Scout Academy

Top FPL differential targets for Gameweeks 18, 19 and beyond

Managers tearing up their Double Gameweek plans are now turning to differentials to catapult themselves up the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) charts.

Additional matches added to both Gameweek 18 and Gameweek 19 has severely altered plans for the single and double Gameweeks.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa are all playing in Blank Gameweek 18 as well as having Double Gameweeks in Gameweek 19.

These three clubs have become key targets for many FPL managers – especially those who aren’t planning to deploy their Free Hit chip in this period.

We asked the Scout Academy for their views on these three teams as well as the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal who, while they don’t play twice in Gameweek 19, do play in both Gameweek 18 and 19.

FPL Shake ‘n’ Bake

Paul Pogba in action for Man United against Spurs during Project Restart

I think targeting teams is a risky strategy. We’ve seen in the last couple of Gameweeks that games have been cancelled post-deadline, and add in the potential for bad weather too, loading up on teams, only for them to have games cancelled will pile on the misery.

Instead of targeting specific teams, I will be looking for some differentials across the teams with good fixtures. While the focus will obviously be on the likes of both Manchester clubs and Aston Villa due to them playing three games, there are teams such as Everton, Spurs and Arsenal who play in both Gameweeks and who have favourable fixtures.

Despite owning Emiliano Martínez (£5.0m) and Jack Grealish (£7.7m), I’m not keen on Villa’s fixtures over this period, so I probably won’t look to get any more into my team.

From City and United, two players I want as differentials are John Stones (£5.0m), currently owned by 5.5% of teams, and Paul Pogba (£7.7m), owned by just 1.4% of teams.

Stones has been impressive since working his way back into City line up, and with Brightons fondness of conceding headed chances, he offers not only a cheap route into City’s defence, but a potential goal threat from set-pieces.

And while Pogba is a player who divides opinion, his influence seems to be growing in the United midfield.

He has averaged a chance every 43 minutes over the last four Gameweeks and his range of passing is always likely to create chances for assists.

As he showed when winning the penalty against Villa, he isn’t afraid of driving into the box and causing trouble for opposition defenders.

In terms of players who play in both Gameweeks, but do not benefit from the Double Gameweek schedule, then Arsenal are a team to target.

There is a lot of justified hype surrounding Bukayo Saka (£5.3m), however, I’m very tempted by their new creative force Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m). 

Spurs are another team with games in both Gameweeks, hosting Villa and then travelling to Sheffield United.

While he is anything but a differential – my advice to FPL managers is to just get Harry Kane (£11.0m).

I feel people may overlook him for the similarly priced Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) or maybe even a differential Sergio Aguero (£10.3m) for the double, but a trip to Bramall Lane could see him outscore any viable replacements, even if they do have two games

FPL Shake and Bake

FPL Side Net

City’s Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring their first goal against West Brom

Heading into the Blank and Double Gameweeks, many managers will have different chip strategies.

It feels like this is going to be a period which will really define how we look at the end of the season, but I think it’s important to remain flexible with your strategy. There is no right or wrong way to navigate it. Just your own. 

The addition of Man United, Burnley, Man City and Villa all thrown into the mix over the two rounds has added extra elements into our thinking, and while the popular players speak for themselves, there are plenty of options that offer some real differential potential. 

While City have looked inconsistent going forward this season, Ilkay Gündogan (£5.4m) continues to offer amazing returns with his eye-catching price tag and 0.9% ownership. While in the past, Gündogan hasn’t been an attractive asset to hold, he has been given licence by Pep to get further up the pitch.

His recent form of three goals in four games is evidence of that. And with five of his next six matches against clubs in the bottom-half of the table, Gündogan can be a handy differential that can be the difference between a good and a great Gameweek. 

While Arsenal only feature twice across Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19, their form and fixtures remind us they should not be overlooked.

If you are using your Free Hit in Gameweek 18, then at £4.4m and 1.3% ownership, Smith Rowe could prove to be an excellent punt for managers looking to get a little cavalier with their squad.

While he has only recently broke into the starting XI, Smith Rowe seems to have Arteta’s backing to be the creative number 10 Arsenal have been craving this season.

He is yet to feature for a full 90 minutes, but he is still averaging six points in the three matches he has started, with three assists so far and the promise of more to come.

FPL Side Net

FPL Focus

Spurs feature in both Gameweeks 18 and 19, although they do not have a double in Gameweek 19.

In defence for Spurs, Toby Alderweireld (£5.4m) looks like a good option. Alderweireld scored in Gameweek 17 showing he is good in the air from set-pieces.

With the Blades in Gameweek 19 who are leaky on set pieces, he could be in for some nice attacking returns as well as a likely clean sheet.

He has also picked up zero bookings this season which always helps not to lose points.

There is an obvious pick in the midfield for Spurs in Son Heung-Min (£9.8m), however I always like to try and find hidden gems.

A look at his underlying stats suggests Tanguy Ndombele (£5.9m) could be a great differential pick and offer a lot of value at his price point.

He has registered two goals and one assist already this season and his ability to take on and dribble past opponents should make him a good pick in Gameweek 19.

Up top for Spurs there really is only one pick. Kane has an impressive 10 goals and 11 assists so far this season, making him top for assists across the league.

On the other side of North London, Arsenal are starting to hit form at the right time for us as FPL Managers. Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) looks like a fantastic option for Blank Gameweek 18 and Gameweek 19 even with a single fixture in both.

Tierney has Crystal Palace and Newcastle at home and Southampton away in his next three fixtures.

He has also picked up two assists this season and a goal, which is promising when viewed alongside Arsenal’s torrid start.

Saka is another excellent option for the Blank and Double Gameweeks and beyond. Saka has registered three goals and two assists so far this season and he has an expected goals rating of 4.21.

