Chip Strategy

What chip strategy are FFS users planning for Blank Gameweek 18?

Nearly half of Fantasy Football Scout voters are contemplating the Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 18.

In our recent poll, 45.0% revealed that they would be pulling the trigger on a one-week-only Wildcard squad.

Specifically, they explained they would be playing the Free Hit regardless of any changing circumstances to their teams.

Results as of Friday morning

By comparison, just under 2.0% of our voters indicated they would only use the chip if their squad sustained more injuries or suffered from more coronavirus (COVID-19) postponements.

That certainly suggests the Free Hit could receive additional attention from members of the community on Tuesday considering recent events in the football world. 

It will be interesting to see what these managers do about 2020/21’s latest Fantasy Premier League curveball.

Ahead of participating in Blank Gameweek 18, Aston Villa revealed on Thursday that a coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak had occurred at their training ground.

‘A large number’ of first-team players and staff tested positive in the most recent round of tests, forcing the premises to be closed on Thursday morning.

That put paid to first-team training ahead of Villa’s FA Cup match with Liverpool, scheduled for the evening of Friday, January 7.

As things stand, the tie is going ahead with Aston Villa’s Under-23s filling in for the first-team, provided they test negative.

Blank and Double Gameweek audition for Man United and Aston Villa

What impact that will have on Blank Gameweek 18 remains to be seen. 

The postponement of Spurs’ visit to Villa Park could drastically change the look of Free Hit squads. Or it could even force more managers to play the chip than before.

Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Harry Kane (£11.0m) still sit in 63.5% and 44.8% of Fantasy squads worldwide while 38.1% own Jack Grealish (£7.7m) and 29.9% hold Emiliano Martínez (£5.0m).

Uncertainty reigns though. A postponement would wipe out all those popular assets from the list of active players while a similar arrangement to tonight’s FA Cup game could intensify interest in Spurs assets.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) are the two most-talked-up captains for Blank Gameweek 18 but Kane and Son would surely come into the conversation if they face Villa’s youth team instead.

Result on Thursday morning

We can see that there was a slight change in the voting patterns between Thursday and Friday morning; before and after the news of Villa’s COVID-19 outbreak.

The differences are subtle, perhaps because of the remaining uncertainty, but, comparing the two sets of data, we saw an increase of 0.8 percentage points supporting the Free Hit (regardless) option between Thursday and Friday.

Tellingly, there was a decrease of 1.2 percentage points among those planning to handle Blank Gameweek 18 with free transfers (no hits).

We saw a similar drop in the category of free transfers (one hit) while there was an increase of 0.2 percentage points for those prepared to take two or more hits.

It is still worth considering the relatively sizeable chunk of Fantasy Football Scout voters hoping to tackle Blank Gameweek 18 without a chip.

andys-gw17-article 7

Even after the uncertainty surrounding Aston Villa’s involvement, 47.6% of our voters are planning to use only free transfers between now and Tuesday’s deadline, although there is some disparity in terms of propensity to take hits within that.

Either way, that overall total is higher than the number who selected the ‘Free Hit regardless’ option and is at a similar level to the total when we combine these voters with those pulling the Free Hit in the event of more postponements and/or injuries.

This fact is an important element for Fantasy managers to consider for this Gameweek.

We are, admittedly, focussing on a relatively small sample size here compared to the rest of the world, although knowing what the more enthusiastic managers are doing, of which we have many here on the site, is useful information.

And what we are seeing is an indication that a large number of managers are hoping to avoid using their Free Hit if possible.

The news came on the same day that Southampton’s third-round FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury was postponed.

Following a significant number of Shrews players and staff testing positive for COVID-19, they have not trained all week after closing their facilities for 10 days.

The FA’s professional game board is to decide when the fixture will be rearranged for “early next week” but as the pile-up continues, authorities are starting to run out of free slots between now and the end of the campaign.

773 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Premier League COVID19 Test Results Imminent!
    The latest round of testing for Premier League players would be between Monday 4th to Thursday 7th January.
    Tests started twice a week only recently.
    I think we can assume results will be published twice a week also.
    The EFL have just shared their results in the last hour, so we could expect Premier League results any time now...

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Spoiler: there's loads of cases

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

    BREAKING: I have declared a major incident in London because the threat this virus poses to our city is at crisis point.

