596
Interview October 20

Meet the Manager: Ex-pro footballer with two top 5k FPL ranks talks Gameweek 9

596 Comments
Share

Joe chats to another Fantasy Premier League (FPL) veteran with a strong track record in the game in his long-running series.

Former Ukrainian league footballer Vanya Guchev has played at youth and professional level and is still a semi-pro in his home city of Kharkiv.

Midfielder Vanya, who once turned down an offer to join Champions League regulars Shakhtar Donetsk, was a professional at Gelios Kharkiv and an academy player at Metalist Kharkiv. He still plays semi-pro for Brightgrove, also in Ukraine, and his footballing idols include Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Vanya also happens to be very good at Fantasy Premier League management.

Over his ten-year career, he’s had two top 5k finishes, including one within the top 2,000, and has only finished outside the top 100k once.

This season he could be set for another strong finish, going into Gameweek 9 sitting inside the top 4k.

With his experience as a player and skill as an FPL manager, he arguably has a unique perspective on the game, which he has put to good use to identify the Premier League’s most ‘efficient players’.

He chats to Joe about why some players have not impressed him and why others have become essential picks, due to their ability to conjure up big chances, going on to discuss his plans for Gameweek 9 and beyond.

Their chat takes in issues around hits, captaincy and risk. It was recorded on Monday 19 October, just ahead of Gameweek 8’s final match, between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 9: Tips, captains, team news and best players

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

596 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudi Cancelo Livra (Marcal)
    Salah Jota Raph Mbuemo (Benrahma)
    Lukaku Antonio (4.5)

    Would you
    A Lukaku, Benrahma to Vardy, Havertz (-4)
    B Lukaku to Vardy
    C WC (change goalkeeper, get Chilwell and housekeeping)

    Open Controls
    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just B.

      Open Controls
  2. Bob B
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku to?

    1. Kane
    2. Vardy

    Haverts in for?

    A. Jota
    B. Benrahma

    Open Controls
    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1A

      Open Controls
    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2A

      Open Controls
    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

      Open Controls
    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2 a

      Open Controls
      1. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        But not Havertz

        Open Controls
  3. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tuchel on Lukaku & Werner:

    “They will be out some days I imagine. It is now a race for whoever replaces them against Norwich”

    Welcome to the team Kai!

    Open Controls
    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol god no

      Open Controls
      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        To Kai?

        Open Controls
  4. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    ….and Werner…wtf happened to him?? Ssshhhh I own him.

    Open Controls
  5. DrNinjamonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    When does the watchlist get updated? Says last updated 7th Oct.

    Open Controls
    1. Oscar Slater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I noticed that last night. Pish poor form imo.

      Open Controls
    2. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That’s really poor

      Open Controls
    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That's what you get for your membership. Site is not the same.

      Open Controls
  6. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Recon Rudi and Azpi still the safest in that Che def?
    Possibly along with Chilli being subbed early tobight?

    Open Controls
  7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1 FT

    Lukaku >

    A) Toney (have Mbuemo)
    B) Jimenez
    C) Hwang
    D) Auba
    E) Nacho (have Vardy)
    F) Other

    Open Controls
    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      F) Daka

      Open Controls
      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Will he start though? Brendan seem to prefer Nacho in PL.

        Open Controls
        1. Gunners in Haaland
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I can see Nacho + Daka up-front

          Open Controls
    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      same Question exactly

      Open Controls
    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe D

      Open Controls
  8. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Talk me out of My first hit off the season, Alonso and lukaku > chillwell and kane.

    Open Controls
    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I read on here Alonso was brought on to get him up to speed for Norwich. Out for a hit could hurt badly.

      Open Controls
    2. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mahoosive risk of being shafted on that one i reckon.

      Open Controls
    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Risky with Alonso/Chilly

      Open Controls
    4. kusasi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Im not talking you out of that - I've just done exactly the same thing ...

      Open Controls
  9. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tuchel says Lukaku twisted his ankle, Werner suffered a hamstring injury. 'both will be some days out'. #CHEMAL

    https://twitter.com/SJohnsonSport/status/1450932557227466758?t=FHSC7zH_S1tdCFHn3Ir2Lg&s=19

    Open Controls
    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wait for pressers on Friday then, fingers crossed but I cant see it personally.

      Open Controls
      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah rest already hinted at and now this, letting him have 10 days off makes more sense.

        Open Controls
      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Does tuchel have a presser tomorrow??

        Open Controls
        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Should be Friday.

          Open Controls
    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Blessing in disguise for both fpĺ owners and Chelsea?

      Open Controls
      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Autosub might get more than 2 points 😮

        Open Controls
    3. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Some ‘days’ or some ‘games’?

      Open Controls
      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He's a good Chelsea journo, been others say games too which was supposedly about other players making an impact.

        Open Controls
        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          but seen others say*

          Open Controls
      2. Root
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        https://twitter.com/beinsports_en/status/1450935600903753728

        0:57 "He'll be out for some games for sure"

        Open Controls
        1. Eh, just one more thing ...
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah certainly his feeling seem to be zero chance for Norwich.

