Community

Fantasy Football Scout Community Trials open again

The dawning of a new year brings fresh opportunities, different perspectives and, of course, a brand new FPL wildcard to tempt us! In this spirit of renewal, Fantasy Football Scout are delighted to be re-opening our Community Trials in order to discover and celebrate upcoming writing talent.

Alongside the Pro PunditsScout Network and Scout Academy, the Trials are part of our continuing mission to support the wider world of FPL content creators and expand the extent of FFS’s own coverage.

Specifically, the Community Trials offer an opportunity for budding writers to submit an article with a view to getting a paid commission, raising their profile and generally furthering their editorial career.

We ran the inaugural version of this enterprise back in the Autumn and, after much deliberation of MANY articles, ultimately picked four winners: DomWatts23GreyheadKroos Kontrol and RubberDucky.

We handed each of these writers a chance to work alongside the Fantasy Football Scout editorial team on a commissioned article that will feature in the main editorial flow. The first of these was published last week, as mindfulness coach DomWatts23 revealed his thoughts on how to balance FPL with our mental health in an unpredictable season. You can READ IT HERE.

If you fancy an opportunity to follow in their footsteps then now is the time to get your thinking cap on and start sharing your ideas.

The Community Trials window will be open for four weeks, between today and Sunday, February 7. During this period, we will monitor everything submitted, provide a little feedback here and there and then reward the best and most interesting new writers with paid commissions to contribute to the main site.

We think this is a great opportunity to test out new ideas and angles, flex your creative muscles and get attention from our editorial teams. Even if you don’t get picked first time round, don’t worry, we’ll be running more trials throughout the year.

The second Community Trials are now officially open and run through to February 7, so start submitting using this link.

732 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Saint Tim
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    (A)
    Leno
    Cancelo, Tierney, Maguire, Saiss
    KDB (C), Bruno (VC), Sterling, Rashford, Smith-Rowe
    Wilson
    Bench: Sanchez, McGoldrick, Wood, Mitchell

    or

    (B)
    Leno
    Cancelo, Holding, Shaw
    KDB (C), Bruno (VC), Sterling, Son, Saka
    Martial, Wilson
    Bench: Sanchez, Yedlin, Brewster, Mitchell

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why double up on Arsenal defence? I don't get that part

      1. Saint Tim
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Why not? They're in good form and Palace are rubbish

        1. Werner Bremen
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Still not convinced of that. But here going with B

  2. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Really taking the piss now. Taking TV personalities on against us.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What happened?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Mark Wright has come on.

        1. GreennRed
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Not a complete novice, though at a low standard. His missus is lovely.

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah. Beautiful.

        2. Ginkapo FPL
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Lol, you lot have been mugged

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            We were hopeless.

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

        mark wright on

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

    Michelle Keegan's missus coming on.

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

    Anyone going w/ Richarlison on FH?

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I probably will.
      James and richarlison in my plans

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

      considering him or dcl

  5. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is there a simple tool for seeing your lineup in gw's beyond the next?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think LiveFpl does this now.

      I've also been testing my mates Chrome Extension which does exactly this, on the FPL Team page itself.

      It's not yet on the Chrome store but can point you to it when it eventually us.

    2. marcos11
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah new feature on LiveFpl does

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

      Try FPL Tools for Chrome.

  6. Shark Team
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thinking of spending my money on Zinchenko instead of Stones Dias

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      gamble

    2. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Correct decision, if you hate points

      1. Shark Team
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        In FH he is gonna start and he has a more advanced role than the other two

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          What makes you think he will start?

          1. Shark Team
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Pep's management of minutes today showed us 10/11 starters of their next game.

            1. FPL.team
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I thought Pep roulette was an unbreakable secret but seems not. I hope it works for you, could easily be Cancelo and Walker or some other combo there.

              1. Shark Team
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Ederson
                Cancelo Dias Stones Zinchenko
                Rodri
                Sterling KDB Gundogan Foden/Bilva/Mahrez
                Jesus

                1. FPL.team
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  That's one potential team yes.

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Huge gamble.

    4. EL_FENOMENO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No

    5. Yes Ndidi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Based on who got minutes today, you might be right, but who knows with City? As long as you've got a bench, gamble. Someone's got to be different.