    One in 30 Londoners now has COVID-19. If we do not take immediate action now, our NHS could be overwhelmed and more people will die.
    https://t.co/OjV7SZ4BgQ

    Don't know if this changes anything

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

      I don't really get what this changes either. People declare stuff all the time, are there any actual impacts from him announcing this? He may as well shake a fist at the cloud saying "I don't like this"

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

      That’s from last week isn’t it?

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

        The stat that is.

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

        Within the last hour

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

          I mean the 1 in 30 stat is from last week. So what’s changed?

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

            Probably what's changed is that once they arrived at 1/3 with the virus it would take a week to be reflected in hospitalisations

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

              /30

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

              Ok thanks. Trying to find out more.

    3. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Khan is a moron

      1. Dennis System
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nope wrong

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

        And why is that?

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

    A. holding and Saka

    or

    B. Smith Rowe and tierny

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

      A

    2. FPL Space
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B looks good

    3. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A.
      Or Holding, Smith-Rowe and upgrade elsewhere imo.

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

    If Villa players are out I’ll have to FH.

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

      Yeah i was on 11 before AST v SPU at risk. Down to 6 without so left with no choice.

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was set up so well gone from 10 to 5 if villa game off

      Im making 2 swaps to get 7 and suck it up hope a lpw scoring week
      Dias
      Awb
      Bellerin
      Rashford
      Kdb
      Sterling
      Saka

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

        same, 9 down to 5.

        1 ft and 1 hit sorts it out ok - if Spurs game off then Son to Rash and one other tbc

        1. Sarri-ball
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah im son to sterling and balbu to awb think well worth a -4

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

      Down from 11 to 8 - Losing Son, Grealish and Martinez

      Tempted to take a -12 to get 10 players and go without a gk, the plan was to sell Son and Grealish for gw19 anyway

  5. im1974
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why are people so convinced by Arsenal? Three weeks ago no one touches them and now triple ups on FH seems fashionable. 2 nil Palace is eminently possible....

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

      Desperation on my part...but form is form and wins breed wins at times...

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

        a) form
        b) relative price
        c) not many fictures in 18
        d) FH so not saddled with them

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

      On FH they are more or less the only option besides united and city

    3. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You answered the question when you said FH.

      1. im1974
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So why not Palace players? Tierney scores some points and everyone wants the must have Xmas toy...

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

          Are you really asking why people want Arsenal players over Palace ones?

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

            This is pretty pointless.

        2. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          So are you saying CRY, BHA, SHU, NEW are better options than ARS?

          1. im1974
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not sure how BHA, SHU & NEW got dragged in but “everyone” thinks Arsenal (and Newcastle) assets are essential for FH. Both teams are appalling. I’m betting on wins for Palace & Sheffield Utd.

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

              Beauty of this game is you can play your own way. Good luck with Ward and Benteke over Tierney and Lacazette I hope it works for you.

              1. im1974
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                It’s the lemming mentality of it I find hilarious. People don’t play their own way. An “expert” mentions triple Arsenal and everyone can’t wait to chuck themselves off the cliff after them......

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

                  It's not a leming mentality. I've seen how well Arsenal have played in the last 2 and have a free hit opportunity to get their players in for one week when they are hot. Palace haven't been great so I back Arsenal against them. That's all there is to it.

    4. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In my defence, Bellerin has been a disappointment in my team since GW10!

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

      Free Hit...

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

      Not totally convinced but it's a FH that's the point, don't have to have them long term.

    7. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So ignore Arsenal and do what you think. Weird comment

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

    Ok so the chances are that I'm going to FH now, which isn't the end of the world in isolation.

    But in losing the 2FTs, I'm now left with taking hits to continue making moves for GW19 (DCL/Grealish/Kane out). That's the worst part. I can't confidently take a -4 to remove DCL and Grealish, for example, if i have absolutely no confidence that their replacements will even have a game to play (if there are further outbreaks).

    Imagine taking a -8 and then still not even fielding XI. Plans in absolute tatters.

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

      WC?

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

        Same thing goes. Wouldn't want to waste the WC chip and then still have games cancelled so those incoming players become less beneficial.

        I don't have a bad team for GW19 tbh - I need to work out how important it is to bring KdB in - but it's certainly less appealing considering hits for players that may end up with just a SGW or a BGW.

