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The best Arsenal players to consider for a Blank Gameweek 18 Free Hit squad

10 January 2021 742 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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There is a host of Arsenal options to consider for Blank Gameweek 18 over the coming days.

Considering the Gunners’ offer impressive form, an appealing fixture but only one match in Double Gameweek 19, they are prime candidates for Fantasy Premier League managers playing their Free Hit chip.

We have run the numbers on Mikel Arteta’s men ahead of their meeting with Crystal Palace to find the best options, looking at individual form as well as how the Eagles have fared defensively of late.

As this article uses extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

HOW APPEALING IS THE FIXTURE?

The case for Aubameyang as part of a Free Hit squad in FPL Blank Gameweek 18
The Complete Guide to FPL Blank Gameweek 18
742 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. onceuponatyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Everyone's drafts look very Spurs-light...

    I'm holding on until the last minute before activiating, but is the most likely scenario now not that the game goes ahead against a very weak Villa side?

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    1. Team Bobcat
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      There is a slight chance it goes ahead and thry wiil not know until morning of the match after covid test results come through.

      They dont have to make a decision any earlier really as no spectators are allowed. Not ideal. Same info deadline day as we have now.

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      1. onceuponatyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Very true... I just feel as though this is going to be more and more of an occurance and the FA may now need to decide to push ahead with games where the clubs know in advance.

        I hope we find out more data prior to the deadline, as three Spurs assets could be amazing or blank.

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        1. Team Bobcat
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          I imagine 2/3 spurs and villaassets would be a huge differential now knowing the lay of the land.

          If you could nail your captain regardless you could survive without the free hit but I am not prepared to take that risk at this moment in time.

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      I think spurs will play, just depends on who the opponents will be. PL under a lot of pressure and Spurs already have a congested fixture list

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    3. AzzaroMax99
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      If no any word on that game, would you get Son on FH anyway? Or risk it with out him?

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      1. onceuponatyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        So hard to say isn't is, especially as basically any of the other games are also potentially up in the air as we never know if there'll be other outbreaks/positive results.

        All we can do, I guess, is go with the best info we have.
        Possibly the best approach is to spread the TV over as many fixtures as possible.

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    4. MMN
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Reading this I thought we may get info before the deadline ...

      https://twitter.com/BenCrellin/status/1348338865258586112

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      1. onceuponatyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah, fingers crossed with that we will know more.
        If Spurs looks likely to happen, and Villa look weak, I'll be jumping in on that.

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    5. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      I think if we don't hear anything pre-deadline I'm taking a chance with Son, probably (c), and a decent bench.

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  2. Nemanja Vidic
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    FH or transfers?

    2FT 0.3 ITB

    Martinez (Mendy)

    Regulion Saiss Mitchel (Justin) (Coufal)

    KBD (C) Fernandes (VC) Son Grealish Saka

    Kane Brewster (Bamford)

    18) Regulion - > Dias
    19) Mitchel Son Kane -> AWB Salah Antonio

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Depends if Spurs game is on.

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  3. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Rate Mine plzzzzz
    Leno
    AWB / Dias / Tierney
    KDB © /Bruno/Son/Saka/Rash
    Kane/Wilson

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    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Good but you should have 3 City in my opinion.

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  4. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Anyone tempted by Cavani?

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    1. Karhumies
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Yes. DCL gets more minutes, though.

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    2. BENOIT
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Not after Martial got a rest

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    3. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Too expensive for a 100% not nailed player.

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  5. MMN
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Any chance Smith Rowe rises tonight?

    92% on fplstats but 62% on FFFix ... which has been more accurate during Free Hits and WCs?

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    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Probably not the rate is too slow

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      1. MMN
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        On fplstats it's 3 arrows which I thought was the fastest it can be?

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        1. marcos11
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          Still can’t see him getting ahead of other players closer to their target

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          1. MMN
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 28 days ago

            What do other players have to do with it? Isn't each player's price change independent?

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            1. FPL.team
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 28 days ago

              Do you expect all 11 players above him to rise tonight?

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  6. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Looking long term would you prefer

    A) Kane & Grealish

    or

    B) Salah & Watkins

    Thanks guys.

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    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A

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    2. MMN
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      That is tough but probably A given Spurs can only get more attacking and Watkins is no longer on pens and Salah is not looking his usual self. Graelish 4 yellows isn't great either though.

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      1. Sickboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Cheers for the feedback!

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    3. Homer21
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A

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  7. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Wil Maupay miss a pen?

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    1. tambourineman
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Yes

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    2. Champions League Varane
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Lmao

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    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      LOOOOL HE MISSED, as expected.

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  8. MMN
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    FFFix or Fplstats more accurate during WCs free hits?

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  9. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    If AVL - SPU is postponed tomorrow I will be pulling the trigger and WCing to this team

    Darlow Meslier

    Stones Coufal Maguire Cancelo Saiss

    Fernandes KDB Rashford Saka Soucek

    Bamford Lacazette Wood

    2.0 ITB

    This will give 11 for GW18 and 11 DGWers for 19 (TCing KDB)

    Are there any changes that you make or is this G2G

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    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Can’t really advise without looking at your current team pal

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      1. Black Knights
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Why not? He’s asking if you’d make changes to his WC team. Not if he should WC.

