Podcast

Meet the Manager: FPL charity match organiser Benny Blanco

In this latest episode of Fantasy Football Scout’s Meet the Manager series, Joe chats to FPL Community Twitter favourite Benny Blanco about how to make Fantasy Football fun again, amid tough Gameweeks for many.

Impressively for Benny, this includes organising a real-life football tournament for Fantasy managers to test their silky skills on the pitch.

This ‘North v South’ football match involves a number of notable FPL managers, including FFScout’s Az, to raise money for the charity Street Child United.

Further details of this event, which takes place in Birmingham in May 2022, can be found via Just Giving and on Twitter.

In this latest episode of Meet the Manager, Benny chats about his role as an FPL Community ‘joker’ and the importance of putting the fun back into the game, even if a Gameweek has been a stinker.

But while he doesn’t take himself too seriously, he has been more conscientious about the management of his own FPL this season. Following a pair of top 50K finishes in recent years, he now finds himself on the edge of the top 10k.

He discusses his career history and why this season has been so successful. His key strategies over the year so far are also discussed.

In addition, Joe and Benny look ahead to Gameweek 16 and beyond and why these coming fixtures are so pivotal to our seasons.

This chat is available below:


The Meet the Manager series is where Joe chats to FPL managers with a strong record of success, have an interesting view of the game and/or who are offering the community a unique take on Fantasy management.

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

995 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jokesy87
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Kane + Wilson > Ronaldo and Dennis
    B) Kane, Wilson + Townsend > Ronaldo, Dennis + Bowen (-4)
    C) Alternatives to any of the above individuals!

    Current team:
    Ramsdale (Foster)
    Cancelo TAA Rudiger (Dier, Duffy)
    Salah Raphinha Bernardo Townsend (Luiz)
    Kane Antonio Wilson

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

      Wait on Wilson move. Leicester game could still go ahead as some players are just sick, not covid

  2. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Dean henderson injured or why did they bring on Tom heaton?

    1. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Just to give him his Utd debut

      1. Fpl_Ludwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Fair enough then

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's fine. Rangnick just wants to give everyone a chance. Basically a friendly game.

  3. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone know who the leicester crocks are?

    Bad enough owning madds and vardy as it is

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      vardy pictured at training apparently

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      See my previous comment.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Mainly fringe players at the minute then (lookman aside)

  4. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Could be on for a cheeky -8 this week, Son Toney and Vardy all on the chopping block, Bilva King and Ronaldo likely to come in

    1. TopBinFc
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I've seen a few getting rid of Vardy, I think that's madness, against worst defense in PL

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Leicester has 7 covid infections though

          1. TopBinFc
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Unless Vardy has Covid hes a keep for sure, enough fires to put without taking pointless hits for playing players

          2. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I’m only selling Vardy if he’s out with Covid or game is called off

            1. Cruyff's Eleven
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Same. Not taking a hit to replace with Ronaldo.

              1. Cruyff's Eleven
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Unless he's not playing..

      • bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Hi Guys,
        Has Davies nailed his spot and how long before Spurs can play PL again?
        Cheers!

        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yes i think he's nailed at the minute.

        2. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Realistically liverpool game is the earliest they will play.

          Yes, davies as nailed as anyone (xmas rotation aside)

        3. TopBinFc
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Liverpool will be next game most likely

          • bso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks y'all!

        4. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Salah (c) vs Covid Spurs, ouch !

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

            Salah's Winter rest day set in stone then

          2. acidicleo
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            And Trent vc..

        5. Jones Kusi
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Dennis or Ings?

          1. Jones Kusi
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            King*

          2. acidicleo
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            D

          3. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            King

          4. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Dennings or Kings

        6. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Not sure what to do with Kane and Sanchez. Which would you do?

          A) Kane + Sanchez --> CR7 + Bachman (-4) (no money to upgrade Sanchez)
          B) Kane + Sanchez --> Antonio/Watkins + DDG (-4) (money to upgrade fodder for Bowen next GW)

          1. royals forever
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            A

        7. Mr Johnson
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Start White or Gallagher? Cheers

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            White. Arsenal are much better at home

          2. Hangman Page
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Gallagher for me. Palace have been poor but Arsenal were utterly abysmal the other night, I can see Saints scoring and White offers naff all threat.

          3. Mr Johnson
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            So 1 vote for each! No closer to deciding!