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

          Probably keeping all chips right now is the best policy. Just maybe get a full bench,

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

      Why do you need 11, every week your team score is based on top performing 6 or 7 plus best captain choice. Just pick the best 7.

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

    Villa vs Spurs surely off, 10 first team players positive, not enough time until that game is there?

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

      Looks unlikely now - wouldn’t be surprised to see the season suspended soon

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

        dont think it will, think they will ride out this wave at least first, its come actually at a good time for the PL as its FA Cup time and teams can field U23s

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

      Think it’s all guesswork now. Watching SKY now and there are again new rules coming out including all players on the bench to wear face masks.

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

        why wear facemasks when you have all tested negative to be in the squad, makes no sense

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

          Dunno. Keeping up appearances maybe.

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

          Because they do not test themselves in the tunnel on the way out. Because tests are not 100% reliable. Because... it does go on

        3. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Depends when last they were tested?

    3. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I was reading some speculation that Spurs might play their previously postponed match against Fulham instead, so Waiting events...

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

        As said previously that needs Fulham vs Chelsea moving.

  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL out of the fa cup tie

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

      If he's injured I'm closing in to having 0 players in gw18 xD

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

        That's handy 😉 I'm presuming you have your FH

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

      What is the news?

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

      He probably needs a rest anyway and dare i say it Ancelotti may fancy his chances of Eur this year... dreaming

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

    I have 2 FTs now, if I use FH I will have 1 FT later? Stupid if that's correct...

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

      Yes

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

      Yeah we'll lose one. A bit sad, but not much we can do at this point. We tried to be prepared!

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

        Gah, wc looking more and more as an option now...

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

      Yep, same here. I can probably field 8 with the FTs. FH still on the table though. Waiting and watching

  10. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If Villa Spurs is off I’m down to 3 players for GW18.... can’t wait for this time on Tuesday when I decide if the FH is worth it, anyone else tempted by a double double of Utd defences for Sheff vs Newcastle if it’s on?

  11. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So the villa game is going ahead tonight because they can field their under 23s. They can't do this for premier league games though, so does this mean the spurs game will be cancelled?

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

      Wait and see.

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

      We are just waiting for official confirmation now, imo.

      The precedent regarding training grounds was made for Newcastle, so any team that has their facilities shut can get the postponement with ease, instead of being punished and made to field whatever side they could muster.

    3. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I assume the League game would be off as at the beginning of the season they have to name a number of players in their squad don't they? So assume their U23 squad is not named in their premier league squad.

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

        Players coming in during Jan transfer window are eligible to play PL. Not sure of the process

  12. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez Areola

    Semedo Keane Stones Dallas Coufal

    Son Fernandes Grealish Lookman Salah

    Bamford Rodrigo Firmino

    Bearing in mind the Aston Villa pandemic would you FH or WC this team for 18/19

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

      Neither right now. We're all in the same boat awaiting news and possible fixture changes before deadline

  13. Westfield Irons ⭐️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Brentford boss Thomas Frank tests positive for Covid-19 just TWO DAYS after shaking Jose Mourinho's hand in Carabao Cup defeat (Daily Mail)
    How can the entire Spurs squad since be declared negative?
    https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/08/14/37765466-9126423-image-a-37_1610114948465.jpg
    Crazy times.

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

      Because hand gel kills the virus. Surely it's part of the protocol to sanitise after shaking an opponents hand?

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

      Good lord.

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

      You haven't paid attention in class. Now think about your comment and write the answer 100 times. I'm sure you can do better Mr Westfield

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Digne and James is back.

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

    I honestly don’t understand how professional sport is being allowed to continue

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

      £

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

        I don’t really get this argument though. The economy is losing billions of pounds a day through all the other closures in society. For the government to prop up the funding of elite sport would be a relative drop in the ocean

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

      You say this every day yet it continues.

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

        Indeed and I still don’t understand it

        I’m not saying it should be postponed, just I don’t understand how/why it isn’t given everything that’s going on

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

          I called it as being done within a week just after Christmas and tbh I'm kinda shocked that it's been allowed to drag on

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

      Once it stops people will start saying they can't understand how the employees aren't being paid.

      Virus or no virus you need to earn money to survive in this world.

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

        How’s that different to every other business which has been told to close?

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

          That's your government's way of tackling the problem. Maybe they should explain better.

          More people will die of poverty than the virus all over the world if we keep locking down the economies.

