Hall of Fame

FPL Hall of Fame: Tips and strategy from seven-time top 10k finisher Yavuz Kabuk

We hear from the consistently brilliant Yavuz Kabuk as we continue to champion those in our Hall of Fame roll of honour.

Here at Fantasy Football Scout, we are acknowledging the best of the best when it comes to Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

And so, every year, we will salute the top five managers in our prestigious Career Hall of Fame.

The managers who can break into the top five will be immortalised on our Hall of Fame page.

You can check your own position in the Hall of Fame by becoming a Fantasy Football Scout Member and joining either of our two FPL mini-leagues.

Our Live Hall of Fame, which is updated throughout the season, had its first refresh for 2021/22 over the September international break and you’ll be able to see all the correct new IDs attached to the managers in question.

Having previously heard from Hall of Fame number one Fábio Borges, nine-time top 10k finisher Finn Sollie and the consistently excellent Morten Tveito, up next is Dutch maestro Yavuz.

He has seven consecutive top 10k finishes, finishing 123rd in the world for the 2020/21 season.

Hall of Fame Career #1-#5 15
HOW DO YOU GENERALLY APPROACH FPL? WHAT IS YOUR MAIN STRATEGY/STYLE?

I usually divide the season into three parts and approach each one in different ways.

The first part of the season is the most chaotic one. I always start with proven names, except for one or two, but play more aggressively afterwards. In this period, I tend to make early transfers, take hits and jump onto bandwagons (even if I don’t believe in the player) to build some team value for the rest of the season.

I try to watch more games in this period and take some risks to find the next bandwagon earlier than anyone. I rely on the eye test a little bit more than stats here, due to there not being enough fresh data (at least in the first couple of Gameweeks). Although there is no clear line, part one usually ends with the second international break. In general, I am not successful in the first part of the season and rarely find myself in the top 100k.

I don’t have a clear strategy for the first Wildcard. If my team is far from ideal, I pull the trigger for it straight away (last season it was Gameweek 4). If I am a couple of hits away from it, I would just do those instead. At this time, I do not care about overall rank but rather the shape of the team.

The second part is the most important one for me and usually when I climb the rankings. It starts around the second international break and ends with the second Wildcard, or a bit earlier depending on Blank and Double Gameweeks. The template settles around now and I switch my style to ‘swords and shields’ (I like this analogy a lot). This requires extensive forward planning, especially in a season like the last one. I try not to take hits in this period and play it safe with very few differentials. In this period, my decisions are almost exclusively based on stats and I do care about effective ownership a lot.

My strategy for part three depends on where I am ranked. If I am still outside of the top 10k, I continue to play ‘swords and shields’. If I am inside the top 10k, I try to get into the top 5k and then top 1k by playing a bit more aggressively. I would be willing to take calculated risks either by having differential players or captains, or by using chips differently than the rest of the pack.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST FPL MOMENT?

It has to be the 52-pointer by captain Theo Walcott in the 2012/13 season; almost everyone else went for Robin van Persie’s late cameo and assist and that Gameweek threw me into the top 1k for the first time and made me believe I can finish there. An honourable mention would go to Gareth Bale’s 21-pointer last year. I was almost sure he would explode so I used my Wildcard that week to accommodate him in my team.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR SECURING A GOOD FINISH?

Each season has its own dynamics. My top tip would be to observe the first part of the season very carefully and not stick with any predefined strategy. Adapting your approach is the most important thing for me in FPL.

WHAT STATS DO YOU PAY MOST ATTENTION TO? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TOOL IN THE PREMIUM MEMBERS AREA?

My favourite is the Comparison Tool; I use both versions for players and teams. I also check Match Data and the Season Ticker quite frequently.

For the majority of the time as a Scout member, Big Numbers has been my favourite article. I pay the most attention to expected stats (per start), both for attackers and defenders, but I also care about more traditional stats like shots, key passes, etc. I try not to use data older than four to six Gameweeks.

