the FA Cup tie.

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

    Not that simple question:

    For this gw only who scores more?

    A) Kane vs AVL(A)

    B) Rashford vs BUR(A)

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

      A

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

      Rashy

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

      A. As a Utd fan and what I've seen from Rashford the last matches, I always get surprised when he scores tbh. His decision making his last matches has been awful, imo.

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

        Yet he has returned in every away game in the league so far this season.

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

    The amount of people missing the point of the earlier article.

    Let me spell it out. If on free hit, back your hunch. It's only a week.

    It's the one time where you don't have to carry your decisions into the next Gameweek.

    That's the point.

    Fin.

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

      I guess my question is, why is Aubameyang your hunch this week? I see very little reason for him being worth downgrading a bunch of other players on a FH in order to accommodate.

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

        Like I've mentioned in the article. It isn't the 'right' or 'smart' thing to do but my reasons are in there. But again, the pick is not the point.

        They're playing good football. He's getting chances. Historically he's their best finisher. He's on pens. Joel Ward.

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

          Seems like a very expensive 2 points to me. I'm gonna pass, thanks. My gut says he's not a good pick and I'm gonna trust that!

          Gonna back Foden I think as my key differential.

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

      Sorry if I've missed this but are you playing your FH, Pranil?

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

        Nope

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

          Me neither. Got 8 playing, 9 if I do Justin > Stones. My main dilemma at the moment is do I switch KdB back to Salah for the DGW or not... Any thoughts?

    3. Kindness
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I like the pick I think it's completely valid. But he's not trendy this week and people on here just follow the herd instead of making their own decisions. It could be a great play.

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

        I enjoyed it, good to see someone stick their neck on the line and make a prediction instead of playing the safe all the time

        If you can’t take a punt for fun whilst playing a free game that you have no chance (by this point) of winning then when can you ?

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

          Enjoyed it too, but are you Fhing and/or committing to bring in Auba?

      • jumpinjeffflash
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        But you're not playing your Free Hit. You're basically telling everyone to back hunches that you yourself are not backing. How much faith do we place in picks made by someone who's ranked approx. 2 millionth anyway?

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

          He's explicitly not telling anyone to do anything.

          You don't have to follow the advice. You don't even have to read it - in fact it appears that you haven't.

        2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wow...........

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

          Harsh on the rank criticism it’s gameweek 17 and his long term record speaks for itself. Also does tend to rise the rankings late. I like the way he plays the game probably is more effective when the template breaks later in the year but clearly a good strategy over 38 gameweeks based on the record. If you don’t want Auba don’t get him but it’s good someone has put an article together to help you make your own decision. Quit whining!

        4. Kamara Police
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Have you bothered to check his rank history ?...…...

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

        Stop it Lateriser. Auba is a terrible pick. No stars, no form, too expensive, not a captain option, looking lazy this year, not on penalties most probably, poor chance created stats etc....

      • Yes Ndidi
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The way I'm seeing it is that there are half a dozen players common to every FH team, and it probably pays to match most of them to minimise any losses.
        Which leaves 5 or so places for differentials to try and kick on. To me, whilst Auba is a very valid suggestion, he doesn't look great value against the other differentials who could easily match his output.
        For what it's worth, I love a punt, and were the core players not all heavyweights, I would be consideriing him.

    4. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So now with Southampton's FA cup match postponed... Is it more likely that South Leeds wont take place in 19?

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

      If I take a -8 to get two playing players in for gw18 its technically a -4...somebody make me feel better about this please...

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

        Depends on your strategy the week after. Are you getting rid of players you aren't going to want back?

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

          Gw18 - Robbo & Salah > Cancelo & Bruno for -8

          Gw19 Bruno & brewster > Antonio & Salah for - 4 (play bench boost)

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

            Can't say I like the sell Bruno option

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

              Not owned him all season, i chose him over salah. I think salah gets more over the DGW

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

                Got a decent rank without Bruno?
                I get the thinking regarding Salah, maybe you could find another way?

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

                  I think you know the answer...
                  2.7m OR. I kept faith in KDB and didn't get repaid. One of them.

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

                    Many ways to play the game, I'm sure there are teams in the top 1K who have never had Bruno.
                    Think you have too much money upfront if you can have all 3.

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

                      Martinez - Johnstone
                      Chilwell - robbo - holding - dallas - dias
                      Son - salah - grealish - KDB - soucek
                      Bamford - che - brewster

                      Had sterling for a while, some bad captain calls. No Kane either. Not my best season. Plenty of time to turn it around.

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

                        Fair enough, similar to my bunch.

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

            Sounds like a decent plan. Esp if you're going to (c) Bruno. There'll be lots of hits this next couple of weeks so if you are confident the above is gonna work for you, go with your gut.

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

        Yep, it's Hits Happy Hour..

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

      Do you think it is safe to assume that whichever Man Utd left back start vs Watford will be benched vs Burnley? Currently I am on Shaw which played yesterday, so I guess whoever plays next misses Burnley

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

        Reasonable assumption

    7. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Saiss and Martial or Walker/Cancelo and Wilson?

