Sky Sports

Fantasy Football Scout and Sky Sports Fantasy Football to join forces in 2021/22

Fantasy Football Scout are delighted to be partnering with Sky Sports Fantasy Football this season and bringing you even more content on the popular, free-to-enter game.

The site is open for registration for 2021/22, so you can head over there now and begin picking your team – or teams plural, as Sky allows you to manage a second XI.

A whopping £50,000 is on offer to the game’s winner next season, with cash prizes of £5,000 and £1,000 dished out to those managers finishing in the other two podium places.

The fourth and fifth-placed managers are awarded games consoles, as are the highest-scoring Fantasy bosses of the month.

SCOUT’S 2021/22 COVERAGE

We’re delighted to welcome aboard Niall Murphy to our Pro Pundit team, who will be joining Luke Williams in fronting our Sky coverage this season.

Niall has a best-ever Sky Sports Fantasy placing of 3rd in 2016/17 and is a serial top 100 finisher.

Resident maverick Luke can boast a 4th-placed finish in Sky, along with some stellar seasons in a number of other Fantasy formats.

We’ll have lots of articles to come before the new campaign starts, focusing on everything from player prices and team reveals to longer-term strategies.

We’ll also continue to provide features and tips throughout 2021/22 once the action gets underway.

In the meantime, head over to our Premium Members Area to see which players will potentially benefit from the Sky Sports bonus on offer for saves, tackles, passes and shots on target.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser

And subscribe to our YouTube channel for Sky videos throughout the season.

HOW DO I PLAY?

Just like in Fantasy Premier League, managers select a team of players that will either earn attacking, defensive or bonus points in an attempt to score more than friends, colleagues and/or the rest of the world.

However, this is not a squad-based game: you simply choose a starting XI and do not have a bench.

We have already produced a beginner’s guide which delves deeper into the rules and scoring system – this can be accessed by clicking below.

https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/23/how-to-play-sky-sports-fantasy-football-a-beginners-guide/

JOIN OUR FFSCOUT MINI-LEAGUE

There are a number of different ways to compete against others in the Sky Sports game, one of which is a Free League.

We have already set up our annual, free-to-enter Fantasy Football Scout mini-league, which you can enter by heading to the ‘Leagues’ tab and clicking ‘Join+’.

The full details are below:

League Name: FFScout
League Pin:
9236658

If you want to set up a money league with your friends, family and/or colleagues, Sky Sports can actually administer that for you to avoid any post-season awkwardness.

You can choose the entry fee (either £2, £5, £10 or £20 per person) and the prize structure beforehand, with Sky Sports taking care of the rest.

279 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Posted on last article but will put it again here - latest Community article is from FPL_BallX looking at West Ham and whether they may now drop off. Well researched and extremely well written.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2021/07/16/will-the-west-ham-freight-train-grind-to-a-halt-this-season/

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

      Cheers! Will give that a butchers...

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      The FFS should include community articles under the 'Content - All articles' side bar tab. I'd never have known about this WH article, thinking I was seeing everything by clicking All articles.

  2. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Do you want the next 4.0 starter?

    History suggests you should look no further than Palace and there’s a chance we’ll come up trumps again.

    He’s not yet listed but Reece Hannan is odds on to be the back up to Mitchell - slightly injury prone this season. Is he any good? He did make. Few squads at the back end of last season and there’s a school of thought he wouldn’t be a downgrade. Certainly LB is just about the only position cash rich Palace aren’t being connected with yet.

    Is Palace defence any good? Pass

    1. Critical Observer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Is Postman Pat officially gone or what's the story?

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yep

        He and Sakho are huge wage savings and either perma crocked or poor value. New strategy is to outdo Southampton in becoming talent factory!!!

        Expect signings to be young in the main and on the way up

        1. Critical Observer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Did he run out his contract? Shame, he'd surely have commanded a considerable transfer fee, despite being a fixture at the infirmary.

  3. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    very templatey...