JOIN YAVUZ IN BECOMING A SCOUT MEMBER HERE

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

439 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gart888
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which move do you like the best? (going to wait closer to deadline, but just thinking a little in advance)

    A) Ronaldo to Lukaku
    B) Semedo to Cancelo
    C) Rudiger to Cancelo
    D) Jota to Foden

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

      B

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That was my plan going into the week (and then A the following week), but Rudiger and Jota injury scares have me shaking.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Tune into pressers - stick to plan, where possible.

          I like B & D.

  2. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Where's the love in the Community for Vardy?....a great buy and better than Son
    Am I missing something as the experts are totally ignoring him

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For me it's just that he's an awkward price. I'm more confident that Ronaldo/Lukaku will score, and I think that Antonio and Toney are better value.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It's a fair point. He's hardly discussed, not even reasons for avoiding him. He's an example of how this narrow community has blind-spots.

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

      He's a really solid buy.

      It will likely only take one expert to mention him and the process will begin.

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've had him, and captained him, for the last 2 gameweeks. People were confused by my choice to buy him when I mentioned on here. Seemed like an obvious pick to me given that he's evidently nailed again and consistently involved

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I suspect part of that was shock at your team in general

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          True

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He's not better than Son.

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Fixtures say otherwise

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'd say the fixtures are pretty even over the next 7

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Why 7?

            1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Because the next 5 are not even

          2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            But not in the next 4. I might get Son GW 12 though.

            1. Pep bites Kun
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Fixtures are mixed, but don't disagree with the strategy

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I don't agree. Spurs' fixtures are better for longer. Certainly over next 8 but even next 4...

          new whu MUN eve VS MUN bre ARS lee

          Brentford and Arsenal's defenses statistically are stronger than both whu and eve. new and lee are comparably easy fixtures. And they both play MUN.

          Add on the fact Son is a midfielder and 0.4m cheaper and I take Son all day in a straight contest between them.

          1. Haa-lala-land
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Vardy will finish the season with more points than Son

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              He may well do. The trick is to know when to hold and fold either or at diffetent stages to maximise your points for the season.

              1. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Somehow, in this decade-old game, this simple fact has to be reminded to people every season...

            2. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I will take that bet. Vardy is 34. Son will score more this season imo.

          2. sandman58
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Leicester's next 4 are against teams with high press....therefore space in behind...something Vardy is best at exploiting

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Aaaannndddd, Varane injured. Man U could have a Vardy-sized hole in defence. If Lukaku is out for a while, I'd take Vardy over Werner.

      2. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I think he's a better fantasy asset...plays in more attacking team....always plays...on pens

    6. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You are forgetting Spurs are crap....too negative....Leicester far more attacking....something we want and need in FPL

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Villa were crap with Grealish.

        1. Fpl orynx
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          People are not ignoring vardy. Content creators have given reasons why they are not talking much about him. If you want vardy there is a good chance you don’t have lukaku or Ronaldo. Yes they haven’t performed as expected but don’t think this will happen over the season. All players will have patches where they don’t score. Vardy is a high price for a player who is in a team who have poor metrics. If you have vardy but don’t have Ronaldo/ lukaku and vardy blanks and one of those two score your rank will plummet due to their high EO.

          If you have vardy and Ronaldo/ lukaku then it’s likely you have sacrificed elsewhere in your team as vardy is basically a premium. Last season vardys poor performances resulted from Leicester playing two up top. Rodgers changed his formation last week to having two up top so it’s possible this may impact vardy longer term.

          Yes vardy could match Ronaldo/ lukaku but eventually vardy will blank. With lukaku having excellent fixtures over the next few weeks your taking a big punt that he doesn’t do something.

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

    Hi.....who would you rather have on wildcard please?

    A...rudiger
    B...chilwell

    Is chilwell worth the rotation risk for the upside?