          Open Controls
  10. Aimar
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Vardy w mbuemo

    B). Mane toney raya ( -4)

    C) vardy toney mbuemo (-4)

    Open Controls
    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

      Open Controls
    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  11. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Hwang or Livramento this week?

    Open Controls
    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      livra and its not close

      Open Controls
      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thats me 5ATB this week then!

        Open Controls
    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Livra

      Open Controls
  12. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone will be on Vardy now. The options are dwindling

    Open Controls
    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Kane?

      Open Controls
      1. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        If he’s out I’m thinking up to kane or down to Callum Wilson and bring in son or KDB. Literally had him in since a pissed up wild card after his brace against Villa and now this. That said my bench can absorb 1 week out ready for Newcastle.

        Open Controls
  13. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How seriously do we think Tuchel takes the Carabao cup?? Any chance Alonso and James were brought on for half an hour to get them up to speed for Saturday??? Hopeful Alonso owner here!!!

    Open Controls
    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      *saving Chilwell for the cup match

      Open Controls
      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Chilwell has played a few in a row so you never know. More likely Alonso is benched though I reckon.

        Open Controls
        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah sadly I agree mate!! I would do Alonso to Chilwell but I just know what happens if I do, haha Alonso would start!!

          Open Controls
          1. Stamford B
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I tempted to that for a bit tbh. The cs pays for itself. Then again Alonso might start so best not 😆

            Open Controls
            1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Haha I know mate, it’s soooo tempting!!! I have Rudiger too so that security might stop me doing the move and I will move Alonso to Cancelo next week anyway

              Open Controls
  14. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Luk to Auba tempting anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

      Open Controls
    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Can't imagine

      Open Controls
    3. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah him or Vardy

      Open Controls
    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would never tempt me, Auba is dead as an asset imo

      Open Controls
    5. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If Lukaku is out for more than one GW I think I will

      Open Controls
      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Think he will be

        Open Controls
    6. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep

      Open Controls
  15. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Son or Kane?

    Open Controls
    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sonny

      Open Controls
  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Havertz anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes

      Open Controls
  17. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play as a striker now for Chelsea ?

    Open Controls
    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably Havertz.

      Open Controls
  18. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Andy is live (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjC5op0oOr0)

    Open Controls
    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Glad he made it

      Open Controls
  19. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thank you Villareal and Atalanta!

    Open Controls
  20. Athletico Underachieving
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku and Grealish - Vardy and Havertz -4?

    Open Controls
    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't get the Havertz love at all.

      Open Controls
  21. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Seriously good luck to those trying to pick between Chilwell and Alonso

    Open Controls
    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just get both

      Open Controls
  22. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Gabriel Jesus a good options guys?

    Open Controls
    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just asked this lol

      Open Controls
    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Had him up to last week when he missed the game. Done me proud, not many blanks. Right fw spot suits him

      Open Controls
      1. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Nice pick. Didn't get much attention on here.

        Open Controls
    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      seems decent. I went Foden last week so no chance i'll double city attack

      Open Controls
  23. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Exact cash for this WC. Antonio's spot the biggest question mark, not sure I like anyone else at that price atm though. Any switches to consider?

    Raya Foster
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell White Livramento
    Salah Son Raph Mbeumo Brownhill
    Vardy Antonio Toney

    Open Controls
    1. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz?

      Open Controls
      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He's a mid right? Think I'd prefer Son, Havertz sounds like a transfer waiting to happen.

        Open Controls
    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimmy still good fixtures

      Open Controls
      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hmm, could be the guy.

        Open Controls
  24. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who gets more points in the next 2 gameweeks, Jesus or Jiménez?! Who is worth getting for Kaku for the next 2?! Trying to find a move to upgrade Benny to Kai

    Open Controls
  25. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus an option as a Lukaku replacement?

    Open Controls
    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Decent shout if he's back. Great differential as well.

      Open Controls
  26. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Paul Scholes talking a lot of sense.

    He's seen this cycle too many times!

    Open Controls
  27. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Chilwell this Alonso that.
    I own Chilwell already. He plays Norwich. I'm definitely going to play him. 50/50 whether he plays but I knew this when buying him.
    You might own Alonso. He plays Norwich. You're definitely going to play him. 50/50 whether he plays but you knew this when buying him.

    There is no debate, unless your name is Thomas Tuchel, nobody cares what you think.

    Just play your Chelsea defender and wheesht.

    Open Controls
    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ooo get you.

      Open Controls
    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I got Azpi in a couple of weeks ago to avoid this guessing game.

      Open Controls
  28. We Go Again
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Kane or Vardy for Lukaku?

    Open Controls
    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy for next 3 then Kane.

      Open Controls
    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Agree here, Kane for gw12 looks ideal

      Open Controls
  29. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Nearly got Lukaku on Monday, but then thought...... what if he get injured 🙂

    Open Controls
  30. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ouch, last weeks -4 didn’t go too well then with Shaw and Ronaldo to Cancelo and Lukaku, lesson learned

    Open Controls
    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ouch indeed!

      Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.