    Sanchez
    Trent Shaw Fofana
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphinha
    DCL Watkins Toney

    Steele Lamptey Williams Gilmour
    0.5ITB

    Jota is a gamble. Like the first 2 fixtures, and he can haul from the bench. Keeping the 0.5m to potentially make a move to Foden, but there are plently of midfield options 6-8m.

    1. Cynical
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      It looks good on paper but there's a possibility Shaw, Lamptey, Fofana and Jota don't start GW1. If Lamps and Fofana seem to be first choice as pre-season ends then it will be fine but I always plan for the worst!

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        yeah it's one to keep an eye on. Other options in the price brackets I guess.

        1. Cynical
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah there are safer 4.5 picks like Coady, Ayling etc but Lamptey is such a great FPL propspect I will probably chance it myself. Just not sure about Fofana as well.

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

      This is an incredibly boring draft. But it'll do quite well to start I suppose...

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

    Who is best of these £5m defenders:
    A)Tierney
    B) Reguilon
    C) Bertrand (just been added to FPL this morning)
    D) Targett
    E) Dunk

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      F) Coufal

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

        Oh yeah good option. I like Bertrand if he can nail a starting spot. Think he could get quite a few assists.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          don't see bertrand being anything other than back up personally.

          Assuming all fit, Castagne, Riccardo and Justin all ahead of him.

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

            You’re prob spot on about Bertrand. Just reading up about Castagnes multiple fractured eye socket from euros and seems Leicester hopeful he’ll be fit for start of season as well. Think I’ll forget about Bertrand.

    2. Cynical
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Targett for first 3 fixtures but in general Coufal. Spurs defenders could be even better but wait and see how Nuno sets up.

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

        Not convinced by Villa defensively still but those early fixtures do look appetising.

        1. Cynical
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah doubt they do as well as last season defensively but should have 1 or 2 clean sheets from their opening 3.

          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I think Im starting with targett & tierney

  5. Would old-fashioned pricing be more fun?
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    A couple weeks ago, I spent a bit of time looking through how FPL have changed their pricing strategy over the years. One year that caught the eye was 04/05.


    As a general summary: Premiums were far more expensive, fodder were far cheaper. With the same 100m budget, it seems it was important to find the correct enablers whilst nailing which premiums to go with was vital.

    
Goalkeepers

    We started with 3 goalkeepers priced at 7m (Lehmann, Cech, Cudicini) and a further 4 at 6.5m. Arsenal’s 3rd choice keeper (Taylor) is 6m, with most backups being just 0.5 less than the first choice. Cheapest keepers come in at just 3m and you can buy both Palace keepers for a grand total of 6.5m (though eventually Kiraly also got added and became first choice). Hoult offered 97 points as a 4m keeper.

    Defenders

    Cole, Bridge, Terry and Hyypia all come in at 7.5m. A further 10 defenders come in at 7m, compared to 2 this year that are 7m or more. Neill (4.5m), Granville (4.0m), Hall (4.5m) and Clement (3.5m) all returned 90+ points.

    Midfielders

    11 mids that are 9m or more isn’t far from the current 8 listed this season, especially as the most expensive is Pires at 10.5m. Quite a poor year for Midfielders outside of Lampard who ended up on 269 points and 12.1m (from 10m). Cheapest mids are 4m, but none scored that well - just Riihilahti (4.5m) and Hughes (5.0m) scored 90+ in the 5m or below bracket.

    Forwards

    This year we have 5 forwards that are 9m or more. In 04/05? A casual 24 of them. Henry finished up at 14.7m but there are slim pickings down the other end - the cheapest is 5m but the best forward that started 6.5m or less was Huckerby, who ended up on just 120 points, with no other forward in that bracket hitting triple digits.

    Would you have any interest in this sort of pricing style return, where far more players get premium price tags? The new style is clearly easier for new managers to get the grasp of, but would an ultra-harsh pricing plan like this make FPL more fun for you?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      That's some crazy pricing

    2. CornerTakenQuicklyOrigi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      There were more clean sheets and a much higher percentage of goals were scored by forwards. (this may or may not be true)

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Should add a note that I've just realised my numbers for end of season aren't the exact end of season, but close enough - just tweaked Lampard's score because I realised I was a few off.