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    2. Releasebreaks
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      not picking Salah might destroy your rank on gw19

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    3. Egg noodle
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Might look amazing, until you have to tear it apart for GW19 cancellations.
      I'd save Wildcard for later personally and just use the free hit for now.

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    4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Looks Ok very few options as number of teams narrowed. I was also considering TC KDB gw19. But now I am more cautious as the villa game is one of the man city gw19 doubles. What if that one is called off as well?

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  10. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    How likely is that De Gea would outscore Johnstone by 4 points over the next 2 gameweeks. Fixtures are as follows

    Dea Gea
    burnley
    liverpool
    fulham

    Johnstone
    -
    wolves
    west ham

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    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Please help out guys

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      1. Firminooooo
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        I wouldn’t do it. DDG to expencive keeper and few save points.

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        1. MMN
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          Agree, DDG poor for the price.

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        2. Vazza
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          I have 0.8m ITB and want to put it to work.

          Johnstone is a terrible pick. WBA give me no confidence at all

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    2. Klaren
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Very likely

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    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Highly likely

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    4. MMN
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Ditto, DDG not a great pick.

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  11. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    What so you prefer on free hit please...

    A.... stones saka

    B.... saiss gundogan

    Thanks

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    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A

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    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A for me

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    3. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Easy A - more secured gametime and Wolves haven't been showing form for CS. B a decent option mind.

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    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A

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    5. Releasebreaks
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      a

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    6. Homer21
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A

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  12. Yes Ndidi
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    A. one should keep a cleanie, the other has a good fixture from an attacking POV.

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    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Ha! Reply fail to above.

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  13. sentz05
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Free hit or play 6 players?

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    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      As always, it depends on the players.

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    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      FH unless the 6 includes at least 4 Utd / City

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  14. dshv
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    FH

    Darlow
    Awb tierney/holding diz
    Son bruno kdb saka rashford
    Kane wilson

    G2G and hit the button or wait till tuesday..

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    1. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Very good chance the AV/Spurs game will be cancelled...so no, don't hit a button till Tues.

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  15. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    If AVL - SPU is postponed tomorrow I will be pulling the trigger and WCing from

    Martinez Areola

    Stones Keane Semedo Dallas Coufal

    Bruno Son Salah Grealish Lookman

    Bamford Firmino Rodrigo

    to

    Darlow Meslier

    Stones Coufal Maguire Cancelo Saiss

    Fernandes KDB Rashford Saka Soucek

    Bamford Lacazette Wood

    2.0 ITB

    This will give 11 for GW18 and 11 DGWers for 19 (TCing KDB)

    Are there any changes that you make or is this G2G

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    1. Black Knights
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Happy with those GKs?

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    2. Releasebreaks
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      no salah

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  16. Firminooooo
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Feel sorry for Newport. So close.

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  17. tambourineman
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Premier League clubs in FA Cup 3rd round summary

    13 through: Liverpool, Wolves, Everton, Leicester, Sheff Utd, Fulham, Burnley, Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Spurs, Brighton

    5 out: Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Newcastle, Leeds

    2 to play: West Ham (20:00 Monday), Southampton (TBC)

    4th and 5th round draws tomorrow at 19:10 (GMT)

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    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Those saving WC and FH hoping all the PL teams avoid each other in the draws.

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  18. FourLokoLeipzig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Does anyone have a good read of whether KDB will rise tonight? Looks borderline from FPLStats

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    1. Orion
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      I think he won’t... But really, can’t predict it anymore...

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      1. FourLokoLeipzig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Thanks. Guess I’ll get him in now to keep my transfer plans on track in case the Villa game goes ahead after all (FH if not)

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    2. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      The price changers are now divorced from any logic - they do whatever they want

      Prices are 50% logically predictable

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  19. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Even if it is confirmed tomorrow villa spurs goes ahead, there is a reasonable chance it is postponed after deadline, right??

    Males it v hard to know what to do with son and kane....thanks

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      It's not confirmed if it gets postponed.

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      1. Flynny
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Yes but it could get the green light tomorrow, we all include kane and son on free hit...

        And then postponed Wednesday after deadline surely ..

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    2. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Its possible but by that time if it is going ahead, any Villa players in contention would have likely had 2 negative tests.

      I'd say more risk of cases from the Spurs camp after playing Marine today

      If on FH you could pick 1/2 Spurs and a strong bench. If you aren't getting Aubam and go double city defence instead of KDB/Sterling then that should be affordable

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      1. Flynny
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Cheers....yes I guess the risk would be quite low....

        Would want son and kane as villa haven't been training and could be well under strength. Thanks

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  20. vityovics
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Which FH duo?
    A) Sterling - Tierney
    B) KdB - Shaw

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    1. Releasebreaks
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      B with Wan Bissaka

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  21. The Hunt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    I'm so enjoying my mid-season sabbatical. So much chaos here, there and everywhere. So looking forward to the Scouts justifying their actual existence and picking me an all conquering Free Hit team. Remember chaps, a SHU triple up is absolutely ESSENTIAL.