In his last three games, Saka has scored two goals and created one assist, so his form is ideal for two matches against Palace and Newcastle.

Finally, Alexandre Lacazette (£8.2m), has been flying somewhat under the FPL radar, especially as a result of his inconsistent appearances at the start of the season.

However, he is now regularly playing for Arsenal and has scored seven goals this season, with four of those goals in the last three games.

While the likes of Dominic CalvertLewin (£7.8m) are drying up in front of goal, Lacazette certainly is not.

FPL Focus

FPL In The Dug Out

There will be a lot of City targeting for Double Gameweek 19 and rightly so, but you won’t make any great leaps up the rankings without a differential or two.

If you’re in a similar position to ITD and you’re looking to make a jump to catch up with the leading pack, West Ham have two very appealing fixtures.

Both homes matches against Burnley and West Brom are very appealing and defensive assets such as Aaron Cresswell (£5.4m) and Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) could score both defensive and attacking points.

Another more differential pick would be Vardy.

With just over 25% ownership, in comparison to Harry Kane with 44% and Son with 66%, the Leicester forward has two home matches with the first being against an injury-hit Southampton and then an out-of-form Chelsea.

Vardy’s explosiveness could really stretch these teams and make him a worthy selection.

My number one pick, even over the City players, is Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m). He thrives on away days and his Double Gameweek fixtures are both on the road.

Man Utd face Liverpool who are without a recognised first-team centre back and Fulham.

Fulham have only kept three clean sheets this season and with Fernandes being so influential in United’s attack, we could see more away day hauls coming his way. 

FPL In The Dug Out

FPL Hangover Podcast

Foden starts for Man City as Guardiola benches Mahrez

While both sides of Manchester offer plenty of FPL options over the upcoming Gameweeks, those more maverick FPL managers looking for a bit of a poc fada (long-shot), need look no further than Phil Foden (£6.2m). 

Suffering from a serious lack of Premier League minutes, Foden has to be considered one of the FPL’s biggest disappointments so far this season.

While being mainly reserved for Europe has limited Foden’s returns, he offered a sharp reminder of his FPL potential in Gameweek 17.

A goal and an assist against Chelsea will surely offer Pep food for thought going forward, not to mention City’s recent bout of illness which should increase Foden’s chance of minutes. 

Not without its risks, a budget-friendly option with great fixtures makes Foden someone I’d certainly consider.

FPL Hangover Podcast

Americans Talk FPL

Kane and Son proving difficult to sell ahead of Double Gameweek 19

With so much focus on teams that play twice in Gameweek 19, it’s easy to overlook the single game assets.

When these happen to be elite fantasy assets with a mouth-watering fixture, perhaps it’s best to pay a bit more attention.

Of course, I’m referring to Spurs visiting Bramall Lane, and in particular, Kane and Son.

For those of you that aren’t planning on using a chip in Gameweek 18, these are also two of the top assets for that week as well, making for a perfect carry-over into 19.

After a tough run of fixtures and a couple of blanks, the dynamic duo reminded us of their potential with a goal and an assist each against Leeds.

A lot has been made of Spurs’ more defensive approach ever since their collapse against West Ham, with their attempts on goal drastically dropping.

However, what they’ve lacked in quantity has been made up with quality, with the highest chance conversion rate in the entire league this season.

With nearly no fear of rotation for Kane and Son, it’s tough to pick out better options for Gameweek 19, even with one fewer fixture.

Jason – American’s Talk FPL
Five things FPL managers should look out for in the Community Shield final 1

Arsenal have been well off form and off the radar for most of the season.

Recently they have picked up the pace, scoring nine goals in their last four games along with two clean sheets.

Kieran Tierney has played a pivotal role in the Arsenal turnaround having created plenty of chances, with one assist and two clean sheets in the last four Gameweeks.

Saka is also an excellent budget option with two goals and one assist in his last four.

Beraht – Americans Talk FPL

Fantasy Football Academy

Based on the fixtures, the ideal teams to target for both Blank Gameweek 18 and Gameweek 19 would be Man Utd, City and Arsenal. 

Over the last three Gameweeks the Red Devils created 33 chances and had 39 attempts on goal with 16 of these on target, averaging a chance every 7.4 minutes.

The players to target would be the obvious ones such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m).

Others include the likes of Anthony Martial (£8.7m), Harry Maguire (£5.4m), Aaron WanBissaka (£5.3m) and Luke Shaw (£4,8m).

Over the last three Gameweeks, Bruno ranks third-best in the league for goal attempts with 11 and second in terms of chances created with 11.

But the one player who has caught my eye is Luke Shaw. Over the last three Gameweeks no defender created more chances than the United left back with nine.


With their emphatic win against Chelsea, Man City proved why they’re one of the top teams in Europe.

Over the last three Gameweeks no team created more big chances, and had a better goal conversion rate than the Cityzens with 13% & 17.2% respectively.

Their opponents for blank Gameweek 18, Brighton, have conceded six goals in their last three games, ranked third-worst in the Premier League in this period.

The best players to pick from City include the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m), Raheem Sterling (£11.4m), Joao Cancelo (£5.7) and Ruben Dias (£5.8m).

With City playing in a defensively cautious manner at the start of the season. most managers would prefer going with two defenders and maybe KDB or Sterling.

In my opinion I would prefer going with both KDB and Sterling and then either Cancelo or Dias.

Mikel Arteta’s injection of youth into the Arsenal side has clearly made the difference. They’ve won their last three matches and are starting to pick up form.

No team has scored more than the Gunners’ eight goals over the last three Gameweeks, and their 47 attempts on goal is the best in this period.

Arsenal have also created 31 chances over their last three games, averaging a chance every 6.1 mins.

Kieran Tierney ranks joint second best in terms of chances created by a defender with seven over the last three Gameweeks.

He has two assists to his name and had two attempts on goal, scoring once.