    6. Pukki Blinders
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Very silly

    7. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt he starts, but who knows

    8. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Stupid decision

  7. Caleb's Kitties
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Quite like this 4-4-2 FH setup:

    Darlow (ramsdale)
    Cancelo stones maguire tierney (yedlin)
    KDB auba bruno rashford (burke)
    Laca wilson (brewster)

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      if spurs confirmed to be playing?

      reckon i'm going 442 aswell

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

      Double arsenal attack is too much

      1. Caleb's Kitties
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Really?

        1. ivantys
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah especially if one is Auba. Palace defence isn't really a joke, they conceded just once most games.

          1. FPL.team
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Palace statistically have one of the worst defences looking at the members area just now.

            1. ivantys
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Outliers like the Liverpool and Villa games skewed it. 7 shots on target 7 goals could be just 1-2 goals for another team. Arsenal aren't as clinical as pool or villa.

              1. FPL.team
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                We'll see, outlier or not they still conceded 7 and haven't looked that solid this year.

    3. Caleb's Kitties
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably auba to son, tierney to mitchell, brewster to richa/DCL, darlow to leno..

  8. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Didn't Havertz get a hat trick against the Dog and Duck earlier in the season?

    Its a trap.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Surely can’t be foolish enough to fall for that once let alone twice now

  9. Dakers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Inclined to keep Son anyway in case the Villa game is on, with a decent first sub .... but would you prefer A to B?
    A) Sterling AWB (FabioSilva) - or any other cheap 5.5 fwd
    B) Kane Dias (Vitinha)

    Darlow
    Cancelo Tierney ___ (Mitchell 3.9)
    KDB Bruno Son Saka ___
    Lacazette Wilson ___

    Thoughts fellas? 🙂

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you keep son who probably won't have a game?
      Wait till deadline, if you get any news, remove him

      1. Dakers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Is it looking like it almost definitely won’t go on now? They can’t play like they did v Liverpool??

        If they’re both out then yeah I’ll trade in Son for Rashford too so that’s fine

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          FA Cup Covid rules and Premer League rules are different apparently...

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

      Silva is crap, I'd rather take Burke or McGoldrick.

    3. WWW.
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      will probably doing something similar

  10. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Waiting for Jose's pre/ post match interview today. Although I don't agree with a lot that he says but what he said about his team being unduly punished for adhering to COVID protocols is correct. Let's hope the outspoken Jose appears and gives us some clues.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Assuming Vila game is off (in my mind already is) moving Spurs v Fulham to GW18 would be ideal solution.

      Yes Fulham would have loads of games, but just that kind of season.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I hope it happens.

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

        Could just cap Son or Kane in case a fixture gets into 18. You'll either get Villa U23s or Fulham.

      3. Dakers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Would we find out about that pre-deadline? Otherwise just a huge gamble

    2. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Adhering to Covid protocols?

      You have Reguilon out at a party with his Argentinian friends.

      You have Mourinho breaking lockdown previously with Ndombele when they were having a training session in the park.

      Mourinho is just a miserable moaner. Has been that way ever since he got done by Pep Guardiola when Jose was at Real Madrid.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        It didnt blow up to the whole squad. Training ground protocals are supposed to prevent mass mixing

  11. Dakers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    1.7 ITB. Still can’t decide if BB19 is worth it or not given I’ll have to replace Mitchell, Davis, maybe Pieters... how would you do so? Losing Robbo? Not keen to lose Son despite SGW (bought at 9.0, will want back...)

    Martinez Areola
    Robbo Coufal Dallas Pieters Mitchell
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Bamford Watkins Davis

    Thanks for any ideas 🙂

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you still have those names in your squad then I think bb19 is out of the picture. No point anyway with covid causing havoc

      1. Dakers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Fair. Even if a -8 could do, for example, Robbo Mitchell Davis to Cancelo Stones Antonio (I think)?

        Or more ambitious moves like getting Ings if I lose Son?

        1. ivantys
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          -8 for BB is mental as it lowers the value of your BB.

          1. Dakers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I’d have thought if there was any time to BB it’d be when using a chip

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

            Whoops, I mean if any time to take hits

            1. ivantys
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              If you do it with WC on the next DGW, you'll be able to get 4 players for BB without any hits.

    2. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn’t do BB with that squad. Hold and field your best team. Not worth transfers or hits IMO.

  12. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who are those 9 players from AV having positive results? Are second test taken already?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Noe clue. But wasn’t tests taken on Monday? New tests should have been taken by now?

      1. popey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        There were new tets on Thursday - I'd imagine another round of tests on Monday morning which will lead to a decision on the game.