    Bookmark it.

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    1. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Not on FH but if i were I'd be tempted to back SHU over NEW, Got 1-0 home win (and horrendous game of football) written all over it

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      1. The Hunt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        2-0 imo but agree about the "horrendous game of football" 😀

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    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Brewster has to score one day but I'm starting to think it will be in the Championship. Unless I finally sell him ofc then he'll go on a run!

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    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Haha justifying their existence in other words 'potential hauls' with 'caveats'.

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  22. Darragh82
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Hi guys,

    Would you use the WC now to set your team so as to have a solid bench??
    I’m thinking of using it to strengthen now (only have 7 players playing this week with 2 being villa and Spurs)
    and using my 2 free transfers at the weekend to get in players playing double.
    I still have all chips

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    1. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      To be honest I wouldn't do anything before Tuesday with a couple of rumours around news tomorrow. (Villa v Spurs from EPL & sports circuit break from government).

      Note if you play your wc this gw you'll only then have 1FT.

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  23. Tsparkes10
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Thoughts? Could do Stones, Cavani, Rash to AWB, Brewster, Sterling (play Smithrowe) if fit.

    Darlow
    Cancelo Tierney Stones
    Son Rash Bruno KDB
    Wilson Laca Cavani
    (4.0, Smithrowe, Kilman, Mitchell)

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  24. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Anyone considering 4 or even 5 at the back FH if Villa v Spurs is called off.

    Man United Burnley could be a low scoring game. Palace, Sheff United and Wolves are not exactly goal machines.

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  25. Mr. Chimes
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Ignoring the covid situation, who would you rather have for FH?

    To go along with KDB, Bruno, & Son.

    A. Rashford, Wilson, Lacazette (Davis as fodder)

    B. Kane, Wilson, Lacazette (Stephens as fodder)

    C. Something else

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    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      B jumps out as safest

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  26. Phil's Stamps
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    If Villa vs Spurs off will have 5 players, all City & Utd (already on a -4).

    A) Son to Rashford and keep him for the DGW, but means I can't get Salah (-4)
    B) Roll with the 5 I have and bring in Salah for Son in the DGW (-4)

    Don't want to FH.

    Thanks.

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    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Ah, there's also

      C) do both for a -8

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    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      A) salah not that important look at liverpool's recent record v Burnley and Man U - at Anfield

      In the last four games at Anfield v Burnley PL the scores have been as follows:

      http://eurorivals.net/head-to-head/liverpool-vs-burnley

      2017 March Liverpool 2-1 Burnley
      (Salah did not play)

      2017 September Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
      (Salah scored)

      2019 March Liverpool 4-2 Burnley
      (Salah played from start not even an assist)

      2020 July Liverpool 1-1 Burnley
      (Salah played from start not even an assist)

      --
      --

      Liverpool v Man United Head to Head (Anfield)

      https://www.11v11.com/teams/manchester-united/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Liverpool

      2017 October Liverpool 0-0 Man United
      (Salah played)

      2018 December Liverpool 3-1 Man United
      (Salah played no involvement in the goals fpl wise)

      2019 February Liverpool 0-0 Man United
      (Salah played)

      2020 December Liverpool 2-0 Man United
      (Salah scored in the 90th minute)

      --

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 28 days ago

        Really? Do you actually think previous games versus opponents somehow influence future events? Do you let it come into FPL decisions?
        Genuinely curious, as I never give it a second thought.

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        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          Not normally but considering it is a DGW and Liverpool face Burnley and Man United - I felt I needed to see if I made the right decision getting Fernandes in for Salah. And see what risk I left myself open to.

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          1. RoysCallerAnne
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            5 years, 28 days ago

            A big risk is the answer.

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            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 16 Years
              5 years, 27 days ago

              On the surface maybe, but when you take into consideration that Fernandes has one extra fixture - Burnley gw18 and a double in gw19 which includes Fulham and Sheff United after that.
              But Liverpool have blank, Man U, Burnley, Spurs - I think the decision is easy in my case. In my view it is much more a risk not having Fernandes than it is not having Salah.

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        2. JIMMY TUGGINS
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 28 days ago

          I do think certain players tend to do well against certain teams, I don't think it's particularly relevant here though.

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    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Thanks for the replies. I have considered giving up on Salah, but the FPLWire guys reckon according to the stats both player and team are performing almost the same as last season (in attack anyway), and the last few are just a blip.

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  27. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    I’m really tempted to bring in Roy Keane’s favourite goalkeeper i.e. DDG

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    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Man U’s 3 fixtures out of the next 4 are very good

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  28. FFFoxy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Why is Sterling flagged? What’s up with him?

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    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Not fit

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  29. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Best Man Utd defender for gw18 ?

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    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      AWB

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  30. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 28 days ago

    Freehit is like wc right? Can change anytime?

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    1. The Train Driver
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Yeah.

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    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Yes

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    3. NIKO.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 28 days ago

      Yes

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