        As for defenders - this was the year Terry finished on 196 points, with Riise next best at 160. Both TAA and Robbo have beaten that score in a season since, but not Terry's price.... I have him down here as a 9m defender!

        Dream Team still used a 3 atb formation (352 specifically as on a whole it was a bit of a weird season).

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Interesting post.

      Off the bat, I would make two observations which might explain why the pricing structure has changed a bit. These are based on impressions rather than data but I think this this holds fairly true.

      1: fixture difficulty: As more and more money enters the PL the more money clubs have to spend on players and wages. This has IMO narrowed the gulf between the biggest teams and the smallest. Sure the richest teams have much more money to spend, but a 100m player isn't twice as good as a 50m player. PL clubs can take excellent players from poorer leagues and looking abroad for players is now the norm rather than an option. This means that most teams, especially established ones, have very good players and are harder to beat. Premium players find it a little harder to score and premium defences are a little more liable to concede. This makes the top assets at each club less reliable and it makes pricing a player at 13m+ less and less likely (as people won't see a return on that investment)

      2. Squad depth: a few years ago the best XI played every week and there were a couple of impact subs and a little competition for each place and that's about it. Now fewer minutes are guaranteed and few players are worth spending big bucks on because of that uncertaintly. Now, the best players still play most of the time, and depending on the manager and the player this could be almost all the time (Salah, Kane etc). It could be argued that the existence of players like Salah and Kane therefore render this point moot but there is another consideration. If opposing team are able to rest and rotate more players, and replace them with similar players who have never-before-seen levels of fitness and professionalism. Those opponents are harder to beat and it gets harder and harder for the likes of Salah to be able to maintain their form until the end of the season. Again, this is a factor of the evolution of the game which makes the top assets less clear cut and their price tags more of an issue.

      These are just a couple of things but I think they help explain why the pricing system has changed - it has evolved so fit the game.

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I'd definitely agree with this. I think the dominance by a handful of top players (Lampard, Gerrard, Fabregas in particular, but also some forwards like Rooney) settled the pricing down a fair bit as they were so regular. They ended up with the big price tags and the more unpredictable players got priced lower and lower to try and tempt managers away from them, causing the system to develop into something more recognisable as the modern pricing strategy...

        ...apart from defenders, who took a while to settle down. You'll see 20,25+ defenders who are 6m plus for a while, including some massive price tags around 8/9m.

        Still, I wonder what it'd be like now. I haven't done a draft yet, but it's hardly tricky - buy Salah, probably buy Bruno, ignore City premiums and then fill in the blanks. Quite like the idea of having the big names cost 14m+ and having to seriously cherry-pick which premiums you go with, but I really don't know if it'd work in the modern game or not.

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah this is all coming back to me now, haha!

          It may be rose tinted spectacles but I do seem to recall pretty much knowing that you would get a clean sheet when the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool (who broke the consecutive clean sheet record) and, going back even further, Arsenal faced non-top-six opponents. Now it's so much more open, which adds to the game's appeal but it does make premium defenders reliant on regular attacking returns to justify a price of even 6.5 let alone 7.5.

        2. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Yes, just look at the current ownership of premium mids, for example:

          Salah 49.7%
          Bruno 41.1%
          KDB 15.7%
          Son 13.5%
          Sterling 3.1%
          Mane 3.0%

          So either FPL got the pricing wrong, or the community is wrong in preferring Salah/Bruno strongly over other alternatives. (Admittedly, they have better fixtures than City do, but even so, there is considerable rotation risk at City, and probably Mahrez -- or Kane if he arrives -- is on pens.)

          I'm sure there would still be plenty of people arguing that Salah was essential even at 14m.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Interesting, as someone who wasn't playing FPL back in the old days. Cheers 🙂

    5. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Wow

      Sort of get the innate prejudice in favour of the 4.5 keeper now.

    6. RichardNixon
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      There weren't any chips back then either iirc?

      Also, I think bonus points were calculated differently.