          I don't see any harm of keeping businesses open if right protocols are being followed. The PL tests 1500 people twice a week what more does anyone want?

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

          It's not. Private industry needs to take the lead. We've always been faster and more efficient than the public sector. We need to lead the way out of this. This is what Gov. want

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

        Tough one imo. Footballers, and elite sport - especially in the men’s game - is in a privileged position as they have access to all the testing and opportunities to ‘bubble’ up.

        I think if they want the prem to continue I don’t know why they don’t ask clubs to isolate into team hotels and live like they would in a tournament etc. Yes they would miss their families but everyone is making sacrifices

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

          i said this a long time ago, if they were in team hotels like a tournament surely that would help. after a couple of weeks cases should be close to 0.

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

            Absolutely. It can’t carry on like this though that’s for sure!

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

            It's measuring in at approx 3.2% infection rate based on the last figures I saw

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

            *correction - double count on tests. Closer to 7.5% infection rate

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

          So just say ‘sorry Coufal we know you just had a child but we are going to separate you from your family and put you in a hotel for the foreseeable?’ That’s not going to happen. Yes they are privileged but expecting them to separate from the family’s so we can keep watching football and playing fpl is nonsense they are still humans

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

          I think that's something worth considering and was adopted by the IPL while having the tournament in Dubai last year. Although that was only for a couple of months and separating footballers from family for 9-10 months just sounds criminal. But there are only 4-5 months left now so they could opt to do that maybe.

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

            Have a look at what the NBA did to finish their season last year, in a "bubble" at disney land in orlando. They had loads of games to get through, got through them all successfully with only 2 positive cases.

            Nobody was allowed to leave the resort, if they did had t be exceptional circumstances. If they breached it they then had to self isolate for 10 days and were fined i think.

            It can be done it's just that the PL, EFL, FA have literally got no plan, no contingency if it really does run rampant.

            People keep refering to PL teams as in a "bubble". They aren't, they go home, mix with their families, you don't know where there family members have been that day etc.

            If you want to finish the season, do it properly like the NBA.

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

            You can't separate players from their families for 4-5 months without their consent. It's not in their contracts.

  16. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Here we go...non league lower tiers want it suspended...

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

      No gate money and limited sponsorship? Not surprised. These hand to mouth teams will find it difficult to survive

  17. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1347545523155333124

    No idea how to interpret the "not available" list here. Has to mean rested, right? But it's an injury list. Err...

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think it's just his English

      • Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They just had 8 days rest..

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

        Maybe rested, maybe injured. Maybe even covid...

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

      Triple Spurs for the last 4 GWs has been a bit of a disaster.

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

        It was incredibly good last gameweek

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

          Yeah, but I didn't get them for 1 good gameweek and 2 postponements.

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

        Not having them last week was a disaster for me.

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

      If Villa - Spurs is off, I am down to 8 players + Brewster in gw18.
      Think I will still avoid FH, might take a hit

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

        8 players is good. Most will be down to 4 or 5 I reckon.

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

        Yeah that's still worth not wasting the FH. I'd go from 11 to 6 so i've been left with no choice. I'd take 8.

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

          yeh but as soon as you FH and others in your position, suddenly 8 looks bad when loads of people are putting out 11 + subs

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

            Without any players from Liverpool, Leeds, Chelsea and West Ham, I need to save my FH for gw19.

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

              whats your team?

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

            Agree with this. I'm in the same position with 2 FTs to make 8

    4. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is Antonio fit?
      Selling Haller now seems odd if not - or in need for cash

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

        Haller has been an utter failure in PL.

    5. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Love how Brewster has been such an integral player since the start of the season on this site - but not in real life

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

      Despite coming into contact with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who has tested positive for coronavirus, on Tuesday, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho confirmed his entire squad have tested negative.

      But with their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa next week now in doubt following Villa's outbreak, Mourinho urged the “Premier League to show leadership”.

      "I believe it is an impossible situation for a club to have three matches postponed, especially if that club plays in Europe. For a Europa League team to have three matches postponed is completely impossible, that is the only thing I can say, Mourinho said.

      "It is for the Premier League to make decisions, if we don't play against Aston Villa we will have three matches postponed and that is impossible because it would need the Euros to get moved and that is not going to happen."

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

        What does he want then? To be given a 3-0 win vs Villa?

