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

    Dyche confirms 2 positive cases at Burnley.
    I can see the season being suspended if this continues to spiral.

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pint of cement and they'll be grand.

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They'll be fine. They're proper men up there. Made of the real stuff

    3. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I can see it happening now, I had itchy fingers last night and pulled the trigger to catch a couple of rises before activating free hit-4. Wish I’d waited now because it is spiralling with the new variant out of control.

    4. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The season will not be cancelled, too much to lose and “money matters”

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

      2 cases doesn't sound like a lot.

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

        It isn't but some people will try to make it sound like 200. 😀

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

          I watched the "Breaking News" story on Sky Sports for Burnley and thought oh not another one and then it turned out to just be 2 cases. They are really trying to make it sound like doomsday, much like this site.

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

            Someone on here used the phrase "dropping like flies" 😀

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

              I'm seeing "spiralling out of control" a lot too. I don't think 2 cases at Burnley and Villa having to play one FA Cup tie with a youth team is spiralling out of control.

              Man City had a breakout last week and had to close their training ground. They then smashed Chelsea and got to a League Cup final a few days later.

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

          ugh

  2. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fh draft , how is she looking?

    Darlow
    AWB Stones Yedlin
    Sterling KDB Bruno Rashford
    Lacazette Richarlison Wilson

    Steer Rowe Mitchell Kilman

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

    Bojo press conference at 5. He's expected to announce the suspension of top tier sport and there are (unconfirmed) plans to reinstate any FPL chips activated ahead of GW18.

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

      🙂

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

      Why is he expected to announce that when 3 days ago he said it will carry on?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It is getting worse everyday

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

          Okay then.. But unconfirmed plans to reinstate chips is wrong though. You can use your free Hit in any week.

          Someone in GW16 may have free hitted to a team with triple Spurs and triple Man City and then after the deadline found out the games are cancelled. Or even used a triple captain on a player in that fixture.

          A lot of people on this site think FPL solely revolves around them.

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

            While I agree with you, if Boris want to reinstate free hit chips, then we'll just have to suck it up and accept it.

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

              Lol, I thought you meant FPL had plans to 😀

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

              🙂 But I live in Denmark and you are not even part of the EU any longer...

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

                Damn, I've been rumbled...

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

                  lol, you had a nice run 🙂

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

            I TC Auba last year and he only played one game because of Covid in a DGW (with the second game being canceled due to football being stoped). Better give me back that TC chip lol

      2. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cos Villa and Spurs is now off. Gamechanger.

        1. Weak Become Heros
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Is it confirmed off?

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

            No, Man City played Chelsea 6 days after the Everton game being cancelled. Just wait and see what the PL say in a few days.

            1. Black Knights
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Sorry for false alarm.

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

            No. This site is getting stupid. People get infractions for posting false team news ahead of deadlines. Why isn't fake news like this deleted?

            1. Black Knights
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              True. The original post was a joke mentioning reinstatement of chips so mine was an extension of the joke, really. Should've chosen an FA Cup game as an example to avoid any confusion, i guess.

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

        Also said schools would remain open, then 1 day later, BANG.

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He got shot??

    3. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yep, he needs to address UKs main priorities, he should also provide transparency behind the player price movements, that has been the main mystery across the nation

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

        Think the manifesto stated this would be addressed after Brexit. Any day now...

        1. All about the galacticos
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He'll reveal what we've always suspected, that mark is head honcho of the players price index

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

            When the PM strides out flanked by Chris Whitty and Mark, then we know it's time.

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

      The FPL rules regarding use of chips should stay...If people are stupid to activate them they shoud take the consequences...

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

        Yes. As I said above, someone may have Free hitted in GW16 and had their Spurs and City players miss out. Did they get their chip reinstated? No.

        FPL isn't only for our small Scout circle who save the chip for blank game weeks.

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes they should . The better players did their risk assessment and decided the FH was worth more than .2 in value. I think the FH"ers should be allowed to keep the .2 as compensation and a reminder of what not to do

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

      Next slide (down the rankings) please.

  4. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming Tot vs Villa is off, would you FH this or save the chip for later? 2FTs

    Taylor, Stones, Cancelo
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Burke
    DCL

    So that’s 8 players but effectively 6 as Taylor, Burke don’t count

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

      Neither does Son count if Tot vs villa is off lol

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably save still. Nothing to be gained by a FH. Everyone doing it and got the same team. If you can save, then there will be better chances with all the carnage

  5. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Whats the concensus on Stones or Dias long term? Already have Cancelo

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias baby

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      There is no long term the way this is going!