    The 0.1m would prob mean I'd upgrade Duffy to white (for double arsenal with ramsdale)

    Thanks

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger for me. We're one week removed from everyone thinking Alonso was an A+ pick.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Is that the Rudiger who's reported injured? 😉
        see twitter panel on this page if you missed it.

        1. gart888
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He's on a wildcard, so he can easily pull Rudiger out closer to the deadline if the injury news seems more than precautionary.

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

            That looks like an international injury to me....like lukaku

            Expect he will be fine...thanks

            1. gart888
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Yeah, that's my take on it too. Meanwhile for some reason I'm thinking the Jota injury is more serious. :\

        2. Shawcus
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          It’s now been reported that he has a chance of playing against North Macedonia tomorrow so he can’t be that injured

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Do you want double Arsenal def? Personally I prefer Duffy over White for the upside.

      Rudiger for safety of starts, Chillwell for upside. You need to find the right balance in your own squad.

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

        I probably don't want double arsenal defence.....

        But there seems to be doubt if Duffy is nailed....

  4. AD105
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on WC?

    Raya Foster
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger Duffy Livra
    Salah Foden Raph Gallagher Mbeumo
    Lukaku Jimi Toney

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks very nice. Though I'm not sure I envy having to bench one of those front 8 each week.

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

        V good - but will tie you in knots every week re benching

      2. AD105
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Who might you consider downgrading/upgrading?

      3. AD105
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Who would you consider downgrading/upgrading?

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure on prices but Foden, Jimenez, Gallagher to Son, Hwang and Sarr.

      1. AD105
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Could do Foden/Jimi/Mbuemo > Son/Hwang/Douglas Luiz (obvs wouldn’t need to play Hwang or Douglas Luiz every week)

  5. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What's the latest news on James?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Was able to train in the pool before IB.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      England Water Polo International.

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Did he score

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Injured again and not fit to make his Al Rayyan debut.

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Wrong James...but you knew that

    4. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Scored for Wales

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I thought it was offside

  6. The chocolate leg
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    which duo would you take to play every week:
    a. Mbeumo + Toney
    b. Mbeumo + Hwang
    c. Hwang + Toney

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Some lineups! Spain and France are in it to win it. 8 out of 22 players from PL as well. Can be a fun watch.

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

      Who does that represent in your prof pic?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Fowler

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

          Ok.

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

    Mid priced forward ownership

    Antonio 45.6%
    Jiminez 6.3%
    Ings 16.5%

    I imagine all these are essentially 0% and simply reflect dead teams.

    Calvert Lewin 3.6%
    Bamford 5.5%
    Wilson 0.9%
    Watkins 1.6%
    Iheanacho 2.4%

    Wonder how ownership will move when the injured ones return and if Nacho has his spot back. Antonio had a glut of big chances weeks 1-3 and next to none since and his creativity has reverted to normal to with a similar dive in chances created. His assists were pretty much all that put him ahead of DCL.

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

      I will be having one of Rom/Ron, Antonio till he disappoints or breaks and a 7.5 and below going forward.

    2. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      As soon as DCL and Bamford are fit they're in my team.

    3. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Dcl has been in my team this whole time. Always had other issues to deal with.

  9. Haa-lala-land
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    WC activated :

    ....Leno....
    Chilwell...Stones.....R James
    Mahrez...Havertz....Sterling...Jota
    Jesus....Werner....Iheanacho

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Assume this is not a serious team!

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The forgotten men of fpl!

    3. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      People may laugh but the front 3 are very interesting options. Your midfield less so. Defence and goalie even less so.

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Id have an anneurysm every Saturday checking the team sheet line ups with that lot!

  10. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso>chillwell and Benrahma>foden for a minus 4 ? Yay or nay ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso's playing right now. Chilwell and Foden in a couple of days. Why not see how they do first?

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Would like to wait but got THE exact cash so any price changes would mess it up

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          None of them look up for a price change just now

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          You need to wait ( unless you have WC still to play)- what if Foden and Chilwell get injuries

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Its a risk for sure

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nay. Even for two FTs.