        9 players from the first team buble previously +ve, though that does include fringe and some youth players. If there are no new cases and the training ground is then able to open I can see the game going ahead, witha depleted squad (but not the same team as v Liverpool).

  13. elwardio
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which one would you choose

    A. Play 10 in bgw
    B. Play 11 with Wilson (shu) -4
    C. Play 11 with Saiss (EVE) -4

    I think a 4 point hit is worth a punt you get 2 back for the performance anyway (providing not cancelled!)

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

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

      B if you don't mind keeping Wilson longer than 1 week. -4 again transferring out Wilson in 19 would be -8 and not worth it.

    3. Yes Ndidi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Who would the others be replacing, and would you be using another transfer to switch back at some point?
      To me, Wilson could easily repay the -4, allowing for the above. Saiss less so.

      1. elwardio
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks all I think I am wc this week as without villa spurs am obliterated. The -4 would be to take out after

    4. Rhodes your boat
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

  14. FFSbet.com
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Leeds lost 3-0,why 2 empty bench slots?

    Maybe some covid cases there too

    1. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt Crawley dug outs have 9 seats for subs anyway

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Then do a Bielsa and deep squat for 90 minutes

    2. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think Bielsa couldn’t give a flying F about the FA Cup this year to be honest

  15. Niho992
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any news on Sterling?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He had scrambled eggs for breakfast and is wearing odd socks.

  16. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Where was Aguero today?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Searching for another club

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        :O

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      COVID scare I believe (not him but somebody he has been in contact with).

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

      Self-isolating, but he hasn't tested positive.

      1. SAUCY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers boys

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pep Guardiola: "He [Aguero] is isolating, unfortunately. He was in contact with one person who was positive [for Covid-19] It is a pity. It was a perfect day to get minutes but unfortunately he has to be a few days out..."

  17. SAUCY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Just seen Salah dropped, lovely

    1. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Every cloud and all that!

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yessir.

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

      How do you mean? Dropped from what?

  18. Dakers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    For GW19, as it stands:
    A) Robbo Mitchell Davis to Cancelo Stones Antonio (-8) and BB
    B) Son Mitchell Davis to ElGhazi Stones Ings (-8) and BB
    C) B but JWP Cancelo Antonio
    D) scrap BB idea just play team as is, bank a transfer (barring postponements)

    Martinez Areola
    Robbo Coufal Dallas Pieters Mitchell
    Salah Bruno KDB Son Soucek
    Bamford Watkins Davis

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I like B

  19. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any rumors which Villa players have covid?

    We had rumors about City players

    1. R.C.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      9 first team players

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Grealish El Ghazi, Martinez, Watkins?

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

        9 from the first team squad - though that does include some youth player and all the fringe guys like Lansbury that don't make bench. Should get a decision tomorrow.

  20. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Kane, Watkins -> Martial, Jesus
    B) Salah, Watkins -> Sterling, Richarlison

    Which option to punt on?

    1. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B for me

  21. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Scenesssss. No Kane in squad.

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rested, injured or Covid?

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not good enough to make the bench

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

        Not many first team starters, seems like Mou think the GW 18 game is on as so many are rested

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Shame for the Marine players

    3. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Hmmm interesting

  22. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Wonder if Joe Hart's nearest microphone has a bleep machine...

  23. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kane not in squad, Son in. Should we be worried

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      ?

    2. R.C.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes we should be worried

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hope it's not covid

  24. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any quotes from Jose?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Someone from the press please ask him about Kane and Villa game!!!

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      ‘I’m the special one’ haha(sorry couldn’t resist haha)