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D

    4. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      sooound

      cheers

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

    I work on tuesday all day and cant access fantasy premier league during that time so will have to be done with my FH team on monday night, tuesday morning. Will everything for gameweek 18 be clear by then ?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      There might not be a GW18 by then.

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

      Likely, but you never know. Get a new job just to be safe.

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

        haha might have to

    3. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      I would say so.

  7. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really need the next 2 GW's to go through without cancellations because of this masterpiece I've just drawn up (it will all end in tears). WC to the following in GW18, then bench boost in 19:

    Martinez (Meslier)
    Dias Stones AWB (Coufal Alioski)
    KDB Bruno Rashford Grealish Smith Rowe
    Lacazette Watkins (Bamford)

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

      You must be a bit short on money - this is my very similar current team
      Martinez (McCarthy)
      Dias Stones Bellerin (Coufal Dallas)
      KDB Bruno Rashford, Grealish, Son
      Lacazette, Wilson (Bamford)

      Toying with -4 to swap Bellerin to AWB

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

      Beautiful! Deserves a spot in the Louvre

  8. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Might have to put a strong bench on my free hit, boring but maybe crucial?

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

      Aye, could be.

    2. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes I think in the current climate a strongish bench is a must

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah and possible with cheap picks like Emile Smith Rowe, Newcastle defs, etc.

    4. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It could be - I'm going with 10 and very worries about that.

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

    How are early chip activators feeling?

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

      I used my 2FTs early...

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

      This benefits players using FH, so they're most likely feeling great.

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

        I've FH and I'm currently glum. As well as setting up an inferior squad, I'm aware lots more will FH, dampening my one-week advantage.

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

          Your advantage is far higher if Kane/Son/Grealish are taken out of the equation, zero reason to feel glum and every reason to be ecstatic.

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

        Only if relevant games go ahead. If there's only 1 or 2 decent games on (FPL wise) e.g. MCI on, but TOT/MUN off etc. - is it really worth using the chip?

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

          Definitely, hit a score of 60 when the average is 20 and the rank gains will be fantastic.

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

            Man, 60 is a decent score on a week where everyone actually is available. You can't guarantee you'll hit it when the so-called top tier players have to miss out.

            (This is also vs. people who save it for a week when they are available.)

            For the record my plan was to FH18 and still might be. Surely you have to admit that managers who haven't committed are less pigeon-holed into their endgame right now?

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

              I'd say there are few serious managers who haven't committed to a plan by now, so I'm not sure they're relevant.

              If you're on a FH, you can easily move away from Spurs vs Villa and target City, Arsenal and United instead. If you're not you can't, and the likes of Son/Grealish/Kane make a significant part of most of these teams - remove them and the average for top 10k and OR will greatly dip. That's why I'm saying this benefits FH18ers.

              It doesn't particularly matter that much, plenty of WC16ers got hit hard when City vs Villa and United vs Burnley got rescheduled so swings and roundabouts are everywhere.

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

                Got any numbers for the non-relevant managers you're referring to?

                Chip activation percentages are low even in popular weeks so I'm interested to understand why you think that.

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

                  I'm mainly referring to our little bubble here in FFS/Twitter, where most players have surely committed to a plan by now. At least, that's my general thinking after seeing discussion on chip strategy for weeks.

                  For the "casual" population, no idea. I assume most of them have no idea what the carnage is, will transfer in 3x City players in 18 and outscore us all 😆

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it is what it is. this was never going to be a fun season anyway.

    4. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wildcard active. Season over for me if premier league gets stopped. Probably leave my team sail as a ghostship

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

        I activated mine too - tough sh1t for us but that's the way it goes ....we always knew the likelihood of something like this.

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

        And when you check on it in 2 months you'll be Top 10K

    5. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why wouldn't they feel great? More chaos gives them more flexibility and more justification for going for it.

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

        If certain games are called off they'll be forced to fill their teams with players they wouldn't ever normally consider.

        You call that flexible, some may call it pigeon-holed as they have no other option given they've already activated.

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

      On WC and feeling fine. Don't get the fear - if the league is suspended again I really won't care enough about FPL to rue a missed chip.

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

        I mean the only alternative at that point is to feel sorry for yourself, so I get that stance.

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

          Never! 😀

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

            If a game isn’t fun, stop playing

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

      I'm feeling great. I was annoyed when the City game made it into this week and I'd love it if Spurs gets taken out as Spurs and Grealish/Martinez etc. ownership is high so would give FH teams a big benefit.

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

    This afternoon, it’s understood Aston Villa and manager Dean Smith have been drawing up a plan to field an U23s team for tomorrow’s fixture with Liverpool. #awlfc [birmingham live]

    https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1347220033945133066

    Son and Kane 20 pointers each incoming

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      this has nothing to do with the prem game.