      Entire team:

      Martinez
      AWB, Tierney, Saiss/Man City defender
      Son, Saka, Fernandes (C), KDB
      Martial/Wilson, DCL, Laca

      Subs: Guaita, Kouyate, Clark and Mitchell

      Any other suggestions? On FH. Open to ideas. I was even considering Neto in place of Saka. Thanks.

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

      LMS accepting late entries.
      Just over a week until it closes.

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/01/05/last-chance-to-enter-the-last-man-standing-competition-4/

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

        Knocked out few weeks ago unfortunately.

        Any idea when the FFS cup will be starting?

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

          In the next few GWs probably. Don't know though.

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

            Cheers

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

        Ok, Torres Magic time for me winning this cup. Prepare the champaign 🙂

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

      Ben Crellin saying there's a possibility Leeds vs Southampton would be moved out of GW19 and to a week after that. Total carnage 😆

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

        It's possible, of course, but what's the precedent for this and/or the rules? Can imagine that the EPL and broadcasters wouldn't like the idea

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

        GW16 WC continues to be a huge disappointment. But can honestly see a lot more fixtures (Cup & League) being postponed over next few weeks with the way COVID numbers are going.

      3. Sterling Archer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        triple Southampton and double leeds disapprove of this one!

    10. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      On a Free Hit for GW18.

      Should I go:

      A) 3 ARS (Tierney, Saka, Laca) & 2 MCI (Dias, KDB)

      or

      B) 3 MCI (Dias, KDB, Gundogan) & 2 ARS (Tierney, Laca)

      Thanks.

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

        Keep it simple, Saka or Gundo.

        Saka seems to be in most FH teams.

        1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Exactly - should I go Saka or Gundo this week considering I already have Tierney, Laca, Dias, KDB.

          Thanks!

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

            Maybe the FA Cup games will help you decide.

            1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Good shout. If they both get rested the mystery remains 🙂

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

          If it's Saka vs Gundo : Gundo is a no brainer !

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

      Thoughts on Kane and/or Son on FH?

      Would you pick Rashford over Son for the fixture?

      1. zelio78
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've gone with Son only because I have Bruno in the middle and Martial up front.

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

        The more I look, the only reason to have either is because I think everyone else will. Despite returns vs Leeds the stats are horrid and Villa are one of the best defences in the league and also carry a good attacking threat (so Mou likely to play safe).

        Current draft is Kane only, as a 'shield', but I'm not against the idea of going with neither.

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

          I agree. I’m thinking 1 at most now

        2. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Exactly this. Have seen so many FH teams with both Kane & Son in them and I don't get it.
          Would much rather a triple up of City, United, Arsenal and then 1 of Kane/Son

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

      "Early next week" means LEE & SOU won't be moved from DGW19 to GW18, although it could still be moved out of DGW19 to make room for Southampton vs Shrewsbury in GW19

      They might be waiting to see the FA Cup R4 and R5 draws on Monday before deciding how to reschedule the fixture.

      https://twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1347176572197998593

      I think they will remove SOU's double GW fix..

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

        70% chance

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

        He's stating all possibilities.
        One would come right.

        I can't see PL fixture moved for a FA cup game personally.

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

          It has been done previously

    13. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Way too much being made of KDB perhaps!!

      KDB has only scored twice since start of the season if you disregard last weeks result vs chelsea.

      The reason I I disregard last weeks result is the hysteria surrounding him or similar players is based on tecent results. He only scored one then too.

      Now imagine Auba has scored as many goals all season. Makes you wonder. Guess the double gameweek fixture falls in his favour also but hard to ignore the above.

      Getting rid for salah seems harsh

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

        Slash blanks this week so think people needing an extra player as well is swaying the thinking

        1. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          We all do but.. there are other options besides kdb... thats all

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

        KDB been unlucky to not get all those assists

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

      Which is better on FH?
      A) Darlow Dias Cancelo Tierney SAKA
      B) Steffen Stones Clark Holding KANE

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

        B for me

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

      A. Shaw/AWB and sterling

      Or

      B. Dias and Rashford

      Already on stones, on WC

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

        A

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

        Ohh wait, I didn't see it was on a WC
        B looks better long term

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

      So TAA had covid. No wonder he is having a poor season according to his standards

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

        Pogba and Havertz struggled with it too

    17. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I know everyone and their mother is posting a "RMFHT", but do you guys have one last piece of advice left in you?
      Please help me fill in the blanks!

      XX
      Cancelo - Tierney - Fernandez - AWB
      Kdb - Sterling - Bruno - Son - Saka
      YY

      XX:
      a) de Gea
      b) Darlow
      c) Leno

      YY
      d) Wilson
      e) Martial
      f) Lacazette

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

        B and F
        Wilson is also a great shout though

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

        A (unless you go bold with Rashford over Son)
        F

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

      Just took out Salah. Hope he doesn't punish, one can never be too sure

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

        Lol

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

        Didn't have him for any of his 4 hauls, still top 130k

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

          You seem to have confused me as someone who cares