No player has scored more goals over the last three games than Lacazette with four. The other two options to consider would be Smith-Rowe and Saka. Smith-Rowe has created six chances and had two attempts on goal over the same period while Saka created four chances, had eight attempts on goal and scored twice.

Their opponents for blank Gameweek 18, Crystal Palace, have conceded 10 big chances over the last three games, the worst in the period alongside Newcastle.

Fantasy Football Academy

FPL Talking Points

Of the four teams that play three times across Blank Gameeek 18 and Double Gameweek 19, Burnley are (perhaps correctly) receiving the least amount of attention.

However given their fixtures in Gameweek 16 (Sheffield United) and Gameweek 17 (Fulham – ultimately postponed), many FPL managers, including the last-minute wildcarders from the first half of the season, would have had one Burnley defender in their squads.

In fact, Mark Sutherns on his wildcard stream for FPL BlackBox even had an audacious plan to bring in Nick Pope (£5.4m) for Gameweeks 16 and 17 with the intention of replacing him directly after those two very green fixtures before the games ahead toughened up.

However, those thinking about free-hitting away Burnley’s defensive assets before a run of Man United, West Ham, and Liverpool should be reminded of a similar decision point from the previous season.

Facing a tough run against Leicester (then a solid third place), United, and Arsenal, Burnley defenders and especially Pope were transferred out en masse.

They ended up taking seven points from those three matches conceding only one goal in the process. Pope holders were especially rewarded with a penalty save as well. He racked up 28 points across just those three Gameweeks.

Burnley are a proven commodity when it comes to defending against the big teams. Sellers and free-hitters would do well to remember that.

FPL Talking Points

FPL Gents

andys-gw17-article 7

Even though it’s easy to be blinded by the splendid fixtures and form of the two teams from Manchester (and rightly so), there are some players every manager should at least have in the back of their head over the next two Gameweeks.

With the Villa’s fixtures, a double up seems questionable and a triple up looks outright undesirable.

However, the form of Villa this season has been generally very good. While it’s hard to predict who will be the goalscorer in their attack, Grealish seems like the one who is always involved in the goals they score.

Many who have owned Grealish know how frustrating it is to see his teammates spoil his perfectly placed passes. Looking at chances created in the last two Gameweeks, Grealish is third only behind Bruno Fernandes and Leeds’ Mateusz Klich (£5.5m) with his tally of six.

One could argue Grealish deserves more with his expected assists being one of the highest over the last few Gameweeks.

So who are the players who are unable to convert all these chances?

Looking at who tops expected goalscoring metrics at Villa Anwar El Ghazi (£5.8m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.1m) are doing well in expected goals, shots inside box and shots on target.

But both of these players are barely edging past Grealish in the expected points category.


It’s not long ago since Arsenal were a team in deep trouble, barely managing enough points to stay above the relegation zone.

But after a win over out-of-form Chelsea, confidence seems to be blooming.

With an expected goals tally of 4.81 over the last two Gameweeks. it seems things are on the right track again.

However, since they are not playing a double in Gameweek 19, some tend to overlook their assets. Next up are games against Palace and Newcastle, two seemingly weak teams defensively, so it’s time to give Arsenal’s assets serious consideration.

With the same amount of chances created as Jack Grealish over the last two Gameweeks, we find Kieran Tierney.

With Arsenal having only conceded three goals over the last four Gameweeks, it seems there are some clean sheets imminent, combined with some attacking returns.

Looking at shots on target their last two games, we find an old friend in Alexandre Lacazette, whom Arteta seems to have newfound faith in.

If one is on the lookout for budget enablers from Arsenal then Emile Smith-Rowe, Bukayo Saka and even Rob Holding (£4.5m) offers good value in the short term.

FPL Gents

What’s happening in the Scout Academy?

FPL Shake ‘n’ Bake

FPL Shake ‘n’ Bake was busy throughout December ahead of Gameweek 12 he discussed the merit’s of Timo Werner. Ahead of Gameweek 13 he discussed his own FPL teams and making changes to his plans and being adaptable to the game. Gameweek 15’s preview discussed the FPL dynamo that is Bruno Fernandes as well as the arrival of an old tried and tested FPL favourite in to his squad.

FPL Focus

During this festive period FPL Focus has been collaborating with the Scout Network’s FPL Nymfria on her FFScout sponsored Dream Team Stream. He has also been hosting his midweek FPL Focus Show with guest @kendallrowen and @Migtavius. These midweek streams happen every Wednesday over on FPL Focus’ YouTube Channel.  

FPL Focus has also provided a Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 chip strategy video which is available on his channel. Throughout December FPL Focus also teamed up with fellow Scout Academy podcasters FPL Academica Vertex to talk about Gameweek 14 points and discuss the all important Blank and Double Gameweeks’.

This week’s midweek stream will feature @Rey_Quraishi as a guest to discuss the Gameweek 18 fixtures and how to navigate that small but vital Gameweek.

Americans Talk FPL

In addition to their weekly content over on their YouTube channel, American’s Talk FPL have also begun producing content for the official Fantasy Football Scout Instagram Account.

In December, Americans Talk FPL held their first successful livestream. This is something that they will be looking to continue to make for a more interactive experience for Americans Talk FPL followers. The guys at Americans Talk FPL also have a lot of content planned ahead of Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gameweek 19 so keep a watch out for this across their channels.

FPL Side Net

December was a very busy month for FPL Side Net with six episodes released, covering the hectic FPL Christmas schedules. Three of those episodes were solo recordings for Peterson as Dubs had work and travel commitments. The FPL Side Net also filmed a fun Christmas episode where they re-cast their favourite Christmas films (yes, that includes Die Hard) with current Premier League personalities.