            1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              White

        8. royals forever
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Help on this please

          what is the best 9.5m DF/MF combo for this team for the next few GWs

          Meslier Foster

          Rudiger Cancelo Livramento Mitchell xxxxxxx

          Salah Rapinha Jota ESR xxxxxxxx

          Ronaldo Jesus Armstrong

          Any ideas would be welcomed

        9. Dannyb
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Vardy, Jesus and Reguilon to Ronaldo, King and Dalot - 8?

          1. TopBinFc
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Nope, madness

            • DycheDycheBaby
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              No way

            • Colonel Shoe 肝池
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Ronaldo, dalot and king.... Now there's a combo I never saw coming earlier in the season

          2. DycheDycheBaby
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Charlie Savage is coming on. Mute your TV.

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Oh really? That’s awesome for Robbie. I wondered why the commentator said he’d lose his co commentator.

              1. DycheDycheBaby
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                Yes it must be an amazing feeling for him 🙂

          3. WVA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            This is so so unfair, four player's in the Brighton Spurs game

            1. TopBinFc
                2 years, 4 months ago

                I have Toney, Samchez, Son and Dier, suck it up, haha

                1. WVA
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  That's also four player's lol I have ESR too, do you not think it's a bit unfair we are hugely disadvantaged by COVID? That's potentially my mini leagues gone not to mention OR rank.

                  1. Will Kane
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    'Four players'

                    No apostrophe required

                  2. Will Kane
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    I dare say some people have been more hugely disadvantaged by COVID. Those who died from it for example

                    1. WVA
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Probably best to keep it FPL related on a fantasy football site matey, that's not appropriate at all

                    2. Rupert The Horse
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Don’t make people feel guilty. We’re here to chat about this stuff. Let us vent worry free.

                    3. Will Kane
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Fair point - apologies

                  3. Baps hunter
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Season over then. Sorry for you. R.I.P.

                  4. TopBinFc
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      These things happen, will still only make the one transfer though, hits are pointless

                      1. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        What transfer will you make?

                        1. TopBinFc
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Son to Bilva or Foden if fit. Means I will have 10 players playing

                        2. Eat my goal!
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 5 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Not pointless, they’re -4 points

                          1. TopBinFc
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              Well very true, but I try to avoid

                    • GreatCarragherReef
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Oh shut up

                    • DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                      • 10 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Life and FPL are one in the same, fairness is not compulsary

                      1. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Not compulsory but if you can make it fair you should

                        1. Baps hunter
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          You can imagine and get imaginary fantasy points. Just calculate your imaginary points you would have gotten if you had been very lucky every time?!?

                    • Baps hunter
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Ditch them. It's only -8 or -12 and you can also use your bench. I had 5 injured players + Son.

                      1. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        -12 and my cash mini leagues are done

                        1. Black Knights
                          • 12 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Not if their replacements score more.

                          1. WVA
                            • 7 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Unfortunately I'm not that lucky and shouldn't have to be taking hits for stuff like this

                            1. Baps hunter
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 6 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              I had 5 players in cancelled match last season and it was cancelled after deadline. So you are not the most unlucky one here.

                            2. Black Knights
                              • 12 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              I know you’ve got this ‘woe is me’ thing going on but you’re just gonna have to hope your luck swings.

                              Negativity breeds negativity. It’s only gonna get worse for your headspace if you don’t let it go/move on.

                              I’ve got 3 in the Brighton v Spurs match btw. It’ll be ok.

                        2. Walter White (WW)
                          • 2 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Try -24

                        3. Baps hunter
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          That's only one haul. Not more.

                    • how now brown cow
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      There will be other postponement.

                      Probably involving your players.

                    • MikeS
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      I have four too

                      1. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        What's your plan?

                    • Silva’s Left Nut
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Are you a child?

                      1. Baps hunter
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Bed time?

                      2. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Straight to bed for that effort ha

                    • Qaiss
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Yeah, this game can be very unfair and has more luck involved than people think... But that’s why there’s no point getting so worked up about it, it’s just a ‘game’.

                    • SouthCoastSaint
                      • 12 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      I know people with 6 players out this week.

                      I know fantasy is important to you but come on. Have a bit of perspective

                      1. WVA
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        I'll probably end up with 6 out too. I'm here to talk about FPL issues alone, I'm not comparing it to life in general

                        1. SouthCoastSaint
                          • 12 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          I know your not, actually looking out for you.

                          You’ve just had some awful rotten luck

                  5. Hazz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Lateriser & Zophar follow this guy - think they're a low tier source for Spurs...

                    https://twitter.com/georgebann/status/1468689355137028099

                  6. Piggs Boson
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Never seen Mengi play at LB before tonight, didn't know he could play there, but he is a crazy good at CB. Future star.

