Interview
20 October 2021 596 comments
J0E J0E
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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.

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

596 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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)

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. People in Preston
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just B.

  2. Bob B
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku to?

    1. Kane
    2. Vardy

    Haverts in for?

    A. Jota
    B. Benrahma

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1A

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2A

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2

    4. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2 a

      1. BERGKOP
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        But not Havertz

  3. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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!

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lol god no

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        To Kai?

  4. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

  5. DrNinjamonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. :
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I noticed that last night. Pish poor form imo.

    2. Stamford B
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That’s really poor

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

  6. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

  7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT

    Lukaku >

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

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      F) Daka

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. Gunners in Haaland
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I can see Nacho + Daka up-front

    2. OverTinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      same Question exactly

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe D

  8. drughi
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mahoosive risk of being shafted on that one i reckon.

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Risky with Alonso/Chilly

    4. kusasi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

  9. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Does tuchel have a presser tomorrow??

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Should be Friday.

    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Blessing in disguise for both fpĺ owners and Chelsea?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Autosub might get more than 2 points 😮

    3. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Some ‘days’ or some ‘games’?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          but seen others say*

      2. Root
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

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

        1. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

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

  10. Aimar
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A) Vardy w mbuemo

    B). Mane toney raya ( -4)

    C) vardy toney mbuemo (-4)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  11. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Hwang or Livramento this week?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      livra and its not close

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thats me 5ATB this week then!

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Livra

  12. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone will be on Vardy now. The options are dwindling

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Kane?

      1. Dammit_182
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month 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.

  13. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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!!!

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      *saving Chilwell for the cup match

      1. Stamford B
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month 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!!

          1. Stamford B
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

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

            1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 1 month 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

  14. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Luk to Auba tempting anyone?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Can't imagine

    3. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah him or Vardy

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

    5. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Think he will be

    6. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

  15. Gunners in Haaland
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Son or Kane?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sonny

  16. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Havertz anyone?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes

  17. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who to play as a striker now for Chelsea ?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Havertz.

  18. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Glad he made it

  19. Nanoelektronicar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thank you Villareal and Atalanta!

  20. Athletico Underachieving
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku and Grealish - Vardy and Havertz -4?

    1. BERGKOP
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don't get the Havertz love at all.

  21. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just get both

  22. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Gabriel Jesus a good options guys?

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Just asked this lol

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. BERGKOP
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

  23. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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

    1. Ginola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Havertz?

      1. Il Capitano
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Jimmy still good fixtures

      1. Il Capitano
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm, could be the guy.

  24. No Kane No Gain
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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

  25. Origi-nal
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Jesus an option as a Lukaku replacement?

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

  26. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Paul Scholes talking a lot of sense.

    He's seen this cycle too many times!

  27. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month 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.

    1. Stamford B
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ooo get you.

    2. Babit1967
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

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

  28. We Go Again
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kane or Vardy for Lukaku?

    1. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy for next 3 then Kane.

    2. Babit1967
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Agree here, Kane for gw12 looks ideal

  29. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

  30. Babit1967
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ouch indeed!