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Correct. No chips, this was even before when you used to have a single WC for the whole season. No Vice-Captains, No rolling FTs.

        Bonuses followed the Man in the Stand format at this stage

    7. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks this is super interesting, I only started playing myself in 2012, feel the old system would be more fun tbh 🙂

    8. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      PS more random flashback stats and info like this would be cool

    9. JELLYFISH
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Ah the halcyon days

      1. SweepaKeepa
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be.

    10. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Joe Hart (GK) was priced at 3.5 in 06-07’ and doubled in price (7.0m) by 11-12’

    11. hysteria
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      NOPE, today's pricing is much better

  6. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Mahrez is the one player I would love to fit in but at a rather awkward price point. He was really nailed in the bigger games (UCL) late last season, has the summer of rest and a huge upside fixture in GW2.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      same. I hate having no city in my team, they score so many goals but are a minefield rotation wise.

      Early season, KDB is generally nailed in the league, but he's so expensive and maybe injured. If he is injured for first 3-4 weeks, I'll go gundogan.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah Gundo is an interesting one, so dependent on his role in the team. But if KDB is out he could easily end up in those advanced roles again.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          this is my mahrez team

          Sanchez
          Trent Shaw Fofana
          Salah Fernandes Mahrez Raphinha Buendia
          Iheanacho Toney

          Steele Lamptey Ayling Gilmour

          quite like it. Iheanacho can obviously be Watkins/Antonio.

          1. Moxon
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I have this exact team with Sarr and Watkins over Buendia and Nacho.

          2. The Mighty Hippo
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            you have six midfielders listed - I assume Gilmour should be a 4.5M forward?

            1. No Professionals
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              yes sorry, obafemi

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I'm punting on Foden, for now at least (if Kane joins I might just leave it at that). Last season started nearly double the games he did the season before in the PL, started every CL game bar their first, and started in the EFL Cup final. I think he's at the point now where he's become key for City and of course won't play every game but I think I'm willing to take the risk.

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

      Mahrez could be on pens too. De Bruyne gave him that vital one against Dortmund.

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

      9.0 - 9.5 price point is so difficult to place into proper structure, it really makes Mahrez less attractive option. Gundogan and Foden are the ones I monitor in midfield. If Grealish goes to City I think it's obvious then. His ownership will be around 50% for sure. Also, I think Stones is massively overlooked here. Unfortunately, both him and Foden are going to miss the opening round(s). Stering's resurgence is also something to take an eye on. I believe Pep will try to bring him back, which will make things difficult for Foden and Mahrez.

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

    Let's discuss Watkins (3-4-3) v Buendia.(3-5-2)

    1. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      This is a massive debate for me. I think Watkins is the pick of the 7.5m forwards by far whereas Raphinha is better than Buendia for 6.5m. There is of course the 1m saving you could make from the switch but I'm currently on Watkins to begin with and will add Buendia if it looks like he can weather the tougher fixtures.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        This is great analysis imo, I agree with it as well. Start with Watkins and then re-assess

        1. Jaws
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Analysis? It's an opinion.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            He analyzed did he not?

    2. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Watkins proven in prem and will benefit from Buendia (if he performs).
      Buendia unproven and there are potentially better (same price and slightly cheaper) options in midfield.
      All the same, he is tempting....

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Buendia has played in the league with Norwich before and created chances that I think only KDB and Grealish beat in numbers. Unfortunately he played for Norwich so they werent converted. He's in a much superior team now and will most likely be on set pieces.

      2. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I really struggle to find better, same price and slightly cheaper options than Buendia, bar Raphinha. The main rivals in that price range are Harrison, Sarr and Saka imo, and I don't believe they are better than Buendia.

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

      Watkins is safer imo. Buendia may need time to settle into the team and perform as an FPL asset. That said I currently have both in 343 because they have good opening fixtures and there are lots of alternatives at their price points to move onto if they struggle.

