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

    Lloris
    Tierney Saiss Dias
    Saka Kdb Sterling Bruno
    Kane Laca Tosun (c)

    Bringing out the Tesco box wine for tonight

  2. KEN YA DIG IT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Went with Son(C). Goodluck fellas

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

      Whaaaaaaaa

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same here fella!

  3. Yes Ndidi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    That FH team selection was the most intense I think I've ever been on FPL, trying to match the obvious template but find some differentials as well. Never been happier to see a deadline come and go.

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

    20 minutes ago the FPL site was down at my end for like 2 to 3 mins and i had to play the wc button. It was very scary. I will never keep it late in the future.

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

    Anyone took the armband of KDB?

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      went Kane

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

      Son

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

      It’s Kevin’s last chance

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

    I made about 10 changes in the last 5 minutes and now I have no idea what my team looks like. The tension is killing meeee

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

      I captained Robbo this week
      VC KdB

      Like a boss.

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

        Wasn't meant to be a reply!

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

        If your VC didn't play, good luck

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

      its just the game

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

    Anybody with me Captain Sterling?

    1. saurabh.06
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me

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

        yep!

  8. Gross Blank Point
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    7 starters with Kane (c) bring it on!!!

  9. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane (C) locked in.

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

      With you bro

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

        Count me in!

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          in

  10. KEN YA DIG IT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of darlow starting?

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

      60/40

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

        What? Brought him and a 4.0 on FH

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

      70/30

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

    For everyone pinning their hopes on Wilson... NEW have the second lowest xGC (after BUR) and SHU have the best/ lowest record for Penalties conceded in the league.....

    Just saying!

    (mostly trying to make myself feel better for benching Wilson)

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

      You’ve just jinxed it

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

        Almost certainly but I've made my bed so need to lie in it!

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

      He is still on penalties

      If Newcastle score he is almost always involved

      You must have a hell of a team if you are benching him

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

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

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

          Great team!

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

            Now you can see my benching dilemma!

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

          Awesome team that. I'm jealous of FH ! 😀

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

      You're afraid 😎

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

        Of course!

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

    Who else is dying to see rival teams? 😀
    Can't wait man

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

      Oh yes, of course.

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

      Should be most interesting of the season! Can't wait to laugh at my rivals teams and then watch with horror as they outscore me 🙂

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They're all the same don't worry

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

        well the FH's are...

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

      so glad i reluctanty FH, couldnt cope looking at all the shiny new teams with my 8 and -8 in the bank

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

    Please play Foden, Pep

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh oh

    2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Foden even if subbed on has more potential than Saka

  14. Party time
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Front 7 of

      Kdb Son Bruno(C) Saka
      Laca Martial Kane

      Let us feast!

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

        Wilson hattrick confirmed then

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

        Let's fast you mean 😀 I am in same boat only got 8 players GL tho

        1. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thank you. Good Luck

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

        Good luck to all! As always on a big deadline, I'm sweating, my hands are shaking and heart pounding. Went through every possible scenario and changed my team at least three times in the last 24 hours. In the end I will probably feel betrayed and want to delete my team which is:

        Leno (Areola)
        Shaw, Stones, Aurier (Yedlin, Basham)
        Gundogan, Sterling, Son, Fernandes (Smith Rowe)
        Lacazette, Kane, Wilson

        Shipped Cancelo out literally five minutes before deadline to make way for Wilson.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Dude you need a break. Seriously.

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

            hahah I know ffs

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

          No kdb?

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

          You don’t sound like you have fun with this game.

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

            drags me deep sometimes

        4. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He’s nervous but on the surface he looks calm and ready....

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

          I'd have had KDB in the team and the armband on him too.

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

        Are price changes effect by free hits as they all look a bit drastic the changes due tonight?

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

          Yeah. Will change quite a bit.

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

            Ah alright then. Can expect lot of players to drop next GW then probably?

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

          Been like that all week and accuracy % wasn't very high, so I guess they don't?

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

        CAVANIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!

      6. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pep: "Hope I'm not forgetting someone..."
        Sterling owners : Oh shaite....

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

        Those who took a -12 points hit to have 10 players, raise your hand!

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

          -8 for 9. All for DGW is the justification (to myself!)

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

          Went the one extra to bring in Lloris, -16 for 11

      8. Westfield Irons ⭐️
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FPL buzz coming up...
        Seeing your double gameweek players with 2 fixtures!
        Love it

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

          Indeed... have 15 all set to go on doubles but still unsure now cos of Covid whether to bench boost...we will see

          1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah I hear you, if Leeds go down to 1 fixture that's gonna hurt!
            All those lovely doubles disappearing (3 x Leeds and 2 x Southampton for me). I'll enjoy it until then though

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

            I’m moving more towards TC

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

          Yea can't wait to unleash Antonio in the field 😀

      9. Dele
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Razza Sterling

      10. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Brucie please start Darlow i beg

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Oh oh...

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

        Decided to save the FH and play 8 with a -8.

        Cancelo | Stones | Holding |
        KdB | Bruno | Son (C) | Smith-Rowe
        Kane

        Rank drop incoming.. Good luck all

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

          -8 to field 8 isn’t ideal - but your 8 are good

          You must think FH chip is worth 25+ points then?

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

            The way this season has gone so far I can see it coming in handy later on

            Will probably come back to bite me though

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

            Hoping a FH later on will gain about 20 points - For now I have the players that I want going forwards past gw20+

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

          11 with a -16 ... hopefully 3 extra players should get 8 or more extra points

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

            Good luck

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

          Very similar to you I got 8 out with a -4 (though one of them is Mitchell).
          It felt the correct decision going by my gut

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

            I think the FH chip is very valuable towards the end of the season

            There could be a gameweek even worse than this one in terms of fixtures given the current situation

      12. C_G
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        GTG?? FH team

        DDG

        Cancelo Stones Tierney

        Bruno Son Saka KDB (vc)

        Kane (C) Laca Wilson

        4.0 Yedlin Mitchell Burke

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

          A little late mate

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

            already done

      13. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bogle, Fernandez, Rashford (c), Sterling & Foden on my free hit

        Looking forward to it 😉

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

          Bruno ?

          1. Coys96
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Frederico form newcastle

            Do have bruno tho

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

        Well over 100 new qualifiers in LMS

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

          I’m in TM - I’m going to win it this year!

        2. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          bravo

        3. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          How does it work with new players qualified? Wouldn't that change the safety scores from previous week?

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

            A few who are still in can count themselves lucky 🙂

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Does safety scores change after a gameweek has ended?

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

                No. From Thursday on, no more entries so same rules for everyone.

        4. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          @TM, I entered but once again says I’m banned... again pretty sure I qualified, can you recheck ID 284

      15. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can't wait to finally see Soucek on my team page after FH.

      16. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wilson hattrick to start the week off right I’m hearing

      17. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Went with McGoldrick in the end. Super risky but wanted to have a little fun and he was the only way I was gonna get Sterling in.

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          my man

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Mark put the bug in my brain yesterday. Sterling news today meant I had to get him. I do hope Sheffield do well, and if they do McGoldrick is the man (hopefully)

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

          First on my bench to be fair. Could do alright.

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hoping Sheffield get their first win tonight!

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

        Let's go!

        DDG
        Tierney, Dier, Stones
        Sterling(c), Son, Rashford, Bruno, Gundogan
        Kane, Wilson

        4.0, Yedlin, Brewster, Mitchell