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

        Unless they're forced to field the U23s next week vs Spurs like they may be vs Liverpool.

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

          That would be ultimate confirmation that Pep runs the league at this point. City with their massive squad allowed a game off so they could rest after just 5 covid cases, while Villa forced to play.

          Wouldnt even surprise me, City's stranglehold on the PL is pathetic.

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Who said he's doing it because of covid?

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

        Well it could if the majority of their first team tested positive for covid as opposed to waiting on a second negative but currently isolating

        It would also suggest that the Spurs game will go ahead

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

      The u23s would be for the FA cup though

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

      Don't think so. You can do that rather than forfeit the game in the FA Cup but I think it would compromise the integrity of the competition if the PL made a side put out U23s. That will more likely be postponed, imo.

    4. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think the Villa vs. Spurs game will go ahead??

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

        Not if a significant number of first teamers are out. Have to wait and see.

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

          Why wouldnt the same thing happen as is happening for the cup game

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

            Different governing bodies, different rules. FA Cup has clearly defined rules using u23 and even u18s - Premier League make it up as they go along.

    5. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still scratching my head wondering how the MCI postponement was justified

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

        Because new positive Covid-19 for City tests were released a few hours before the match and City didn't want to take the risk. Imagine if they had went through with the game and Everton players started testing positive, the outrage would have been unreal.

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

          City faked covid "symptoms" so they wouldnt have to play and the PL were too gutless to tell Pep to do one.

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

            Nancy Drew here

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

              I prefer the Bobbsey Twins

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

      Hard to extrapolate thinking for 3rd round FA Cup to the Prem in 6 days time.

      For example it could just be a few first team players +ve and then training ground back open on Monday and all good to go with a slightly depleted team.

      Press release is vague but remember a few days agao when we had "THREE MORE MAN CITY CASES" and its was Scott Carson, U18 and physio (or similar).

  11. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    There was a great article yesterday from Andy, about the merits of using your 2nd Wildcard to set up a lovely FH team for 18 and DGW 19. For the purpose of competition and catching my fellow competitors up, I really hope many activated theirs, as there could be some chaos brewing in the fixtures. Not just Covid, but has anyone mentioned this Beast from the East weather front moving in next week or so...

    I'll make any moves as late as possible.

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did he mention the problem with wildcarding in the Peak of a pandemic? 😆 . The fact that you could be forced into missing players you want going forward, like Son or Kane for example. Awful idea.

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

      He just did a video saying he wouldn't likely WC. Seems he is going with no chips.

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

    Charlie Taylor back in training!

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

      beautiful!

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

      Great news. Hope he's nearly ready..

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

      Not so good if burnley game is off though

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

      Just in time for a price drop.

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

    Where does this information about burnley come from ? Cant see anything in the news

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

        Cheers

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

    This won't be the first time I waste a WC. First season I played the game I thought WC only allowed for one extra free transfer so ended up getting the Sheffield utd keeper Kelly for free if I remember well 🙂

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

      Amazing 😀

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

      Haha - nice on! 🙂

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

        *nice one, good un

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

    And now I have 5. Thank you Grealish and Co.

  16. Matt Sk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shouldn't the FFS cup start any time soon?

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

      Might be a while if the PL take a break.

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

        Nice, I might get eliminated in a later month than usual.

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

          lol this

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

    what's all these comments about Villa v Spurs being off. Have i missed something?

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

      Yes

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m only just finding out about it as well, wondering what’s what

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

        Scout Tweets. Always a decent first place to look if you're not already following certain accounts on Twitter etc.

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

      Massive outbreak at Villa, likely postponed.

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

      Yeah, Scout Tweets.

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

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55575321

      Aston Villa have experienced a "significant" coronavirus outbreak at the club on the eve of their FA Cup third-round tie with Liverpool.

      The Premier League side said a large number of first-team players and staff are in isolation after returning positive tests on Monday.

      The club's training ground was closed on Thursday after a second round of testing produced more positive results.

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

        thanks all. I just reactived my FH. im worried.

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

          This would benefit FHers if Spurs game is off.

  18. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It will be an interesting FPL BlackBox.
    Az with a crystal ball, and Mark dressed as mystic meg with Tarot cards to first predict the line ups and no shows, and then do the player analysis

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

      when is the next one ?

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

          sweet, thanks

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

          Nice one. This should be good

  19. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pretty much ready with FH. All set ?

    Darlow
    Cancelo tierney awb
    Kdb sterling Bruno Saka
    Wilson Lacazette Richarlison

    Dubravka Neto Keane Mitchell

    ?