They also got down to the more serious side of FPL discussing key topics such as how many premiums is too many, and chip strategies ahead of the Blank Gameweek 18 and Double Gamweek 19. You can find the FPL Side Net Podcast on all your favourite platforms.

Fantasy Football Academy – The Academica Vertex

Throughout December the guys at the Fantasy Football Academy had multiple guest appearances on their livestreams. Ahead of Gameweek 12 they welcomed FPL_Beery, as well as streaming with fellow Scout Academy members FPL Focus while discussing their initial thoughts regarding the blank and the double gameweeks. 

FPL Gents

In December, FPL Gents created a website that shows the probability of clean sheets, goals, assists, and as always anytime return chance. It works using the recurring segment of “anytime FPL return probabilities”, calculated by looking at the bookies’ projected outcomes. The page currently shows 98 different assets and you can sort by, for instance, position or simply search for the player you are looking for. The page is updated no later than 24 hours before each Gameweek deadline.

FPL Gents have also written a Twitter article to help FPL Managers work out when to deploy the triple captaincy chip most effectively. Here FPL Managers will find comparisons of using the chip in a good single Gameweek fixture versus a tougher Double Gameweek.

FPL Talking Points

December was the busiest month yet for FPL Talking Points. Throughout December the 25 Days of Podmas feature put the spotlight on a new content creator each day of December leading up to Christmas. Each podcast or video stream was given a page on the Talking Points website featuring their latest episode as well as promotion on our Twitter and Instagram channels. 

This feature allowed FPL Talking Points to highlight some up-and-coming members of the FPL community, as well as grow his own presence in the community as well. As a result, the FPL Talking Points Twitter account tripled its following in December! Merry Christmas to me!!!

FPL In The Dug Out

Throughout January, ITD will be continuing to publish POWERPLAY teams in an attempt to be the highest scoring manager of the week while giving everyone some transfer considerations to bolster their point potential!
David at FPL In The Dug Out will also be doing some Q&A sessions on Instagram to help FPL managers with their planning for the double gameweek and beyond. The first session is scheduled just ahead of double Gameweek 19. David is also planning to record a second FPL Family x video with Sam from the FPL Family following our pre-season Dream Team prediction video to see how those picks are going so far.

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

776 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My best friend works in a hospital in London and says he can barely stand. He says they’re pretty much building trenches. The Christmas meet ups have thrown this thing in to another stratosphere. So sad. Barely anyone in my area can be bothered to even wear a mask.

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

      Sorry to hear that, I’ve honestly not encountered a single person not wearing a mask inside. What does he mean by building trenches ?

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

        War zone I’d guess.
        Digging themselves in for a long battle

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

          Yeah and the battle isn’t down the line now, it’s here, and unrelenting.

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

        It’s more of a euphemism. World War II reference. They’re trying to abate the relentless onslaught of people coming in. The cancer and surgery ward has been cleared out to put more beds and ventilators in.
        In my local Sainsbury’s I hear people coming in saying “exempt baby”. Constant excuses for not wearing masks. Most simply don’t care. It’s so do so sad. Latest figures say 1/20 in London now have Covid. It’s about to go meteoric.

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

      I’m looking forward to Doris and Matt Wanksock going to jail.

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

        What for?

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

          There’s going to be a big independent inquiry that should expose gross negligence and cronyism on a massive scale.

          Are you one of those nutters who think they’re straight and doing a good job?

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

            No, but is anyone (apart from the odd country) doing a good job?
            It’s a lose, lose situation and people would complain whatever they did.
            Deaths v Businesses seems the main argument.
            Not saying they are doing a good job either, but would anyone?

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

              I’d say they’ve got everything wrong from the start by not taking it seriously. We live on an island and have a big advantage over mainland Europe, but we got it worst then it should have been.

              Those £120m PPE contracts being handed out like candy to anyone with conservative links need serious investigation.

              I know this will get deleted as we’re not allowed politics on here but a cat with no legs could do a better job.

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

                How about people grow up and take accountability for their actions? The reason it's so rampant here is because there's a large number of people not abiding by lockdown rules and still mixing households on a frequent basis. The government can do only so much. The reason it's better handled in the east is because the populations are fearful of strict police and the consequences, whereas in this country noone is afraid.

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

                  Btw at the start of the virus there was talk of banning flights from China but the snowflakes cried xenophobia. There was also talk of putting the army on the streets so that lockdown rules were followed, again people cried about a totalitarian 1984 scenario. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

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

                    There were absolutely no snowflakes calling xenophobia for banning flights from China. It’s what any competent govt would have done but not Doris and co.

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

                  Yep our country seems to have a high content of both stupid and selfish people which is proving a deadly combination

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

                  Only this week Doris sent the kids back to school for 1 DAY. On Sunday he said schools are safe and then closed them on the Monday night. Just to make sure more people suffer through their dither and delay.

                  U-turn number 876 this year and don’t get me started on Barnard Castle.

            2. sully29
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Depends what you mean by "a good job", I suppose.

              They're doing a worse job than most countries who are comparable in terms of size and resources. Whether you think that's acceptable or not is down to your personal opinion.

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

      Thats terrible and to continue to see conspiracy theorists just makes it worse

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

        Yeah. I’ve even heard people call others “mask bullies”. My father has really bad asthma so is exempt, but can’t understand why anyone with his lung condition wouldn’t wear a mask that attacks the lungs. Even though masks are mainly worn to not pass it on rather than getting it.

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

          I’ve never understood this argument either. I run a restaurant and people saying “I’m exempt” whether they were or weren’t, just annoyed me.
          Wear a mask for 20 seconds to walk a table. It’s not hard

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

            I didn’t know that about you mate. So do I. Well a pub in Hammersmith. All ideas that ended up being implemented we actually put in place from 4th July. We got a lot of grief but then it became law.
            As we are a public house and not essential, I simply refuse entry to those exempt. Bloody harsh I know, but our pub our rules.