    4. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      easy - both

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        ...for first 3 weeks anyway(3-4-3)

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Im going Wilson over Watkins myself but have Buendia.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I have Wilson, Watkins and Beundia atm

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Nice

    5. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Both is the answer

      If only one, Watkins

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        +1

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

      Comfortably Watkins, excellent goalscorer with outstanding numbers and the focal point of the side. Buendia is less certain and more of an assister.

  8. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Is anyone expecting Josh King to be a starter for Watford or still too early to tell

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      King needs to stay fit first

      1. DazF90
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Definitely one to keep an eye on though

  9. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Smith Rowe playing No10 for Arsenal this season looks value at 5.5m as a cheap 4th mid.

    1. Cynical
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      If it looks like he has nailed down a starting place then he is definitely on my radar

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      he's definitely on my watchlist, if I knew he'd be consistently starting in that role he'd be in my team for sure.

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

      Considering McTominay is the same price, the value looks out of this world.

  10. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else going Martinez, Grealish and Watkins?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Just Watkins from those.

      Will see how Martinez performs in first few fixtures. Can bring him on WC if required.

      Not interested in Grealish.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Buendia and Watkins for me.

    3. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish and Watkins at the mo

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Just Watkins to start with. Will assess as it goes.

    5. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Probably just Buendia and Watkins.

    6. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Buendia and Watkins for me, with a possible plan to swap them to Harrison and Bamford in week 4 or 5.

    7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Only Buendia and maybe Watkins

  11. pmletch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    RMT, gone with some differentials

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Dias, AWB, Fofana (Holding, Coady)
    Salah, Barnes, Grealish, Dallas (Gilmour)
    Kane, Watkins, Cavani

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Like the Cavani pick.

    2. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I would be worried about Barnes and Cavani's minutes/possible rotation.
      AWB might become part of back 3 if Trippier joins Manu.
      I think this team has early wildcard written all over it, but doesn't have the upside of taking advantage of early fixtures.
      I think your hedging your bets and one heavy hitter short, could you try Dias/AWB to 2 x 4.5s and get a rotation plan, then Barnes > Mane, Cavani > Toney?

  12. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Ffs will severely need to up their Sky game if you are actually going to promote it successfully.

    It has been completely useless in previous seasons.

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Pfft get a load of this guy. Next thing he'll be saying his best finish is better than 3rd 😉

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think 2 top 10 finishes including finishing 2nd last season puts me as one of the top experts in this field as you know

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Genuinely surprised you haven't been tapped up yet

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            It's my association with Nirvana. They fear the guerilla tactics of fantasy football

        2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Although "Buy Joe Willock" makes for a very short article

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Some would describe it as snappy and ultimately correct.

  13. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Tinkering…
    Sanchez
    Robertson,Coufal,Lamptey
    Salah,Fernandes,Son,Torres,Buendia
    Watkins,Toney

    Foster,Ayling,4.0,Davis

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      like it. like it more with TAA and Raphinha over Robertson and Torres.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yeh that’s a tough one. I don’t like Leeds at the start regardless of value. Torres against Norwich appeals to me.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          that assumes he plays versus norwich, could easily play neither of the first 2 games.

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            This is true.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Looks great!

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Had a very similar set up

      Only real difference was Barnes and TAA over Torres Robbo from memory

      Like the idea and will revisit that structure at some point. Think it makes sense with sub premium mid slot. Currently rocking a one premium look 🙂

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        That’s a decent trade off.

  14. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Triple City in this one

    Sanchez 4
    Trent Shaw Stones Lamptey Ayling
    Salah Son Mahrez Torres Buendia
    Bamford Toney 4.5

    What do you think?

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Yet to be sold on Torres would go Foden in preference.

      Always suspicious of Pep saying this player was born to play there: see Bilva 🙂

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I think I'd prefer Foden also tbh. But it's another mil to find somewhere..
        Could downgrade Stones or Shaw to 4.5.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I’ve cheated by having either Mahrez or Son - which allows me more at the back.

          The midrange mids I’m very up in the air about

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Should add that I have a similar no Bruno look right now with Mahrez and like it.