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jose Mourinho Quotes
      During his time at Real Madrid
      “I am Jose Mourinho and I don’t change. I arrive with all my qualities and my defects.” – When he was unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager in 2010.
      “I am not anti-Barcelona. I am coach of Real but Barca doesn’t worry me. My only concern is to grow Real. Barca are great rivals and we respect them. If I am hated at Barcelona, it is their problem but not mine. Fear is not a word in my football dictionary.” – When he was unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager in 2010.
      “I am prepared. The more pressure there is, the stronger I am. In Portugal, we say the bigger the ship, the stronger the storm. Fortunately for me, I have always been in big ships. FC Porto was a very big ship in Portugal, Chelsea was also a big ship in England and Inter was a great ship in Italy. Now I’m at Real Madrid, which is considered the biggest ship on the planet.” – Shortly after completing the signing of Sami Khedira from VfB Stuttgart in Mourinho’s first transfer window in charge.
      “What position is my wife in? Eighth, at least” – After he was told that he was surveyed to be the ninth most influential man in the world.
      “Look, I’m a coach. I’m not Harry Potter. He is magical, but in reality there is no magic. Magic is fiction and football is real.” – After the goalless draw against Real Mallorca on his Real Madrid debut.
      “I have to train with ten men. How to play with ten men, because I go there with Chelsea, I finish with ten, I go there with Inter, I finish with ten and I have to train to play with ten men because it can happen again.” – Before the second leg at Camp Nou of the 2010-11 Champions League final against Barcelona.
      “He must really think I’m a great guy. He must think that, because otherwise He would not have given me so much. I have a great family. I work in a place where I’ve always dreamt of working. He has helped me out so much that He must have a very high opinion of me.” – When the Spanish radio network Cope asked him what he believed God thought about him.
      During his time at Inter Milan
      “Zeru tituli” – Mou’s shot at Italian back-fired after he incorrectly pronounced ‘zero titoli’; which means ‘zero titles’.
      “I studied Italian five hours a day for many months to ensure I could communicate with the players, media and fans. Ranieri had been in England for five years and still struggled to say ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon.'” – After then Juventus boss criticised Mourinho’s coaching methods, Jose went on the offensive in the summer of 2008.
      “I am no longer Chelsea coach and I do not have to defend them any more, so I think it is correct if I say Drogba is a diver.”
      “As for Lo Monaco, I do not know who he is. With the name Monaco, I have heard of Bayern Monaco (Munich) and the Monaco GP, the Tibetan Monaco (Monk) and the Principality of Monaco. I have never heard of any others.” – After Calcio Catania president Pietro Lo Monaco claimed he wanted to smack Mourinho in the mouth following Inter’s Seria A win in 2008.
      “We want to follow a dream, yes, it’s true, but one thing is to follow the dream, another thing is to follow an obsession… and this is not an obsession, it’s just a dream.”
      “We would have lost if there were six Inter players left on the pitch.” – After defeating AC Milan 2-0 with nine men.
      “It is clear that I will end my career without having coached Barca.” – After defeating Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in the 2009-10 Champions League semifinal.
      “I confess that it isn’t easy to enter on football with the name of someone who is already in football. I feel that with my own son. He already liver under the pressure of being a son of mine. For that, I admire Rui Aguas and Maldini, who managed to live with the weight of that pressure, and already did a lot.” – While speaking at the Doctorate Honoris Causa degree award ceremony.
      Jose Mourinho – on Chelsea
      “There are only two ways for me to leave Chelsea. One way is in June 2010 when I finish my contract and if the club doesn’t give me a new one. It is the end of my contract and I am out. The second way is for Chelsea to sack me. The way of the manager leaving the club by deciding to walk away, no chance! I will never do this to Chelsea supporters.” – when asked if success in the Carling Cup final might mean the last trophy he would win for Chelsea.
      “We’re not the perfect team and I’m not saying we are the best team in the world, but I think we deserve a little bit more respect.” – after Chelsea defeated European champions Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield. Mourinho’s team had recently been criticised for playing “boring” football
      “Everybody is crying that Chelsea keep winning and winning and winning so I think that draw at Goodison Park makes everyone more happy. It gives people more hope and brings to the Premiership what everybody was waiting for.” – On the loss of their 100% league record at Everton – October 2005
      “Look, we’re not entertaining? I don’t care; we win.” – on Chelsea’s performance at the start of the 2006-07 season
      “We are on top at the moment but not because of the club’s financial power. We are in contention for a lot of trophies because of my hard work.”
      “I am very happy because the club is beating records with the sales of new shirts. I don’t sell shirts but there a relation between shirt sales and the performance of the team. If we perform well they sell more shirts.”
      “If Roman Abramovich helped me out in training we would be bottom of the league and if I had to work in his world of big business, we would be bankrupt!”
      “I am not concerned about how Chelsea are viewed morally. What does concern me is that we are treated in a different way to other clubs. Some clubs are treated as devils, some are treated as angels. I don’t think we are so ugly that we should be seen as the devil and I don’t think Arsene Wenger and David Dein are so beautiful that they should be viewed as angels.”
      “This is the start of a process not the end. I want more for me and Chelsea.” – On winning the Premiership title – May 2005
      “We have eight matches and eight victories, with 16 goals, but people say we cannot play, that we are a group of clowns. This is not right.” – On Chelsea’s start to the new season – October 2005
      “Everybody was waiting for Chelsea not to win every game and one day, when we lose, there will be a holiday in the country. But we are ready for that.”
      “At the very least we should be given a bit of credit and a little bit of space, and maybe the media should think we could help them discover why English teams do not win European competitions.”
      “Sometimes you see beautiful people with no brains. Sometimes you have ugly people who are intelligent, like scientists.” – On the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch prior to their home Champions League game against Barcelona in 2006
      “I don’t say we are a defensive team. I say we are a strong team in defensive terms, but at the same time lacking sufficient fluidity in attack because that will take time to come.”
      “It is like having a blanket that is too small for the bed. You pull the blanket up to keep your chest warm and your feet stick out. I cannot buy a bigger blanket becuase the supermarket is closed. But I am content because the blanket is cashmere. It is no ordinary blanket.” – on Chelsea’s injury crisis and the end of January transfer window after Ashley Cole was injured in a 3-0 win over Blackburn, 31 January 2007
      “After all that has happened this season – and that is a lot – I’ve reached the conclusion that I am a good loser.” – after losing the Premiership title to Manchester United in the 2006/2007 season.
      ‘Everyone in the club must feel we have a good relationship between us. If Mr Abramovich wants to be in on the training session that’s fantastic. Or, if at the end of the match he wants to go the dressing room, for me it’s great. It’s never a problem. – After meeting Abramovich for the first time
      Jose Mourinho – on Chelsea players
      “Young players are a little bit like melons. Only when you open and taste the melon are you 100 per cent sure that the melon is good.
      Sometimes you have beautiful melons but they don’t taste very good and some other melons are a bit ugly and when you open them, the taste is fantastic… One thing is youth football, one thing is professional football. The bridge is a difficult one to cross and they have to play with us and train with us for us to taste the melon.