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

              I wasn’t sure if I could do that. In the week up to Christmas we were in Tier 2, and surrounded by Tier 4’s so got invaded.
              This included a lot of travellers who are all exempt apparently !

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

                No no no. You can refuse anyone for any reason. You don’t even have to give a reason. It’s much harder if someone is of a different colour to you though as they think it’s a race thing. But mostly I turn away white builders.

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

      It is very, very grim. It is tiring and frustrating to read the inevitable smartarse posters that pop up and want to make themselves appear enlightened and others appear foolish or gullible by rubbishing what's happening with crappy statistical gotchas that demonstrate little comprehension of what we are dealing with. I changed health jobs recently but in my previous allied health role (Cancer) we were getting fortnightly obituaries from the director of the trust for colleagues many of us knew from within the hospital. When you're watching your 30, 40, 50 year-old colleagues' funeral cars crawl through the grounds of the hospital so staff can pay tribute it makes it somewhat more real. I guess than ripping some cack from Julie Hartley Brewer in a tabloid and using it to look smart is a fun way to pass the time though

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

        I can’t even fathom.

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

        Their anti-vax 'not putting that poison into my body' crap is especially galling when most of them barely seem able to go a weekend without filling their body with coke, collagen, vodka or steroids.

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

      Hospital staff are already exhausted plus loads of them are now off with the virus or self isolating, absolutely everyone knew things were going to get worse through the winter but very little was done about it and rules weren't enforced, I'm in London where like you say it is now 1/20 and people still aren't wearing masks on the tube etc not to mention the anti lockdown protesters etc, I'm sad to say it but England is an embarrassment.

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

        We, as a country, as a people, are the weakest, most snowflake, excuse ridden, I’m alright jack on earth. A chap came out the other day saying that non mask wearers had blood on their hands. A load of people came out crying that “how dare they say that”. I’m exempt. I tell you, you really better be proper proper exempt to not wear one. It really isn’t anything to ask. I have bad eyesight and can’t really see with the make on but who cares?

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

          The me, me, me generation

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

            Absolutely bang on. How so many find a way to make a situation everyone is involved in about them is astonishing.

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

            Ironically I found found to the most obstructive people to be very young adults who haven't grown up yet and don't really have the maturity or comprehension even to properly understand, or the middle aged generation. Younger people through to youg-middle age, those accused of being this mythical snowflake generation actually seem the most willing to follow guidelines

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

              I’m going to sound like a real prat saying this, buts it’s definitely a class thing. A middle class teenager will always have one on. But some lot in track suit bottoms won’t. Backlash accepted.

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

                Most sense that’s been talked in this site for a long time. Agree with everything you said, unfortunately it’s not a class thing either - I live in a fairly affluent area and a lot of people have ‘the rules don’t apply to me’ mentality

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

            There seems to be a very definite group in their 30-50s who seem to think they know better.

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

      well..if you want a "there is always worse" story, we in Croatia are having now 2 continuous weeks of earthquakes of 6.0 and above in Richter, tens of thousands of houses destroyed, and people forced to be outside while simultaneously our country is in covid lockdown.....fun times indeed

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

        Mate I’m so sorry. Amazing how this hasn’t made news here.

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

          its because you have your own lockdown and other internal things to follow, its understandable.
          But if anything, our country is now united in helping each other just like it was united during that world cup 2018 finals run, which is beautiful to see even in darkest times..everybody is helping financially and as they can.

          1. Werner Bremen
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Držite se ljudi. Pozdrav iz Srbije.

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

        I have just been looking at the stats for croatia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech, Latvia, Hungary etc.

        What it looks like to me from the stats is that some of these countries acted quite quick and did relatively well but unfortunately have now been overrun and during winter, so we are seeing an even more concentrated and terrible looking death stats

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

          yeah, for example, we (croatia) handled summer covid perfectly, but the second wave, the autumn one is disaster, we had like 4k new cases daily, which is massive for our population, and a lot of death...and just now recently we started to somehow getting it back together

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

      There needs to be more tangible consequences for wilful disregard of the rules. No more 'asking' or 'advising' people to quarantine when they get off a plane - tell them to do it, or their passports will be revoked for 10 years minimum. Jail sentences for people spreading tinfoil crap about it on social media. As for those cretins standimg outside a rammed A&E in London on NYE shouting about how it's all a hoax, I would've got the tear gas out & see if they still practice what they preach about not wearing face coverings.

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

        I’d never say out loud what you just did, but I reluctantly agree.

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

        Those that think it's a hoax should be volunteering to help out at the hospitals, or the morgues, just so they can go online afterwards to prove that they were correct.

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

          Spot on.

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

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

    1.3 ITB, 1 FT

    Willing to take a hit, suggest a transfer?

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

      Kane to Brewster.

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

    Our Year

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

      Sure picked the right year

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

    Safe to push the FH button ?

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

      No idea, honestly.

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

        cant resist much longer

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

          Why not? It won’t change anything waiting will it?

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

            I either have 2 FTs or a FH and I’ve got no clue what I’m gonna do lol. I’m gonna wait til Monday I think.

            I can’t imagine I’ll be priced out of my preferred XI so I don’t see the rush yet.

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

              Take a -4 and get in a few you want? Better than wasting the FH

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

                Yeah think I’m on 6 without Villa v Spurs with 2 FTs. May remove Kane & Grealish and get the essentials and be done with it.

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

            no it could wait even though wilson and cancelo might rise in price tonight

  5. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So it’s 4th round of cup that affects 26/29 fixtures?

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

      It’s the Quarter Finals I think. 4th round gets its own weekend still.

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

        Yeah 4th Round between 19 and 20. 5th Round between 23 and 24.

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

          Winners of 5th round will miss 29 and potentially move to 26 with 1 GW notice?

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

            We’ll know before GW24.

