Rate My Team

FPL Rate My Team surgery with five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman

The third Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline in eight days is upon us and there are plenty more to come throughout December.

As is always the case on a Friday, the comments section of our site is filled with requests for advice on transfer dilemmas and team help. So we’ve asked five-time top 1k finisher and Scout’s Deputy Editor, Tom Freeman, to answer some of them over the next hour.

He’ll be on hand to reply to comments below the line of this piece and will get through as many as he can until the next article goes up at 5pm GMT, with priority given to questions from Premium Members if there is a deluge.

As ever, you can chip in with your own opinions on the raft of RMT requests filtering through – and naturally, feel free to ignore the article subject matter and talk about any other wider FPL topics that you’d normally be musing on.

Don’t forget that, if it’s an algorithmic answer you’re after rather than an opinion-based one, we also have a ‘Rate My Team’ tool available in the Premium Members Area, which gives points projections for this weekend and beyond – an example of which is below:

425 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is anybody here?

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

    I am stuck, need some advice:
    2FT
    0.2ITB

    Guaita
    Cancelo - TAA - James
    Salah - Son - Mbeumo - Raph
    Dennis - Vardy - Antonio

    Foster - Livra - White - Brownhill

    1. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mbeumo out to pretty much anyone, Smith Rowe?

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

        Can't afford

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

      Not much to do here

      Maybe Foster to Bachmann to use the FT, and start White vs Everton over Antonio vs Chelsea

      Son + Vardy can combine into Ronaldo + Foden/Bilva in GW16, right?

      Maybe Raph to ESR now (instead of Bachmann), to start raising funds. ESR has good fixtures for a while

      1. Malinwa
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

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

        You'll probably want Raph out next GW anyway.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe look at selling Livramento, that's a move I'm considering this week.

    4. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy 10.7 + Brownhill 4.4 -> Watkins 7.4 + Jota 7.9 doable? Gundo/Silva if not.

      Guaita
      Cancelo - TAA - James - Livra
      Salah - Son - Jota - Raph
      Watkins - Antonio

      Dennis - White - Mbeumo

      Then Raph to Bowen next week

  3. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who gets more points this week?

    A) James -4

    B) Any one of Dennis, Armstrong or Livra

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hard to say, but West Ham away isn't an easy fixture, and their defence does suffer without Kante and Kovacic. Can you do it for free ahead of 16?

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yes can do for free next week. Would mean starting 2 of Dennis, Armstrong, Livra or Veltman this week. Which would you start? (Have Sanchez in goal)

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

          With both defences involved here stuttering recently, I'd start the two strikes and hope

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

            *strikers, dammit

            1. Cheeky Onion
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Mostly agree, solid defences that have been stuttering. But neither team exactly lights it up going forward either. A bit of a coin toss on whether to bet on defense or attack

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Prob Armstrong.

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

      I think B has a chance of winning without the -4, because of how West Ham is playing this season

      The -4 then swings it to B for me, as it limits risk. I don't know who to start, though. Maybe Armstrong as he's the closest to a good mix of form (?) and fixtures

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        If I go without James, will have to start 2 of the players mentioned in previous comment. Leaning either Livra and Veltman (w Sanchez in goal) and preying for a 0-0 or Livra and Armstrong for a more balanced outcome

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

          As mentioned above, I'd start the two strikers and hope

          Both have better form than the defences involved

          But it's up to you, still 🙂

  4. Im New Here
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Been a bit stagnant in the rankings. I'm thinking a captain punt might be the thing I need. So is captaining Reguilon (Norwich H) instead of Salah (Wolves A) too rogue?

    Team is:

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo James TAA Reguilon
    Jota Salah ESR Raphinha
    Jimenez Antonio

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Dangerous

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mental

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

    You know who nobody at all is talking about... Lukaku.

    He's itching to start by the sound of Tuchel's presser. I'm rolling this week but Kane > Lukaku next week is quite a possible move if he starts and does well at West Ham which I think is very possible.

    Chelsea's next run of games after this week is: LEE EVE wol avl BHA.

    We all dropped everything to buy him at the last run of games before he got injured. Why not go again?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd rather Ron

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I don't think it's so clear personally. Ronaldo is more expensive and there's uncertainty on how he fits into Rangnick's team. He could be better, yeah, but Lukaku is also a great forward and the fixtures are there for him to burst back onto the scene.

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

      He needs to prove his worth again!

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

      To answer the last question:

      Because of how Tuchel used him in the 5 GWs before his red flag

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

      3 goals in 7 games when he was fit. Tuchel has spoken about how his strikers need to "suffer" for the sake of the team, they need to adapt to involve him more so until I see that more I wouldn't go for him

    5. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'm a believer.

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

      can't be much worse than Kane!

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

      I think its perfect time for Kane owners to wait for 2GWs, assess Ron and Rom, and go from there, especially with Kane's underlying numbers starting to climb up now.