                  7. AD2110
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Best option for this squad. 3.0m in the bank

                    A) Sanchez + Son —> DDG + Bowen
                    B) Son + King —> Bowen + Ronaldo
                    C) Son + Davis —> Brownhill + Ronaldo

                    Sanchez*, Steele
                    TAA, Cancelo, Alonso, White, Livra
                    Salah, Son*, Jota, Raph, Gundo
                    Antonio, King, Davis

                  8. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Hefti challenge.

                  9. OptimusBlack
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    If you have
                    Salah Gallagher Jota Allan Son**
                    Dennis Vardy (Toney)**
                    And just 0.2 itb with 0 FT
                    A- Son > Bvila for -4
                    B- Allan & Son > Mount & Bvila -8
                    C- Son & Toney > Bvila & Watkins or Antonio -8

                    1. Rupert The Horse
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Hey bud. Good to see you.
                      A.

                      1. OptimusBlack
                        • 11 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Cheers Buddy

                    2. DycheDycheBaby
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      A

                      1. OptimusBlack
                        • 11 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Cheers

                        1. DycheDycheBaby
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          You're welcome. No rush doing it tonight though. Neither player is closing to a price change.

                  10. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Charlie Savage on. That’s so nice.

                  11. jdp219
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Go ahead and drop Son based on speculation, or wait until the last minute?

                    1. Rupert The Horse
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Sell on Friday.

                      1. jdp219
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        That's the sensible thing. Thanks. Only worry is the deadline is midday for me, and could be swamped with work.

                        1. Rupert The Horse
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 11 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Go for a poo.

                          1. Rupert The Horse
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 11 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            That’s not a striker in defence by the way.

                            1. ‘Tis the Season
                              • 5 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              lol top comment Rupert 😛

                    2. how now brown cow
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      With training ground confirmed closed spurs wont play.

                      But I'd hold off buying anyone till the last minute. Think the next few weeks will get very messy.

                  12. DAZZ
                    • 9 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Sanchez
                    Cancelo Alonso James TAA
                    Salah Jota Mbuemo
                    Kane Antonio King
                    (Steele, Livra, Sissoko, Raphina)

                    0ITB and 2FT

                    Cant get to ronaldo in 1FT

                  13. Will Kane
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Those pitch invaders got on easier than the Utd subs

                  14. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    3 pitch invaders. What is the point?
                    Now the fans singing you fat bar steward.

                  15. 1justlookin
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Think I'll do a minus 16 -

                    Ramsdale
                    Raphinha
                    Son
                    Kane
                    Toney

                    No reason not to, is there?

                    1. how now brown cow
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Why ramsdale?

                    2. Hazz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Why you selling Ramsdale bro.
                      Raphinha will at least play, if you need him.

                    3. @persecuted_by_mods
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Can't find a single good reason not to

                      • Hangman Page
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        What’s wrong with Ramsdale and Raphinha?

                      • Will Kane
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        What's wrong with Ram and Raph?

                      • Rupert The Horse
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Think I’ll save a transfer.

                      • DycheDycheBaby
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Dude that's madness

                      • Rupert The Horse
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        There is.

                    4. MikeLowrey
                      • 5 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Ramsdale (Foster)
                      TAA James Cancelo Regs (Livra)
                      Salah Jota Gray (Raph, Brownhill)
                      Kane Wilson King

                      A) Kane to Ronaldo
                      B) Kane & Brownhill to Antonio & Bernado (-4)

                    5. Mane Mane Mane
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Who scores more,
                      A) Mendy, Gilmour and Ronaldo
                      B) De gea, Bowen and Ronaldo (-4)

                      Please help?

                    6. DycheDycheBaby
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Oh no AWB

                      1. Eat my goal!
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Not been his best of late so probably a good thing

                        1. DycheDycheBaby
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Yeah he just can't catch a break at the moment

                    7. DycheDycheBaby
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Unrelated but, for the first time since 2004, Barcelona will not be in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

                    8. _Ninja_
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Sanchez/Mbeumo to DDG/Fodder worth a -4?

                      Sanchez
                      TAA James Cancelo Alonso
                      Salah Raphinha ESR
                      Ronaldo Antonio Dennis

                      Steele Gallagher Mbeumo Livra

                      1. _Ninja_
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Raph is Jota btw

                      2. g40steve
                        • 6 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Looks sensible, so long as DDG & Hendo don’t take turns

                        1. _Ninja_
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Cheers Hendo was subbed off tonight for Heaton, not sure if it was an injury.

                    9. Original Sin
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Madness to captain Bernardo ( WOL) over Salah ( AVL) ? Need to catch up and hoping for a Salah blank against Villa.

                      1. DycheDycheBaby
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Unfortunately, yes I think that's madness. Wolves are doing OK defensively. And Liverpool are playing at home (enough said).

                      2. N00B
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Yep. Ronaldo vs Norwich is a good punt.