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

            Yeah they’ll play 5th round 10th February and GW 26 begins 27th February. So that’s 3 weeks notice til the actual game if it’s the midweek.

  6. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Solid 2nd half for Ryhs Williams, apart from that one lapse in concentration he looked solid, maybe no need panic buy for a CB this window

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

      Really?

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool need a CB.

      Matip can't stay fit so he is basically like 0.5 of a CB. Fabinho is a CM and although he is doing well at CB he is not used to his full potential there.

      After that with Williams and Phillips it is poor.

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

        Theres always one 😉

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

      Only because the Villa lads started to get gassed and didn't really get many chances to run at him.

  7. ted mcnure
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    That was a fantastic performance by those Villas lads! Well done boys!

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

      Yes I agree. Well done Villa, a fantastic effort.

      1. ted mcnure
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I´m a dad of 4 boys, now giants with beards. I can´t help but feel a it of dadness when I see youngsters doing well!

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

          Blimey. How tall are they? I have a 13 year old who comes in to my pub with his family and he’s 6ft 3”.

          1. ted mcnure
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I put it down to the growth hormones in the chicken nuggets...

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

              Is it too late for me then?

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

            My eldest boy turned 13 in November, he's 6 2

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

              My god. So just before he turns 14 it’s a realistic outcome that he’ll be 6 3” or even 6 4”

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

                I'm almost 6 3, my younger brother is 6 2 and my youngest brother is 6 7 so he couldn't miss it 😀 Yeah he wearing M in adult size now but not for too long more

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

                  Do yourself a favor and send him to the NBA! :O

                2. ted mcnure
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  It´s a generational thing- we´re breeding a land of giants!

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

    Exact money for this FH. Any suggestions please?

    Darlow
    AWB Tierney Cancelo
    (K)DB Bruno Raz Rashford Saka
    Wilson Laca
    4.0 Fernandez Egan Davis

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

      Standard

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

        Yep. Can't think of any better changes though

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

      Wait until next Tuesday - not the end of the world if for example you get Yedlin over Fernández or Stones over Cancelo or Holding over Tierney

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

        For savings, or just better picks?

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

          If you need to save cash delaying FH Tuesday

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

            Oh, made 44 transfers already LOL

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

      I prefer Maguire over AWB, not a massive fan of Wilson either tbh.

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

        Any better than Wilson?

    4. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty much the same team I’ll go with, I might go Shaw instead of AWB and upgrade the bench

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

        2 on the bench should be enough imo

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

    Thoughts? Will FH if Spurs game off.

    DDG
    Digne Tierney Cancelo
    Auba Sterling Bruno Saka KDB
    Edi McGoldrick

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like the way you have made 2 parts out of Eddie Mc Goldricks name so it’s like 2 people up front.

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

        lol Palace Legend

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

      Is digne likely to start against Everton then?
      I think him coming back is probably better news for Rich and DCL. But I guess they've been keeping cleansheets now aswell, right?
      Tierney and cancelo are no-brainers IMO.
      I think the Auba and Saka double up is risky

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

        Digne won’t start against Everton

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

    Thinking that these next two weeks could really go two ways if people throw chipscar it. You could get the points in before the whole situation totally folds and an indefinite suspension comes in. Very high risk high reward.

    From my part I’m already on wc and will set up for a gw19 bb if and only if it looks like football can survive 7 days from the 14th. If not will back out and just hold for later. Maybe a chip in the standard gw38 goalfest is an option.

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

      *chips at it

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

      I'm just trying to get into the top 1m. #lifegoals

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

        Not there yet myself either lol

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

        I’m starting a YouTube channel if I get into the top 1m this season

  11. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Planning for GW19. Which would you pick for DGW?

    a) Bednarek/Dier, Sterling, Rashford

    b) Dias, Rashford, Son

    c) Dias, Salah, Grealish

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

      C

  12. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Been mighty out of the loop. So is Spurs VS Villa canceled? How come everyone has booted Kane & Son from their FH drafts?

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

      Not cancelled yet but they’re anticipating it being called off with the volume of villa Covid positive tests. Still waiting for official announcement.

  13. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best keeper for 18 + 19

    Pope 3 games
    Leno 2 games
    Any others?

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

      DDG?

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

      Settled on your WC team?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pope (Martinez)
        Cancelo Dias Holding (Soucek Dallas)
        De Bruyne Fernandes Rashford Saka (Soucek)
        Lacazette Wilson (Bamford)

        3m itb rashford/Lacazette to Ings/SalahTC -4

        Not 100% on dbl Utd attack vs Burnley, could go with Dbl City attack and change a defender? Thoughts?

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

          Take a look at mine below.

          Still think Dallas, Bamford & Ings is a gamble with the talk of Leeds - Southampton being rescheduled due to Southamptons FA-Cup

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I see..

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

              Did send you a link in my thread below 😉

              Just feel like it is a gamble personally with a team like WHU having even better fixtures in the DGW.
              Antonio ? 🙂

              1. Warby84
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I think Shrewsbury may concede, I still think Leeds are worth the gamble, and I think Ings is too..

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

                  Leeds looks great offensively. However I do think Brighton and Southampton will score.
                  Ings. Hmm - it's a hard one tbh. I look at their schedule combined with how injury prone he is combined with the uncertainty of the fixture against Leeds in a DGW, and I can't help but to compare him with Antonio.
                  Antonio have at least a just as good DGW as Ings. 2mil cheaper. Better fixtures moving forward. Ofc he is just back from an injury, but now he does not have competition from Haller 😉

                  1. Warby84
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Still not 100% sure on Antonio, but price is great, Ings can score vs anyone.. Think I may set and forget at 8.3

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

                Also think your bench has a bit too much value tied up with: Martínez/Pope, 2 of Holding/Dallas/Coufal and Saka/Soucek

                1. Warby84
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Dallas/Saka/Pope to Chilwell/Rowe/Darlow

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

                    You would have to play Darlow in next GW I think.
                    Villa - Everton will most likely get postponed too.