      I’m slotting in Nacho as putative week 3 captain. Captaincy the major query

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I've really tried to go without one or two of Salah, TAA and Bruno, but I keep being pulled back to them.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Still just playing around really and seeing what’s possible

          Interesting to see how you could make captaincy work with just Mo and “reliable” midrange types such as Nacho.

          100% not committed.

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

            Mo works 5 of the first 6 GW so that makes it a lot easier to vary elsewhere.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              Think I’d be looking elsewhere in both weeks 3 and 4. Leeds away is only if I have to territory

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

                Fernandes home to Newcastle, done.

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  2 years, 9 months ago

                  Only if you start with Bruno 🙂

                  That is the one week I see where he is “necessary”early on. Just toying around to see if his funds can be sensibly used elsewhere.

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Son looks good for GW3 against Watford

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

      You might strike lucky in GW1, but it can't last. Stones and Dias are probably safe to start with, but further forward is a minefield. I did have Mahrez as a GW1 punt, but in order to accommodate TAA/Salah/Bruno I downscaled him to Gundog, but now I'm wavering between him and Jota as unsure but worthwhile gambles. I think City have one major transfer to come - one of Grealish, Kane, Inga or A.N.Other and it will probably be in the last hour of Transfer Deadline Day, so for now I just can't be sure about any City midfield/forward assets.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Lamptey and Ayling on the bench as a decent back up for the inevitable roulette. But as Pingi said, just playing around!

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I know this seems fairly standard, but doesn't it bother you that you'll be losing your formation most GWs with defenders filling in for mids? I also want to start with mahrez but im thinking of spending at least 5.5, maybe even 6.5 on a midfield sub to fill in in this scenario.

      2. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        KDB?

  15. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Martinez being 40% owned is hilarious

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

      Will be painful viewing with their opening 3 fixtures.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        And an enjoyable one after that

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Why? He was great last season and if you have someone like Sanchez to cover his short run of poor fixtures he could still be great value

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        So you’re spending 10 million on GKs? Ridiculous

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I don't see the issue, it means I have a choice on most weeks when just having one playing keeper/ 2 from one club will leave you a lot of weeks knowing you won't get any more than 1 or 2 pts from them, and I'll likely not need to use transfers if either gets injured or suspended. I like having a choice each week. Same reason why I like to spread funds where I can and try and have 15 players that will play rather than putting as much as I can solely into an 11 and having such a weak bench where appearance pts from any of them would be a bonus

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Save 1.0 and get 2 rotating 4.5s then. There are plenty of them that have great alternating fixtures. Having a 5.5 GK on the bench is something I’d never do

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              People said the same thing last season about players like Robertson and TAA if I said I wasn't going to play one one week, "you can't bench them" even when they were in poor form and conceding in nearly every game and had a tough opponent in the next game. I guess I just see things differently, I mean a lot of people here benched Bruno against City for example. I wouldn't be planning on benching him much, the idea is he plays most games but on the weeks where Villa have a weakened defence or just face one of the big boys I have an alternative that I think can get more than 2pts

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

      He's not for me, but I'd say he's as reasonable a pick as any.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        When has a 5.5 GK ever been reasonable to start the season off, let alone one from Villa

    4. Alan Watts
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Martinez, was on 4.9 ppg last season, on a par with Sterling, Mane, Bamford, DCL etc, and higher than Cancelo, Foden etc

      Not sure if automatically going for a 4.5m keeper is the best approach

    5. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I’m surprised given he’s 0.5 over priced imo

  16. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Going with a Magnus-bear-bones-bench atm

    In reality, rotation rarely works. Probably better with a Coufal/Targett over 2 x 4.5s and I really like the 4.5s, particularly Ayling...

    Thoughts?

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

      Dunk > every other 5M

      Can't be bothered with rotation pairs, 4.5 DEF 4.5 MID on the bench both playing and life is good. 3rd sub probably unnecessary.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Coufal says hi

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

          Dunk > Coufal

          1. Botman and Robben
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            I think the opposite

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Dunk's caught my eye last day or so

        Bissouma 4.5 4 a likely bench

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

          Excellent fix, great defense, goal threat and good for BPS, like him.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Funny I think the opposite, I see plenty of 4.5s I’d rather own than Coufal or Targett at the beginning.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Really? Lamptey and Ayling are the only ones that interests me at the mo.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Fofana?

