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. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    time up GL everyone

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gl mate

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

    Thank god that's over.

    Good luck all (especially those that went Lacazette over Rashford and Stones over Cancelo 😉 )

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

      Username checks out 🙂

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

        Let's hope not 😉

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

          Ha ha

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

    Triple United and Bruno (c) means only one thing - you're about to witness another Nick Pope masterclass tonight.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nutter.

  4. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Oh ferk

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

    Good luck everybody! Gundogan for the mega haul!

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wilson brace incoming! Let's go!

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

      I will marry you if this is true........

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I will be happy with just 1 goal.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hope not .... benched him last minute over Saka 😆

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

        WTF

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I don't see NEW doing much and Wilson has been getting little service recently. SHU will go hammer and nail for a CS.

          Saka on the other hand has looked brilliant and dangerous.

          FH upside chasing - we shall see!

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

            Aye
            I have no options with no FH

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

    Sterling (C) on free hit. Ditched Son to do it.

    Its mostly a gut feeling but Sterling did score a hattie vs Brighton last time the 2 sides met.

    Im probably gonna regret it but I'd rather go punty on a free hit than be boring.

    Lets see what happens!

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good shout. Would have got Sterling aswell if not wildcarding

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

      Kdb (C) Sterling, Gundogan here with no Kane. More fun to go off template

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

        Sterling(c), Gundo, here, but sacrificed KDB instead of Kane

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

      I flirted with the idea as son is going out for Salah next week.. I chickened out when I saw son 65% owned at home to Fulham

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

        Got Sterling C too but went for just Kane up front in a 451 to pay for it.

        No Son was close but ownership and Fulham at home was too scary (prays that Odoi and Ream start)

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

          Good luck to us haha

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford & Bruno better go wild tonight.

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

      They should focus on winning the game first.

  9. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Well, just saw Cancelo rumors, and couldn't get there in time.

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

      Good for you

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hahaha... thanks...?

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rumours?

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

    Cannot remember my Captain

  11. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Well it's time gentleman please!!

    Too late if the answer is no ( 😆 ) but G2G?

    Lloris
    Cancelo, Tierney, Saiss
    KDB (C), Bruno (v), Son, Gundogan, Saka
    Kane, Laca
    (Steer) (Wilson, Clark, Douglas)

    GL to all!

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

      Same team except maguire over saiss and slightly weaker bench. Good luck fella

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        My only fear is Wilson but don't expect big things from him. Good luck to you too

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

      GL bro 🙂

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You too bro!

  12. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who ended up punting on Sterling?

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

      I didn't do it in the end. The sacrifices to the rest of my team I deemed not worth it.

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

        Did you bring in Foden ??

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

        Knew you wouldn't Camzy.

      3. Teahupo'o
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ah, Camz. Well, gl to u anyway. Rashford was the downgrade that gave me pause. Was ok with the others.

        Ramsdale
        Cancelo Tierney Yedlin
        KDB Son Bruno Sterling ESR
        Kane Laca

        (Mitchell)

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

        this

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me

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

      Me, also captained him

      1. Teahupo'o
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

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

      went for it

    5. MagicMessi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling haul incoming ..

    6. Teahupo'o
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all. Optimistic mindset it is. Sterling haul.

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

      Captain Sterling - unusual to get the chance for a decent differntial capatin on a FH (own the other 4 Cap candidates too)

      Lloris
      Bellerin, Stones, Saiss, AWB
      KDB Sterling Bruno Son Saka
      Kane

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

        Great team

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

    Pants down. I mean pens.

    1. King Carlos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Those too

  14. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Last minute transfer Dias -> Cancelo. Benching confirmed

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

    Time to tinker for FH DGW19!!!

  16. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The scenes when this Beast from the East weather front rolls in with loads of snow (well The Sun, said it was on its way in 30 hours), at least tonight's games are safe!

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You looked at the pictures and got that info. Nice job. 😉

      1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It was The Sun, I was looking at lots of pictures

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lol. Exactly my point. 😉

          1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I'm just looking at lots more pics now, see if I can solve free energy :))

  17. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Fh wc Tc bb left. Feeling good. 😎

  18. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Did Salah & DCL > KDB & Lacazette at the last minute, here's hoping this -4 doesn't go to waste.

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

    I FORGOT TO DO MY FREE HIT TEAM I SET AN ALARM FOR 4pm AND MY PHONE WAS IN MY CAR I WAS WASHING IT #%*#*%*#*%*%

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

      Oh dear.

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

      just put it in a bowl of rice and it'll be fine

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

      i don't believe this

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

      And you forgot the caps lock

    5. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wise decision.

    6. King Carlos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You were washing your phone in your car?

    7. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I just missed it too....woke up on the couch and realised I hadn’t pulled the trigger on my KDB free transfer.

      I actually feel sick

      I’m gonna crawl behind the couch now.

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

        I managed to get two transfers off before the deadline attempted a free hit but was running out of time- I’m staying optimistic I have 7 players, the players missing are keeper and lowest priced def, mid, fwd, all my expensive players have a game. The free hit will come in handy towards end of season (please be true)

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

    Lloris
    Cancelo-Saiss-Tierney
    KDB-Bruno(VC)-Son-Gündo
    Kane(C)-Wilson-Laca

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

      I have the same captain and outfield players, just Darlow for Lloris due to funds.

      Good luck!

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

        We'll have a party!
        Good luck!

  21. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Really hope going Foden and Cancelo over Gundogan and Dias/Stones pays off. Other than that pretty template FH team so I can relax and hope I see a boost to the rank over non FH teams.
    WC next week for double gameweek anyone?

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

      Would you take Gundogan better than Foden, if it meant Cancelo outdoes Dias/Stones?

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

    AWB masterclass tonight

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

      Only permitted if one of my starting defender miss out, thanks.

  23. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH time. With only 6 DGWers, is it wise to pull the trigger or save for later GWs (29?)

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

      too late

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

        sorry i misunderstood

  24. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No Rashford & lacazette but captain Sterling let's go

  25. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH team locked in, had been debating laca plus a bench vs rashford all day and then ended up going with this

    Lloris
    Stones Tierney Coady
    Kdb, Sterling, Son, Bruno, ESR
    Kane, Wilson

    Brewster and Mitchell on the bench

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

      was thinking Saiss plus Davis but felt I needed at least 2 subs so had to keep Brewster and then with 4.9 to spend it was Lindelof or Coady as far as I could see didn't want any Newcastle or Sheffield def in. Went for the safe pick in Coady.

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty similar to mine.
      Lloris > Leno
      Tierney > Dier
      Coady > Yedlin

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

        best of luck

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You too mate

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

    doh 🙂

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

    How are people's benches looking?

    Wonder who'll be the first to be burned...

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

      4.0 / Yedlin / Dendocker / Mitchell

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

      Fairly solid: Yedlin, Brewster, Mitchell

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

      Sanchez Clarke Mitchell Stephens

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

    KDB or Kane captainers will cry more this gw?

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

    Switched captaincy last minute from Kdb to Kane. Nerves.

    Goodluck everyone!

    1. abhirup780
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same here

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

      Yeah same. Been stung by Pep too many times.

  30. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Decided to FH at the last minute...

    Pretty template team...So hope it will be a green arrow..
    Lloris
    Cancelo Dias Tierney
    KDB Bruno Son Saka
    Kane Laca Wilson

    Good luck all...

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

      Definition of template will come good don't worry