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

            If Leeds and Soton have no double its getting beyond silly

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

              I don't disagree, but if we won't know moving into GW18 then the WC'ers have to decide how many of those players they actually want/need going ahead.
              For me it's really easy: Only Bamford.

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

                Im on WC lol. I agree Bamford is ‘essential’ but i may have to look at other than Messier. Hate spending on keepers

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

                  Yeah I know, but are you planning to use BB in DGW19?
                  I will most likely press WC myself, but I have no plan to BB in DGW19 - Pope looks like the standout choice to me if on WC.

                  1. Warby84
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    I have 0.4 tied up in Martinez so Pope would be very short term..

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

                    Im trying to hold on a BB decision till gw19 deadline really. Get as much info as poss. Pope 4.0 is the option of no BB indeed.

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

                      Personally I think a GW18 WC team can prepare better for a BB in DGW26 compared to next DGW 😀

                      And as long as you have the FH for BGW29 you'll be fine.
                      8 FT's between DGW19 and DGW26 (7 in my case as I will do Rashford -> Mané next week)
                      I think it is fairly certain Villa and Spurs will have DGW's so when Villa have better fixtures and are Covid-free in a few weeks I'll bring them back. Already set on keeping Son, and then I just need Kane and a defender. Going into this GW with 3 from Man U and 3 from City also fills my with some confidence of more DGW26 players (they will probably move to the FA QFs)
                      That leaves me with players like Pope who also are a few games behind compared to other teams. I would have to upgrade Farrell to Martínez)
                      Then I have Holding, Antonio, Coufal, Wilson, Smith Rowe & Bamford. Some will make way for Villa and Spurs and some hopefully have a DGW.

                      My point is that 8 FTs looks great to prepare for BB between 19 and 26 😉

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Soucek is Coufal!!

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

      Probably going Leno Messier and seeing how land lies after gw18

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

      Pope

  14. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do we think of this WC draft? 2.4 ITB

    Pope - Farrell
    Dias - Cancelo - AWB - Holding - Coufal
    KDB - Bruno - Son - Rashford - Smith Rowe
    Bamford - Wilson - Antonio

    GW18 (10-11 players)
    Pope
    Dias - Cancelo - AWB - Holding
    KDB - Bruno - *Son* - Rashford - Smith Rowe
    Wilson

    (Farell, **Bamford**, **Antonio**, **Coufal**

    GW19 (Rashford -> Mané FT)
    Pope
    Dias - Cancelo - AWB - Coufal
    Mané - KDB - Bruno - Son
    Bamford - Antonio

    (Farrell, Wilson, Holding, Smith Rowe)

    Thoughts behind:
    I would like to keep both Bamford and Son simply due to value tied in those players. Even if Son does not play in GW18 I think SHU looks fine for DGW19, and I would get him back at 10.0 in a few GW's if selling him now (making me pay 0.5 more for him).
    And since I'm not opting for BB in DGW19 I would still likek to have a somewhat cheap bench without too much value tied up in those players. Think Coufal, Holding and Smith Rowe are fine fits for that.
    With Haller gone surely Antonio looks a much better choice.
    Not opting for Southampton or more Leeds than Bamford with the uncertainty of Leeds - Southampton going ahead in DGW19.

    Ofc the GW18 team is not overly 'sexy' compared to the FH'ers, but the DGW19 team looks strong without any hits, and most FH'ers need a way to bring in KDB/another city defender/maybe even Antonio? And they still need to decide what to do with DCL, Villa players and for some a triple up on an out-of-form Liverpool team.

    Anything you would suggest?

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

      I concur on theory but have a few different personnel

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

        Who would you replace and why? 🙂

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      See above I plan on Salah Ings for 19 so leaving 3m itb.. What’s going on with Southampton/Leeds?

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

    Micheal Aptead, producer of the Seven Up! documentary series has died aged 79. Gutting. Anyone bored during lockdown couldn't do much better than to seek out and watch the series from start to finish. It's one of the great, unparalleled works of our lifetime

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_(film_series)

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

      There’s a Simpsons based on this right? Always meant to watch it

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

        So there is. Didn't know that, I'll track it down

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

      Have seen a few. Interesting study...

      Have you seen three identical strangers? It’s like a black mirror version.

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

        I have not, I'll check this out. I've also just found a german show called The Children of Golzow that ran from 1961-2007 that I'm going to check out

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

        It's worth watching UP! from the start. It's begins as a political/class piece really but rapidly becomes human and some of the most profound stuff develops in the period around 21up and on

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes it´s extraordinary.

  16. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have exact cash for my FH team that includes Cancelo and Wilson who look likely to go up in price tonight.

    Do I pull the trigger or hold off until Tuesday afternoon?

    Thanks.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I hit WC for the same reason..

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

      Everyone is asking the same question just scroll up and read...

  17. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cant decide between having Sterling as my 3rd City player or Dias.

    Can do Sterling and Rashford or Salah and Grealish for the DGW.

    Who scores more? Stats say Sterling but he's been pretty quiet lately.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH I'd go Sterling, otherwise Dias

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's WC

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sterling ticking over off late. Assuming other 2 are KDB and a def, Sterling probably gives you a bit more flexibility in structure.

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What are the chances of villa v spurs being postponed after tuesdays fpl deadline?

    Does it make sense to free hit with no spurs in case this happens

    Thanks

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

      With so many players out with Covid, Villa playing their kindergarten team tonight and Bodymoor Heath closed. I think the chances of the match going ahead is 1%. Even if it does go ahead it will be the kindergarten once more which would be so unfair when you look at how 'few' covid hit players Newcastle, Fulham and City had compared to Villa.