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Is he nailed?
            2.5 PPG last season
            Nah

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        yep, I can see why many would go that way

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      It's just that you want a bench, which you get for spending .5 more on a defender.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        yeah, I'm toying with both scenarios atm

  17. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    I did have Mahrez in my draft but I think Mount has a high floor. I think we can reasonably expect progress from him to 10 goals 10 assists this season. I reckon that's 170 points (30 appearances, 10 clean sheets, 20 bonus) conservatively. Not really captainable but a good steady contribution. What you say?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I think that sounds reasonable.
      Fixtures are tough at the beginning!

  18. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Even if Jota gets a start first GW (could be brought off early anyways) it's back to worrying about his minutes from GW2 onwards. Finding it really difficult, tempting that it is, to justify him.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Indeed. And seems like pool are trying to recruit more attackers.

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I have him in my draft currently, will see if he stays...

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

      Yeah i agree. Such a hard inclusion when you consider the rotation threat with bobby, mane and mo. Cant help but think Robertson is a better asset if your looking for a 3rd LFC inclusion. 0.5 cheaper, nailed as they come, clean sheet potential, bap magnet and definitely not shy of an attacking return.

  19. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Hmm, I have DCL...wondering if its just better to get BamBam from the get go, I am sure I will want him after the 1st few.

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Also have DCL for the fixtures + he's had a good rest. Bit early to speculate transfers, but Bam would be my transfer for DCL in gws 5-7

  20. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Let's get some thoughts on this bunch then!

    Raya // Krul

    TAA // Robertson // Digne // Godfrey // White

    Salah // Greenwood // Pépé // Sarr // Gilmour

    Kane // Toney // Perica

    Notes

    - Double LIV and EVE defence to take advantage of great opening fixtures - I feel confident that these 4 will outscore similar priced MID and FWD options.

    - Perica is fodder, I'll upgrade him come GW3 on a 2FT (downgrading somewhere else) after taking the first two GW2s to analyse the striker situation.

  21. GW1 Fixtures and clean sheet odds
    G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    GW1 fixture odds can be found here:
    http://prntscr.com/1btpvg4
    (Provided by Betbrain)

    GW1 clean sheet odds:
    CHE: 52%
    LEI: 45%
    LIV: 41%
    MCI: 39%
    BHA: 37%
    EVE: 35%
    MNU: 35%
    WHU: 33%
    ARS: 32%
    AVL: 32%
    BUR: 30%
    NEW: 24%
    WAT: 24%
    SOU: 21%
    BRE: 20%
    WOL: 19%
    TOT: 17%
    LEE: 14%
    CRY: 12%
    NOR: 10%
    (Provided by Betbrain)

    Clean sheet totals for 2020-2021:
    Manchester City: 19
    Chelsea: 18
    Aston Villa: 15
    Manchester Utd: 13
    Brighton: 12
    Everton: 12
    Leeds: 12
    Liverpool: 12
    Tottenham: 12
    Arsenal: 12
    Burnley: 11
    Leicester City: 11
    West Ham: 11
    Wolves: 10
    Fulham: 9*
    Southampton: 9
    Crystal Palace: 8
    Newcastle: 7
    West Brom: 6*
    Sheffield Utd: 5*
    *Team relegated

    Hope you've all been keeping well 🙂

    Thought I'd post these out now as plenty of you will be out there planning your drafts and getting ready for the start of the new season.

    I'll post an updated version in the week commencing 9th August but doubt if there'll be much difference in the clean sheet odds. Maybe 1 or 2 percent swing at most but the fixture odds will have changed on some so will provide that too.

    Wishing you all a great start to the season and I'll be back soon. A decent start for my FPL team would be good for a change...

    G

    1. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Start Fofana over Lamptey then?

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

        If that's who you think will score the most...

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. Could you provide anytime scorer odds too?