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

      I think rashford/martial is needed

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We’re looking identical except I currently have Rashford over Richa and a slightly weaker bench

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

      you know there's a 4.4mn keeper for city, right? and that newcastle have conceded as many shots as sheffield united.

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

    The PL continuing is very important to the mental health of millions of people. I therefore suggest all PL clubs are given the vaccine asap. Anyone concur?

    1. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      can imagine some players are anti-vaxers, look at djokovic

    2. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I agree 100%

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

        Thanks

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

      At this rate its better for my mental health if FPL is suspended for a while

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

        Next couple of seasons would do me.

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think throwing in the words ' mental health ' is an excuse for anything and everything these days ?

      Terrible idea. Imagine the outrage

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

        As if you can't just go on YouTube and watch an entire world cup, complete with actual fans, any time you like. Suddenly football, live football is absolutely esssnetial to life because some FPL addicts say so

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

      Sorry but I have to disagree, as The Duke points out above (albeit in a very underhand and rude way!) these guys are fit. As has been pointed out earlier, a zero tolerance policy is what is needed (i.e. embracing, hugging, jumping on each other, tongues, penetration etc should result in quick discipline).

    6. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It might be an idea for teachers to be pushed up the vaccine priority list, so that schools can re-open again.
      Education is so important for young people, and not all can benefit as much from on-line teaching.

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

        Completely agree

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

        As a teacher i'd love this but it's the children who would need the vaccine even more in this case so they don't catch it from each other and spread it at home.

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

      Football has demonstrated from the highest eshelons to the lowest that it cannot govern responsibly, or behave responsibly. Here's city no less than about one week after an outbreak in their camp

      https://www.hostpic.org/view.php?filename=2101072300030122.jpg

      It's become an embarrassment to itself and a danger to those involved in it

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

      Concur. I don't see that this course of action should affect others. They have the money & logistics to make it happen without impacting on the general populace

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

    maguire or AWB or shaw for Free hit?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m taking AWB just now (that is, if Son/Kane are out so I go double City attack with Raz and have to ditch Dias....)

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

        cancelo, raz and kdb seems the way to go.

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

    Bring Spurs vs Fulham to 18

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

    Taylor owners

    Sean Dyche: "Jack Cork has played a few games, he's making good progress, Charlie Taylor, Dwight McNeil, Jay Rodriguez are all making good progress and been training, along with Matej Vydra."

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

      Cheers for that

  24. Huckfead
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have made 6 transfers this week for -24pt hit as was planning to WC later in week. Can anyone tell me if I use FH chip now will It cancel out points hit or will I have to stick with original WC plan?
    Any help appreciated

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

      Fh will cancel out the points hits.

      Your call on fh or wc

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

      FH will do it.

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

      Thanks guys

  25. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Villa - Spuds is called off I think I will cry.
    Spent weeks without a f.h. available getting a Team for 18 -19 inc 3 x Villa and 3 x Spuds so have/HAD 11 for 18. Absolutely fuming if cancelled. Worked really hard and top of my money league with past 5 green arrows probably all for nout :(..

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

      Take your green arrows and run. Alot of teams have done the same as you and lost many points.

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

      Enjoy being top... you never know could work out still

      Fpl has a habit of throwing curveballs... now more than ever

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

    Keep tuning in to these government briefings expecting to see Mark there stood beside Boris to update us on chip strategies but he's never there for some reason

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He may have been useful in the Cameron era. When his FPL strategies actually worked 😉

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

    On wc and stocking up on players who’ve already had the lurgy and got immunity

    Calling it the Covid eleven

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You could be on to something here.

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

      Ironically it might be the only thing Mane passed to Salah all season

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

        Nice

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

    Planning to Triple Cap KDB at DGW19. City vs Villa too far away to be cancelled or should I be worried?

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

      I'd be concerned for sure, even those BBing may be put off by these postponements.

  29. the_duke
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Deleting comments.

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

      Oh, Really brave keyboard warrior. What are you so angry about? I think I can guess....

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

        Pointing out how ridiculous and quite frankly an insult to the most vulnerable groups, the front line key working staff, to even suggest footballers should get this first so the season can carry on.

        People on this site need to get a grip on reality of what's going on. It's a game, it's not life and death (unlike this virus)

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

          All of which is a fair point, but you really didnt need to start name calling or be so rude...............your point is valid and the question was just as valid.

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

          Stress from being shut in for long term periods can help a great deal by being able to be entertained by football. The matches could be about a lot more than just a game at this time in many peoples lives. This should not be underestimated.

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

    As someone who sold Grealish and has Kane and Son, Spurs playing Fulham instead of Villa will be lovely.

    On the other hand no chance I am using any kind of chip with this carnage, madness and unpredictability happening.

    Waiting for the spring, the vaccine and a better weather