Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips, advice and best Free Hit squads for FPL Gameweek 18

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Blank Gameweek 18 ahead of today’s 16:30 GMT deadline.

The most important skills to cultivate as a Fantasy Premier League manager is flexibility.

Pro Pundit Sam hit the nail on the head when discussing her plans for the upcoming matches.

The 2020/21 season continues to present challenges – the goalposts moved once again yesterday with more changes to the fixture schedule. But do those changes present us with an opportunity?

Let’s take a look at Legomané’s latest fixture ticker.

This has been updated following Aston Villa’s postponed fixture against Tottenham Hotspur and the hastily rearranged Tottenham Hotspur versus Fulham match, shifted from Gameweek 16. 

There’s talk of Southampton’s trip to Leeds United being moved because Southampton need to play their FA Cup third round match against Shrewsbury – and that must happen before the fourth round matches. 

But there’s also the chance Southampton are handed a walkover because it was Shrewsbury who were unable to field a side. However, at this point in time we don’t know what will happen.

The ‘TBA’ entries are possible slots where postponed matches could be added. These are:

  • Aston Villa v Newcastle (Gameweek 11)
  • Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur (Gameweek 18)
  • Burnley v Fulham (Gameweek 17)
  • Everton v Manchester City (Gameweek 16)
  • Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur (Gameweek 33 – EFL Cup final)
  • Southampton v Manchester City (Gameweek 33 – EFL Cup final)

Given that both Newcastle United and Aston Villa have exited the FA Cup – and their Gameweek 11 fixture needs to be rearranged – it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Aston Villa end up with a Triple Gameweek 19. Although other slots are available.

Looking further ahead, the FA Cup quarter-finals are due to take place in Gameweek 29 and teams reaching that round could see their Premier League matches moved to Gameweek 26. That looks likely to be the next big double Gameweek, with a large selection of teams playing twice.

In general, for teams still in the various domestic and european cup competitions, further postponements are likely. And of course coronavirus (COVID-19) may cause further disruption.

In addition there’s also team news to consider, and a hamstring injury to the highly-owned Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.8m) will no doubt force a rethink for many.

The Best-Laid Plans

With both ‘mice and men’ struggling, assessing the best way forward is very much team specific. 

The Scoutcast provided a perfect example of this with Joe deploying his Free Hit chip, Karam navigating the blank using transfers and Seb undecided. 

For those using their Free Hit this Gameweek, Joe’s side is a good template, featuring triple-ups on Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe’s Gameweek 18 Free Hit team

Arsenal, all of sudden, provide a number of budget options. Their improved performances in recent weeks have seen their players appear on the Fantasy radar.

As Neale pointed out in his Big Numbers article, Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) has mustered seven shots in the box over the last three Gameweeks, a total that no other FPL midfielder has surpassed in that time.

And the 19-year-old has been much discussed. David looked in-depth at his prospects against Crystal Palace, where Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) has replaced Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m).

David concluded that, despite the change, Saka owners need not be deterred:

There is enough in these numbers to suggest Mitchell has not improved things on the left as much as we might imagine.

But for those needing to squeeze a little more out of their budget, the cut-price Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m) is a valid alternative.

Despite playing fewer minutes than Saka over the last three matches, [Smith Rowe] has outperformed him for assist potential.

– David

Encouragingly, Smith Rowe came off the bench to score the winning goal in Arsenal’s FA Cup tie against Newcastle United, and he’s been picked out by Pro Pundit Tom Freeman as one of his three differentials for Gameweek 18.

He appears to have established himself as an important component of Mikel Arteta’s side, with Tom pointing out:

What’s noticeable is how much quicker the Gunners move the ball with Smith Rowe in the number 10 role, and having that creative figure in central areas has really helped them click going forward. In fact, since Gameweek 15, no team can improve upon their 6.87 expected goals (xG)

Alexandre Lacazette (£8.3m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) have impressed recently: no player has had more big chances (five) over the last four Gameweeks than the Frenchman, while Tierney’s total of seven key passes in the last three is bettered by just five other Premier League players (regardless of position).

But for Pro Pundit Lateriser, the upside option is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m). On penalties for the Gunners, his form has improved with that of his team-mates. Lateriser made the case:

Aubameyang’s registered 1.42 expected goals (xG) in his last two games, which is the same he managed in five full matches previously. His total of two big chances in the last two Gameweeks is also the same he managed in five full games previously.