      I just sound like a delusional Kane holder the more i type this out...

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

    Having very different team than template and have so many glaring issues, can I have some advice.
    Sanchez
    James Reguilon Livra
    Salah ESR Raphinha Gallaghar
    Kane Vardy Antonio
    (Foster Bissuoma Tisimikas Smarter)

    Have two transfer to burn and WC intact.

    1. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      WC when you are clear which Manchester assets to own. Could be next week

      1. I Love Lamp
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This. Similar boat, eyeing a front line of Ron Dennis Antonio post GW 16 and then can get a premo 4th mid or upgrade defence/GK

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

        Hoping to get rid of my two FT before I WC.want to punt a bit but not getting clear idea.

        1. I Love Lamp
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          How much ITB? I might double on Spurs for norwich, i have royal and thinking of Dier. Also like the looks of Lamptey on a WC and save funds

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

            1.4 in the bank, considering man city mid.

            1. I Love Lamp
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Tough one, prolly be ESR -> City mid. Gallagher has good run after MUN, and would want Raph one more week. Personally would use the cash to upgrade defense, maybe punt on double Spurs defence for a week

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

      I think it might be possible to attack the GW with Antonio + Gallagher > Jesus + Saka

      And then overhaul the squad with your GW16 WC

      1. I Love Lamp
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Not a fan of Antonio on a GW16 WC?

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

        Yup better to attack. Antonio to Jesus looks good but will jesus play?

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

    GTG?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Rudi James Cancelo Livra
    Salah(c) Jota Raphinha
    Watkins Vardy

    Bench: Gallagher Dennis Bissouma
    0 FT, 3.4m ITB

  8. I Love Lamp
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best Man City assets up until GW 21?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Canceno
      Bilva
      Foden
      Gundo
      Jesus
      Dias
      Emerson
      Ito

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cancelo, Dias, Foden

  9. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which city mid do you like best ? And do you think vardy is a hold for villa and newcastle ? Cheers mate

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Look up^

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

      You’d be better off buying a lottery ticket than trying to understand who the best City mid is. Right now: Bernardo. Next week: Sterling. Then: Foden etc etc etc

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

      I'm so confused on this as well because I brought in Gundogan for Foden last week and now I'm thinking of reversing the transfer

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Foden for the City mid. Never been that keen on Bernardo, and De Bruyne's return will impact Gundogan's minutes or role, or both, IMO.

      I'd hold Vardy, yeah.

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers Tom

  10. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I’d like some help please
    2 FT .6 ITB
    Am thinking Livra to Johnson this week then Raph to Bernardo next week as Raph fixtures toughen up leaving me with .1? Am 120K ish and 30 behind Leaders in ML’s..Thoughts?
    Sanchez (Steele)

    Cancelo Trent James (Livra White)

    Salah Son (C) Raph Jota (Luiz)

    Wilson Antonio Toney

    Cheers!

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'm not sure on Johnson, don't think it'll be long before Coufal and Cresswell are preferred. Maybe Livramento > Davies, or another cheapie?

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you

      2. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Might just do Livra to Davies then thanks and re assess next week with 2 transfers and .5 ITB thanks

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

    Is a Ben Davies, Reggy double up madness??

    1. I Love Lamp
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      have Royal but thinking a one week punt on Dier for Norwich, seem fairly solid defensively these days

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

        Yeah, Davies gets in some great attacking positions though and £4.4m ain't bad at all..

        1. I Love Lamp
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Sounds sound to me, only thinking Dier myself cuz hes scored a few from corners/free kicks in the past

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

      Two CS in the past ten games. Yes

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

        I'm only judging on Conte's Spurs

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I really like it, looking at Livramento > Davies myself this week.

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

    McCarthy
    TAA/ Cancelo/ James
    Salah(c)/ Jota/ Son/ ESR/ Galagher
    Vardy/ Antonio

    4.0/ King/ Livra/ Duffy

    A) GTG for GW 15?
    B) planning Son, Vardy => BSilva/Gundo, Ronaldo for GW 16?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, looks good!

  13. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    First

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I meant I'm thirsty_Off to the Off License.

  14. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    So I messed up and brought in Gundogan for Foden (instead of Bilva).

    A) Hold
    B) Reverse transfer and get Foden back
    C) Move to Bilva

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Any of the above.

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

      A

  15. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who warms bench this week so I could play ESR?

    Ramsdale
    James,TAA,Cancelo,Reguilon
    Salah,Raphinha,Jota
    Kane,Toney,ASM

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Toney

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

      No one. He benches

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Jeez, that's tough, prob Saint-Maximin if you want to start Smith Rowe.