        1. Stout scout
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sounds like he wants to play the game, with Villa fielding a team with whoever they have available, including the U-23s.

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

        The prem should move the Fulham game and push back Fulham vs Chelsea

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

        Makes you wonder what bright sparks actually believed that clubs would be able to fulfill the normal schedule this year

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

          Excluding PL clubs from the FA cup would have been a good idea for this season

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

          What was the alternative, cancel the season in preparation of something that might or might not happen?

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

            no, that's a dumb suggestion that someone like yourself just made

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

              No need to get personal mate, just asking a question, I'm interested in what the alternative was or is?

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

              Please don't become like the others on this site just calling people stupid and dumb or being unnecessarily rude when someone asks a question or gives a response they don't agree with. This site is tiring enough for good discussion already without more of that.

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

                Then don't present a 'question' to me that's actually not a question but the most extreme and dumbest possible answer

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

                  Goodness me, what has happened to this site. You've been here 6 years and are belittling people. I thought you would be above thatt.

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

                    I'm not belittling you. I'm belittling the fact that you took reference to the FA allowing an untenable schedule and responded with essentially 'well what's your suggestion, cancel the whole thing'. No, of course that's not the alternative

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

                      Ok let's just forget it and move on as I want an actual discussion on this. My question genuinely is was what do you suggest they do or did? There is no way they could have known this would happen in advance, they probably assumed all would be good in the world by now, much like we assume everything is going to be fine in Februrary/April time due to the vaccine. The problem is what if a new strain comes out that the vaccine doesn't protect against, we can never really know and we'll be back in a worse situation than now.

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

        Playing the Euros in June across multiple European cities- difficult to see how can go ahead.

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

          Can't see non-domestic fans being allowed to attend any games at the Euros, if any at all

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

        What is the third postponement? They had Fulham, now Villa. What am i missing?

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

          Oh their cup final in the future.

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

      Any news that Spurs V.s Villa postponed ?

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

        Why would it be? They both have large enough squads to put out a team.

        We have to prepare a strong bench for our GWs so surely they can as well.

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

          Cheers

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

          Precedent = it will be postponed

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

        No news but surely it’ll have to be

        Entire first team isolating for 10 days

        Premier league have foolishly set a precedent with Newcastle and City that just because you can field 11 doesn’t mean you have to play.

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

          Agreed - prem massively shot themselves in the foot allowing the cancellations of Newcastle and City games. Zero way they can backtrack and make Villa play with 10 first teamer out and a closed training ground, when City was cancelled for 3 first team players

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

        Cheers Thank u guys

    8. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      "Coronavirus outbreaks make it morally wrong to continue playing," says Steve Bruce.

      Stevie Bruce played his FH in GW2, pass it on.

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He got reprimanded by the PL apparently for publicly speaking out. All managers were "encouraged" to present a united front of continue as usual. Money talks clearly.

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

          Wow is this true, do you have a link to that as I completely missed that?

          1. Stormbringer22
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I will do some digging. I read this a couple of days ago so I am not sure which website it was on.

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

              Ah I thought you meant he already got reprimanded for his comments today!

              1. Stormbringer22
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                No, sorry. Also apologies, it was Sam Allardyce that I read about a few days ago not Steve Bruce. Couldn't find the exact article at the time but this seems to be the "next best thing" that I can find:
                https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9116533/Premier-League-informs-managers-not-publicly-ask-circuit-breaker.html

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

                  Wowser.

                  We pay your wages and will decide what you can say

                  1. Stormbringer22
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Certainly reads like this, doesn't it?

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

                  It's all good and thanks for the link!

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

      If Spurs Villa is off, this is the team:

      Mitchell CTaylor Dias
      Bruno Saka KdB
      DCL

      Free hit?

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

        DCL might be injured

    10. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      so, what's the latest gossip ? :~/

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

        DCL injury?

    11. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Every couple of hours I pop my head in here to see what the latest drama is. So far I have received new "gossip" pretty much every time I have done so. What a season. Wonder what the news will be in another 2 hrs. Season suspended probably at this rate!

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

      Why even bother shaking hands with anyone right now

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        We should all spit at each other from a safe distance instead

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

      If I was captaining my VC I would have got 76 PTS more that crazy!
      And it's probably because Bruno is my perma VC

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

      So, slightly off topic.. but has anyone played Football Manager 2021 yet?