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

        Sorry not something I'm familiar with...

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Can't find them anywhere. FFS used to have a collaboration with Paddy Power back in the day where you could see anytime goalscorer odds.

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

            I'll ask Geoff and see if he has any idea 🙂

    3. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      'Pool defenders a steal then?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        8 goals conceded in their previous 13 games says hells yeah

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Double up, Maximus?

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            TAA probably enough for now

      2. asdjrsrad
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Who do you think will start? Matip+VVD? What will happen with Gomez?

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      12% Palace - suppose I’m going to have to get used to that.

      Seems a tad mean given Chelsea - haven’t the bookies checked out transfer plans 🙂

      That said 14% Leeds is really curious

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

        With those it may down to the opponent they're facing...

  22. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Re-jigging my squad.

    Remind me again who's the best 4.5 to rotate with Sanchez. One of the NEW GKs?

    It's only for GW1-3 before I WC.

    Thanks.

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

      Looking at the Fixture Ticker I would say you're correct 🙂

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Ta G-Wizz. That was my initial thought. 🙂

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Just get martinez for an extra .5 it’s worth it x

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I was gonna disagree initially... but Martinez + 4.0 fodder for AVL's first 3 before I WC makes sense with the fixtures and frees up 0.5 in the budget. I'm stupid sometimes.

        Thank you.

  23. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Meslier / 4.0
    TAA / Coufal / Fofana / Lamptey / __________
    Salah / Bruno / Raphinha / Buendía / 4.5
    Bamford / Watkins / __________

    A. Lowton, Iheanacho
    B. Digne/Shaw, Toney

    Also: good team?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Appreciate it!

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I like it. Monitor Fofana... with Soyuncu back he might get benched. Ayling a good option.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I'd love Ayling, but I got too much Leeds already. But I shall figure it out, perhaps it is Fofana who becomes Digne/Shaw. Cheers! Thank you very much indeed!

    3. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B is way better

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, mate!

    4. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good, B for me of the two I think as well. Guess alternatively if you want Digne/Shaw you could go 4.5 keeper and upgrade Coufal but I’m sure you’re happy with it as is

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you very much indeed, sir!

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Not often you come across kind people like you on this site 🙂 have a great day sir!

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Least I can do. You're always helpful! Good luck to both of us!

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you very much, sir!

    6. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B with Shaw.
      Yes, good team.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you very much for that!

  24. Zalk
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    For me there's only one place to play FPL

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      On the loo?

  25. Fatboy_Slim
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Guys need an opinion

    A) Veltman (4.5), Bruno (12.5) , Dominic Calvert (8.0)

    OR

    B) TAA (7.5), foden (8.0), Cavani (8.5)

    ??????

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      is Veltman nailed?

      1. Fatboy_Slim
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yup..or lamptey, any one of them Brighton wingbacks

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I think B has a higher ceiling but like A more personally

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      A of those

  26. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Liverpool will hugely miss Wijnaidum, both on attacking and defending. He has been their best box to box mid, tons of interception, tackle, pressing, deliver ball forward and especially his strongly physical, consistent and not injury prone.

    Fabinho and Henderson been always there with him so dont count (even Hendo injury prone). His direct replacement is Thiago who not good enough to play box to box at EPL, in attack he offen slow them down too

    Some days ago Klopp said VVD could miss start off the season.

    Mind you TAA and Salah owners

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      They'll sign Tielemans

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        It's very good but if not?

      2. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Not easy transfer

  27. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Greenwood? With rashford out he could be handy!

    1. Water_Pink
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Sancho?!

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Nobody knows it's gamble.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Sancho, Cavani, Tony M starting the season I reckon

  28. Water_Pink
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Grealish or foden ?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      If they are both at City, much of a muchness.

  29. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Hmmm.

    Havertz + Pukki or Buendia + Iheanacho?

    I think the latter will be favoured, and I’m starting to learn towards it…

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      B&I easily

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Second option

  30. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Picking 2 out of Watkins, Antonio, Wilson and Iheanacho is harder than I thought. Currently on Watkins and Antonio.