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        For free surely ? Whats your motivation for that

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He's probably thinking you'd be taking a hit for 2 players who may not even start GW8

        2. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I wouldn't buy Chilwell or Foden even for no hit I mean. Neither look nailed on this side of CL last 16 qualification. Boring I know but but rather guaranteed starters so have just Rudiger, prob getting De Bruyne for GW8.

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Alright fair enough

  11. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Why do people have beef with benching headaches?

    Every week most people are having to call upon the bench so having a decent first sub is a no brainer & also you have options for the fixtures?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Completely agree. I like that 'problem'.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benching headaches are grand if you think you have your best 11 starting. But I don't like having a 4.5m 5th defender when he could be 3.9m and your 0.6m save brings you more points. 1 or 2 GWs in 38

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        ... in 38 you might use all 15 for Bench boost, but I think a 2 or 3 pointer seldom used might be better off with cheapo and gain more points from starters.

    3. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Simple, people hate playing the wrong one and most of the players tend to judge GW by another not the long run.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Duffy's given me 32 points so far. Apart from one week when I BB'd, every appearance has been due to injuries in my First choice XI. Another 8 points have come from Livramento, only playing to cover others.

  12. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Mbeumbo & Vardy
    B) Son & Toney
    Which one and why please?
    First to 3 decides it

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

      Wrestled with that myself, going A

    2. Maverick 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A for me

    3. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can I ask why please guys?

    4. Maverick 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Suppose there’s not much in it but I prefer Vardy to Son as he plays in a better attacking team, and Mbeumo has underperformed his xG by quite a bit and looks great value

  13. Maverick 11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Scmeichel Ward
    Taa Dias Tierney Livra Duffy
    Salah Raph Sarr Gallagher Sissoko
    Ron Antonio Jimi
    1 ft
    Have exact money for Livra > Chilwell thoughts?

  14. Inter Me Gran
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    WC headache,

    A) Vardy, (Hwang & Duffy on bench)
    B) Lukaku, (manquillo & £4.5 forward on bench)

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Varane hurt

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lindelhof-Bailly. Marvellous. Phil on the bench?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Will Jones come in at 4m on fpl 😆

    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably a good time to own Vardy

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        If Lukaku's really out, Vardy is in.

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          There has to be lots of goals in that United v Leicester game. Both sides are missing key defensive players. Maybe a 4-3?

  16. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Varane off injured…

  17. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, need to save 2.3m from Rudiger, Cancelo, Dias.

    Ideally would like to keep 1 Chelsea and 1 city.

    Options are:

    Christensen Cancelo White
    Or Rudiger Walker White.

    Other defenders are TAA and Livramento.

    Which would you choose? Or any other?

    1. WenzelK
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The one with Cancelo

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      First one

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can you go Rudiger, Cancelo and a cheapie like Manquillo and play 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 ?

      1. The-Red-1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not really, can't quite afford it.

        Team is
        Ramsdale Foster
        TAA Christiansen Cancelo White Livramento
        Salah Son Raphinha Mbuemo Foden
        Lukaku Toney 4.5

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Looks like you are 0.1m short of Rudiger, Dias & 3.9m. If so the first one looks like the best option.

  18. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Varane off injured

  19. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Varane injury- trouble for United if no Maguire or Varane- Vardy becomes more interesting perhaps…

  20. WenzelK
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Pick one to play this gameweek:

    A) Semedo (avl)
    B) Gallagher (ars)
    C) Sarr (LIV)

    1. Maverick 11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C Sarr

  21. Cornholi0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have Ferran Torres ever played a good match?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Apart from 3 days ago when he scored a brace, you mean?

      1. Cornholi0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Must be that match then.

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ferran doh! Torres, Man City's Number 9.

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He scores for Spain on a regular basis

  22. PocketZola
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can I rescind a wc?