      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Man I'm so perplexed haha

  16. TallestJohn
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Someone talk me out of buying a goalkeeper who last night conceded a goal because he was on the floor pretending to be injured

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      There defence is terrible. They have been conceding around 2 goals a game. Don't think that Rangnick can change much in the near future

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Their*

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

      Rangnick may want to play Henderson over him as he distributes the ball quicker. Also he doesn't roll on his goalline when he should be covering his goal when defending a corner.

  17. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play Gallagher or Livramento ?

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

      It's closer but Gallagher shades it - the guy hauled away at City!

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

      Gallagher as I’m playing Livra

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Close but probably Gallagher

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Gallagher.

  18. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start?

    A) Dennis
    B) Antonio
    C) Livramento

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

      Tough one.........Livramento just about

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Pencilled in Spam 0 Chelsk 0
      Yer I'd punt Liv.

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio.

    4. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all

  19. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best Jimi replacement?

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

      Probably one of the Watford boys

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

      I like Watkins

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

      I've brought in Watkins

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Watkins, or one of the Watford forwards.

  20. M_Rega96
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Stuck, please help! 2FT, 0 ITB
    Sanchez
    TAA, James, Cancelo
    ESR, Jota, Salah, Raph
    Toney, Antonio, Kane
    Foster, Coady, Allan, Williams

    Thinking Coady to Reguilon/Dier, depending on an Antonio downgrade. Any better ideas?

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

      Get Reggy

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

    Made the decision to transfer out Mbeumo + Antonio instead of Toney or Kane with 2FTs and 0.1m ITB.

    0.1m short of Watkins + ESR is pain, but eyeing Gundo as he's back in contention. Eyeing these options:

    5.9 mid + Watkins
    Maddison + Benteke/King
    Zaha + King
    Gundo + King
    Foden + 5.2 fwd

    Any other combination of differentials that are piquing people's interests?

    1. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      would prefer Foden over Gundo

  22. macyurek
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    very template team here
    sa-steel
    taa-cancelo-alonso-james-livra
    salah-jota-raph-mbeumo-gilmour
    antonio-king-kane

    0.1 ITB and1 ft.

    I want to get rid of, kane, mbuemo and sa. help please?

    also this is most probably my first comment on ffs 🙂

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd probably save a transfer this week, then look to make 2-3 moves next. Should give you more flexibility.

      1. macyurek
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        thanks Tom.

  23. OnurIsak
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Jimenez and Mbeumo to Watkins and Bernardo for a -4?

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

      Yes! Drop wolves players fast imo

  24. Visible Confusion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Planning to roll then looking to move Raph and Kane next gameweek. Does that seem like a good move?
    Also who would you bench and in what order for this gameweek?

    Currently have:
    Sanchez
    TAA / Cancelo / James / Alonso
    Salah / Raphina / Jota / Gallagher
    Antonio / Kane

    Bench: Steele / Livramento / Dennis / Brownhill

    Thanks for your help!

    1. macyurek
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I am planning to keep raphinha for red fixtures but kane must go.

      I will change Dennis with livra on the bench order actually.

      your team looks solid.

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, that's why I'd do mate.

      I'd prob go Dennis, Livramento, Brownhill.

  25. mskeadas@gmail.com
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez Foster
    Reece Trent Cancelo Reguilon Lamptey
    Salah Jota Mbeumo Foden Gallagher
    Kane Toney Perica

    1 FT .7m itb have WC still

    Roll and hold WC until GW 20 or go high upside punt and WC next week?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd be tempted to save a transfer, team looks solid.

  26. Elmozemuppet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez
    James / Dias / TAA
    ESR / Son / Salah / Jota
    Pukki / Benteke / Vardy

    Carson / Williams (NOR) / Duffy / Norman - bench is terrible I know...

    2 free transfers
    0.5 itb

    Anything I should be looking at?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The frontline is prob the area I'd focus on.

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

        But who to target? Kane is a no. Ronnie a huge potential. Antonio hasn't done sweet fa.
        Watkins, Dennis and Toney are all on my radar however

  27. DreamTempo119
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Livra
    Salah, Gallagher, Son
    Hwang, Antonio, Kane
    (Foster, Guehi, Gilmour, McArthur)
    2FTs, 0.5ITB.

    What do you think? Any transfer suggestions welcome. I committed to double Spurs attack at the start of their great fixture run, and it's bitten me pretty hard. Not sure I can remove either before Norwich though.

  28. ㅤRising
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Help me decide what to do please.

    2FT, 1,7m ITB

    Sanchez
    Alonso TAA Cancelo James
    Mbeumo Salah Jota Foden
    Tony Kane

    4.0/Sissoko,Livramento,Davis

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

    Mbeumo to saka or play mbeumo this week and move to Bowen next?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Do the latter

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Play Mbeumo.

  30. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Antonio to Wood for the next 3, yes or no?

    Can always get Antonio back in GW18 if needed - think Bowen might be a better call by then.