      Having said that the hope for all going without chips or gambling on Spurs is, that the Fulham game gets moved to GW18. That would make Son, Kane & Dier great players for that week.

      Postponed matches have been announced only a few hours before kick-off. I don't think we'll know anything for certain before deadline ;/

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It must be off if they are following the same rules as they have been and I'd imagine they will announce it before the deadline, but look how late the Fulham games last week was called off.

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

        They surely can't announce that villa spurs is postponed but that spurs will play Fulham instead without 24 hrs notice surely.....

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I didn't mean that. I meant game must surely be off, don't know why they haven't announced it yet; though with PL anything seems possible.

  19. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So how come the FA cup games are not called off? Villa can call the PL game off right but not the cup?

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

      Season would finish in 2022

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

        So the FA have said the games must be played or forfeited then?

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In theory, Cup matches need to be scheduled ahead of the following round dates, otherwise the sequence will descend into chaos.

      The league on the other hand has midweek slots set aside for postponed fixtures to be completed prior to Matchweek 38. (Europa teams have fewest available slots — Spurs in particular could be very stretched this season).

  20. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TC Bruno GW19?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe, if Villa Jrs can score against Liv why not.

  21. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With all the uncertainty with the fixtures and the lockdown not expected to show an impact of Covid for two weeks, I'm thinking of taking a hit and just rolling with 5 players for GW18 (down from 10 if Villa-Spurs off). I've got 3 City, 2 Utd which I feel will be the core of most FH teams which are then supplemented with meh picks from Arsenal and Newcastle. I'll have 11 doublers for 19 and save all my chips for later on when -hopefully- things have settled down a bit and there are better opportunities.

    Dias Stones Maguire/AWB
    KDB Bruno

    It's a risk but I think an acceptable one considering the current situation. If I get 30 points I'll be chuffed.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Inclined to agree.
      (c) is everything

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

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

    1.3 ITB, 1 FT

    Willing to take a hit, kindly suggest a transfer?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane and Watkins to Laca and Tony M work?
      Or Kane and Taylor to a City defender and Tony?

  23. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really tricky to plan anything now.
    I was actually setup to go through the next GW without using a chip. I still might be ok with this lot -

    Leno
    Bellerin
    Taylor
    Stones
    Fernandes
    KDB
    DCL

    Had Dier, Son and Kane as well.

    Hmmmmm

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That 7 is not terrible and if you change a Spud into something else you should be fine.

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

    Just listened to the FPL General's podcast and I have to say that I have exactly the same starting lineup in my FH team. I'm shocked

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In a good or bad way?

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

        Mostly good

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Only watch Blackbox and highlights of Wire nowadays, though I know General is doing pretty well this year. GL.

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

            Yep those two are the only ones I follow along with General

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

      Not too shocking considering there are only 3-4 combinations of FH teams remaining with the tiny number of fixtures taking place

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Somebody somewhere will definitely be going all in on SHU or Wolves though. Lord (TC)?

  25. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have people on FH begun removing Kane and Son from their drafts? Or holding on with a lot of value tied, to get official word on a cancellation?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm just going to enjoy the magic of the cup until Monday and then start to worry.

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

      I'm holding for now. Feel like funds aren't that big a stress this week personally, not had a draft yet that's a push on the budget. Not sure about others?

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

      Tough. If it's a Villa youth team I want them all but could be cancelled. Will decide close to deadline.

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

    Bruno KDB Cancelo Stones Mitchell Burke

    Enough? Have 4 from Villa vs Spurs.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably Tony, probably.

  27. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this non-Spurs FH?

    DDG
    Digne - Bellerin - Cancelo
    KDB - Sterling - Fernandes - Rashford - Traore
    McGoldrick

    Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Seems a bit of a waste of FH only having ten

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considering its FH i would say thats awful team

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

        Awful team

  28. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cancelo/Rashford/Holding
    Clark/Sterling/Tierney

    Edging towards B..

  29. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So Tottenham will play vs U23 Villa team or game will be postponed?

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

      Postponed (99%). But I fear it will not be confirmed before wednesday though.

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

      Under 12s apparently

  30. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Parts of this game that I enjoy are planning & thinkering. Not able (or being so limited) to do so in this circumstance making it rather dull and frustrating. This is actually the first time since playing this game few years back that I may leave my team as a dead one for few weeks. Bizarre ... anyone feeling the same?

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

      Well this is only my fourth season and by far my worst one so far.
      However I do feel like putting time into planning even in these crazy times will benefit me and make me able to climb up the rankings.

      You planned to manage through GW18 and WG19 without chips right? - so did I.
      I think you should preparing for a WC tbh.

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

        Don't know what to plan if it's proven that games have been being cancelled rather randomly ... planning is rather useless.

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

          Well. Don't know what to say exactly, but.

          I actually think that the Free Hitters are worse off than those planning to manage through both GW's and now suddenly have to use the WC.

          Most Free Hitters will return to a team with:

          Keepers:
          Martínez (most likely only playing City next GW) Or McCarthy (Leeds - Southampton could be off though unlikely)

          Defenders:
          A double Liverpool defense (very expensive giving how Liverpool look atm)
          One or none City defenders (You would want two in GW19 if not on double attack)
          Leeds defenders/Southamton defenders (Leeds - Southampton could be off though unlikely)

          Midfield:
          Villa midfielders (most likely only playing City)
          No KDB (You'd want him)

          Attack:
          DCL (most likely have no game in GW19)
          Watkins?

          My point is that some might even feel pressured into WC next week after FH in this one.
          You could just WC monday and set up nicely for both GW's. Use FT's to plan for BB in DGW26 and save your A** in BGW29 with the FH you did not play this GW.

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

            Hmm good points there, will have a look at options during the weekend thx.