His co-host on The FPL Wire, Pro Pundit Zophar, also included the Gabon international in his Free Hit selection for Gameweek 18.

Meanwhile, Pro Pundit Andy explored the option of using the Second Wildcard to set up a strong side for Blank Gameweek 18 and a potential Bench Boost in Double Gameweek 19. Although his article was written when Aston Villa still had a match in Gameweek 18. 

Which Man City Trio?

Elsewhere, form and fixtures have aligned for Manchester City.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) was Joe and David’s choice for the armband on the Captaincy video. And Jan Sienkiewicz had the Belgian ahead of team-mate Raheem Sterling (£11.4m) in Captain Sensible:

De Bruyne is certainly the safer of those two considering the most recent fitness update on Sterling but he remains the exciting explosive option considering his hat-trick performance against the Seagulls last season.

Tom Freeman highlighted the improvement at the backRúben Dias (£5.8m) and John Stones (£5.0m) have conceded just one goal in eight starts together.

A double-up on their defence appeals for many, with Joe including João Cancelo (£5.8m) alongside Stones in his Free Hit team. According to Tom, “attacking returns look imminent!” for the Portuguese.

But if you fancied a cheap attacking player then look no further than Ilkay Gündogan (£5.4m).

Karam’s differential on the Scoutcast, a player the creator of Live FPL, Ragabolly, picked out when interviewed by Lateriser and Zophar, and one written about in glowing terms by both Tom and Neale.

His seven shots in the box and four big chances in his last four matches are more than any other City player. And the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has spoken of a shift to a more advanced position:

… even though I like to be included in rotating the ball, when I am playing as a number eight and more offensive position, I try to put myself in the spaces where I think something could happen or I feel like the space is not occupied by a player of ours or the opponent. Both goals I scored in the last games were similar in the way they were from the right side and Raheem assisted me both goals and I tried to be in a space where I am free and able to get the ball and finish with one touch. It worked out quite well and as long as I am playing in that position I try to continue like that.

– Ilkay Gündogan

How to cope with a rollercoaster season

Mindfulness coach Dominic Watts wrote an excellent piece last week on how to handle the highs and lows of this uniquely challenging season.

On the face of it, I can understand the view that we should not get ourselves worked up about FPL. After all, you’re picking an imaginary team of real players who get points for you and then getting really annoyed when you don’t pick the right ones.

But if you want to pick it apart, you can make similar arguments about most things people care about. The thing is that as human beings we create meaning. We give meaning to the things that we care about and so if we decide to care about FPL, it becomes meaningful to us.

Without doubt FPL matters to those of us who play it seriously.

In his article, Dominic described how we are ‘time-travellers’ who ride the rollercoaster of FPL. He offered us ways to manage this uncertainty but acknowledged how difficult that can be:

Uncertainty relates quite nicely to acceptance because it’s hard to accept uncertainty. When we can’t accept something, we fight it, and this uses up a lot of energy.

The solution he proposed is to learn to look properly and that by connecting to the present, we will be able to see things in a different light. Well worth a read.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

RedLightning rounded-up the Community mini-leagues and competitions last week.

The ‘open-to-all’ Fantasy Football Scout mini-league and the Community Members mini-league are currently the top two leagues in FPL. Congratulations to the high-flying managers participating in those.

For the 8,000+ competing in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here, and the fixtures for Gameweek 18 can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

2,473 Comments Post a Comment
  1. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last decision...

    I have Kane as captain. Who should I VC:

    A - KDB
    B - Bruno

    Think KDB will outscore Bruno but thinking of putting the vice captaincy on Bruno for safety reasons because he plays tonight

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

      Bruno safety.

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

      KDB VC

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

      Doing same for same reasons

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

    Man I should’ve gone (K)ane but followed the (K)DB hype instead :/

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

      You can still change it.
      10 minutes left

    2. Trane84
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Its not too late...

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

      And the reason for that thought?

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

    Lets go lads!

    Lloris
    AWB - Cancelo - Tierny
    Son - Bruno - KDB - Saka - Gundo
    Laca - Kane

    4.0 Yedlin - Mcgoldrick - 3.8

    1. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Exact same team.you are a genius!

  4. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Very tempted indeed by Sterling...