      For example, Scott Sinclair, the way he played against Arsenal and Man United, we know the melon we have.”

      “Who were (Frank) Lampard, (John) Terry and (Didier) Drogba two years ago? They were certainly not world stars. And in this moment who are they?”
      “Makelele is not a football player – Makelele is a slave. He’s played the biggest game you can, the World Cup final, and now wants to retire but the coach told us if he is not playing for France, he is not playing for Chelsea. We know the rules. You are a slave, you have no human rights.” – Criticising the French Football Federation and coach Raymond Domenech decision to include Claude Makelele in a August 2006, Euro 2008 Qualifier with the problem being Makelele having retired from International Football after the 2006 World Cup.
      “Pavel Nedved, Paul Scholes, Luís Figo have all retired from international football. With the Czechs, England and Portugal it is ok, but France? They don’t have liberty. It is unbelievable. Makélélé is not a footballer, he is a slave. He has no human rights, no right to choice or liberty, so he is a slave. But the rules are there, so what can we do?” – criticizing France coach Raymond Domenech for calling up Claude Makélélé for Euro 2008 qualifiers, after Makélélé announced his retirement from international football after the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, rules by FIFA state that players who refuse a selection on their national team could be suspended from their professional clubs. The use of “slave” in Mourinho’s press release was criticized by Domenech and France captain Patrick Vieira
      “I can tell you now, to stop you (journalists) from asking, that as long as he is not scoring, Shevchenko will play.” – on Andriy Shevchenko’s goal drought.
      “They have to enjoy playing for me and Chelsea but they don’t have to be in love with me.” – Referring to his Chelsea players
      “Ricardo Carvalho seems to have problems understanding things, maybe he should have an IQ test, or go to a mental hospital or something” – After Carvalho blasted Mourinho for not picking him to play
      “There are still other things which concern me, not just concern me, but leave me in a very emotional situation, If my goalkeeper dies in that dressing room or in that process it is something English football has to think about, It looks like what I did against Liverpool that ‘shut up’ was a nightmare, that a player from Manchester City shows half his ass for two seconds was also a big nightmare. I think this is a real nightmare, a real nightmare. I would like somebody to tell me why my goalkeeper was put in this situation for 30 minutes.” – Reflecting on the events which lead to the aftermath of the Petr Cech injury on 14/10/2006 at Reading and how the English press reflect on situations that arise at Football matches.
      “For example, in my team I love to have Geremi on the bench because he’s a low-profile player who is ready to help, ready to fight for the team, ready to do the job I want him to do.”
      “The team is completely close. Anything you say outside, there is no chance it will go inside. So the team is really strong and compact. We know what we want and how to achieve it on the pitch.”
      “I don’t want special relations with one of them (his players). I hate to speak about individuals. Players don’t win you trophies, teams win trophies, squads win trophies.”
      “It is omelettes and eggs. No eggs – no omelettes! It depends on the quality of the eggs. In the supermarket you have class one, two or class three eggs and some are more expensive than others and some give you better omelettes. So when the class one eggs are in Waitrose and you cannot go there, you have a problem” – Commenting on the lack of fund available to him for strengthening his Chelsea squad.
      “Why drive Aston Martin all the time, when i have Ferrari and Porsche as well? That would just be stupid” – When asked about rotating Joe Cole, Arjen Robben and Damien Duff
      “Don’t tell me one week later that you don’t like Harlington, don’t like the weather, or the family is not happy in England. I don’t want a player who is not totally committed to my methodology.” – On pre-season
      “When you look now at Chelsea players’ CVs it’s similar to Porto’s players’ before I arrived. Nobody won important things. You have two European champions here, Claude Makelele and Paulo Ferreira. But nobody won the Premiership. No one has the taste of big victories.” – About Chelsea players lack of success
      “I told [Adrian] Mutu, you are already a rich boy, you won a lot of money, you are still in a big contract. So no problem with your future about money, no problem about prestige in your home country. When you go back to Romania you will be one of the kings. But five years after you leave football nobody remembers you. Only if you do big things. This is what makes history.”
      Jose Mourinho – on other clubs / players
      “I would need bodyguards in Oporto. If you visit Palermo, you probably also need them.” – Interview before Porto-Chelsea, 30 November 2004
      “I saw their players and manager go for a lap of honour after losing to us in their last home game. In Portugal if you do this, they throw bottles at you.” – on Manchester United
      “You have to wonder why they did that penalty. Because they have so many penalties in the season, that’s why. They have to do something special and different.” – on Arsenal’s penalty mix-up in October 2005
      “That was not a football score, it was a hockey score…in training I often play matches of three against three and when the score reaches 5-4 I send the players back to the dressing room, because they are not defending properly” – on the Tottenham vs Arsenal match, which ended 5-4 to Arsenal
      “Barcelona have a great club. But in 200 years of history they have won the European Cup only once. I have been managing for a few years and I have already won the same amount.” – said during the 2005-2006 season. Barcelona went on to win the Champions League.
      “During the afternoon it rained only in this stadium – our kitman saw it. There must be a micro-climate here. It was like a swimming pool.” – Before the Blackburn v Chelsea game – 2004/2005