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If I knew he was starting I'd go for it

      • Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've taken the gamble.

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

      More likely to keep a clean sheet Lloris or De Gea?

      1. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lloris

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

          Had a look back through the pages and we have exactly the same team.

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

        Lloris imo

      3. Lexi2014
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lloris

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

      Mcoldrick or yedlin 1st sub?

      1. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yedlin

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

          This

    4. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Free Hit or just play these 8 (potentially 9)?

      Cancelo, Dier, Stones, (Taylor)
      KDB, Bruno, Rashford, Son
      Wilson

      1. stu92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'd stick with that.

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

        Keep

      3. Lexi2014
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Stick. I only free hit as I had four players....

      4. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

    5. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thoughts on this FH guys? Should I get a second goalie or is Lloris as safe a bet as I can get?

      Lloris
      Cancelo Dias Tierney
      KDB Bruno Son Saka
      (K)ane Laca Wilson
      (4.0 Yedlin Mitchell Burke)

      Thanks in advance!

      1. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You're good to go!

      2. A Fat Spanish Waiter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have the exact same team, so ya... template. Gtg.

      3. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        GtG

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

      Rate this FH /10

      Lloris
      Cancelo • Stones • Tierney • Shaw
      KDB(C) • Bruno • Rashford
      Kane • Laca • Wilson
      (Gazzaniga / ESR / Mitchell / Burke)

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

        8

    7. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A) Laca Leno Clark Stones (343)
      B) Neto Lloris Cancelo AWB (352)

    8. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anything glaringly wrong with this FH team?

      Leno

      Dier Cancelo Maguire

      De Bruyne Gundogan Neto Fernandes

      Martial Kane Lacazette

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

        Nothing glaringly wrong, i'm interested by the Gundogan pick though.

    9. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So Sterling is not injured?

    10. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who else is going for ESR over Saka to free up funds?

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Moi

    11. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tosun brace incoming ....

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

      What do you prefer please....

      A.....stones saka rashford 451

      B....gundogan Wilson Lacasette 343

      Thanks

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

        Rashford one

      2. Lexi2014
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B - only cos I've got Laca and Wilson!

    13. JollyGoodYellows
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any critiques to this FH team?

      Lloris
      Cancelo Stones Tierney (Yedlin Mitchell)
      Bruno KDB Son Saka (Anguissa)
      Kane Laca Wilson

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

      Just took a hit and brought Cavani in for DCL. You can lol @ me later.

    15. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Best gk that has a game in 18 and a double in 19?

    16. Gustavo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is Marí going to start?

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

      Lindelof or Shaw?

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Shaw

    18. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Captain Kane or KDB?

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

        Kdbane

    19. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ARE YOU KEEPING CANCELO?

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes

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

        YES

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

        Sorry didn't hear you.

        yes.

      4. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no

    20. pol
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      FH Final decision:

      1- Lloris + AWB
      2- DDG + Wilson

      1. Lexi2014
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        2

    21. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Captain Sterling or Kdb???

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

      Looks like most people have got the armband on Kane this afternoon

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

      FH team, am I G2G? Captain choice okay etc?

      Lloris
      Tierney | Stones | Dias
      Bruno | Son | KDB (c) | Rashford | ESR
      Kane | Wilson

      Subs: Forster | Brewster | Kilman | Mitchell

    24. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Help pleaseeee

      Lloris
      Tierney ___ ____
      KDB Bruno Saka ___
      Kane Wilson Lacazette

      a) Cancelo Dias Son
      b) Stones Shaw Sterling

    25. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Last minute change of captaincy from Bruno > Kane. Any thoughts on this FH?

      Lloris
      Cancelo AWB Holding
      (vc)KDB Bruno Son Rashford Saka
      (c)Kane Wilson

      Forster Brewster Mitchell Bernardo

    26. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who to bench?

      A. Saka
      B. Gundogan
      C. Wilson

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You’ve done something wrong

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

          No i haven't, just have high tv

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

      I've had a break from fpl lately just to see what happens with covid and fixtures. Could you help me with these two questions:

      1) I could field 9 players in GW18 with an 8 point hit. Would you save your FH in that case?

      2) Taking covid out of the equation for a second - how many gameweeks do we have to adjust our teams between FA Cup 5th round and the potentially big BGW29?

      Thanks!