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Something from today maybe?

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Not what you asked 😉

      2. Amey
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        😆

  25. Vazza
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would you do Johnstone to De Gea for a 4 point hit?

    I’m intending to save my FH but play BB in GW19

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Are you certain Burnley don’t score?

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Are you playing Russian rules FPL?

      1. Vazza
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Russian rules FPL?

    3. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure I’d take a hit. MU defense not convincing.

    4. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      no

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      maybe ... Man U have Burnley, Liverpool & Fulham v WHU & Wolves for WBA

  26. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bale cant even make the starting line up in Spurs reserve team. What a pointless loan signing he has been.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think it was mainly done to appease the fans, publicity stunt.

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Real probably won't want him back

      2. Not again Shirley
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bloody expensive publicity stunt though if that’s what it was

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

      Thought he was out TIL end of Jan?

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

    Here's where I'm at for GW 18...

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Dier, Kilman, Holding
    Grealish, Bruno(c), Son
    DCL, Kane

    So that is potentially 10 starting players. Admittedly Kilman may mean 9.

    I am planning KDB to Salah OR using my free hit of the spurs game is off.

    Sound like a plan?

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

      I mean Salah to KDB of course!

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      More like six unless we hear differently?

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

        Yes exactly in which case I will free hit

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Must be the only covid free area in the UK at Crosby looking at the BBC photos?
    No masks & no social distancing to be seen 🙁

  29. Not again Shirley
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Do we think Ziyech will come back into Chelsea line up now? Think he is their most creative player but Chelsea have so many other options I worry about his minutes.

  30. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Balbuena to a defender who plays BGW18 and two times in DGW19. Max 4.9. Thinking Shaw or Lindelof, but will they get more than two games?

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

      Shaw I think may be injured...which would make telles an option....

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Telles is £5.5m though...

    2. Amey
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Stones ?

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        £5m

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lindelof

    4. THAT'S LIFE
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Burnley defender take your pick.