Podcast

Scoutcast: How to tackle the Covid chaos in FPL

Joe and Seb help Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for a decimated Gameweek 18.

The Covid pandemic has wreaked havoc with the Premier League schedule already in Gameweek 17, with six teams missing out due to the spread of the infection.

Gameweek 18 looks similarly chaotic, with half the matches postponed. At the time of writing it is still unclear whether any of the weekend’s fixtures will take place.


READ MORE: Covid watch: The club-by-club latest and how it affects FPL


Amid the confusion, Joe and Seb try to make sense of it all and offer their top tips for tackling Covid chaos in FPL.

They reveal their plans based on every eventuality, from a limited Gameweek 18 to a circuit breaker for a few weeks.

For Joe, goalkeepers and a better midfield look to be his top priorities, while a freshly Wildcarded Seb ponders his options.

Manchester City’s assets already featured on the Christmas shopping lists of many FPL managers. Their 7-0 thrashing of Leeds in Gameweek 17 ensured they became a top priority.

Armed with a plethora of heatmaps and statistics, Seb offers an extensive guide to the best options to consider and the influence that a returning Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) may have on Pep Guardiola’s side for their next matches.

Goals imminent, worst defences and best expected statistics stars are also covered, as is the progress of the show’s community team. There’s also a frisk of the next four fixtures, whenever they may be scheduled.

Due to the tight turnaround of games, and a family trip to the cinema to see the new Spiderman film for Joe, this week’s show took place late afternoon on Thursday 16 December. This sadly counted Andy out of proceedings due to work commitments.

Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notified of future live episodes. It is also available as a podcast.

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

607 Comments Post a Comment
  1. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best pair?

    A) Cancelo + Ramsey

    B) Laporte + ESR

    C) Dias + Martinelli

    1. golfboy
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I like A. Cancelo the best City def and Ramsey in favour

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate, leaning that way

  2. Friday's Press Conference Times
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Morning folks, here are today's press conference times. Dyche and Bielsa were yesterday, so that just leaves Howe outstanding (I suspect he would have answered questions last night that were embargoed for later today/tomorrow):

    Arteta - 10am
    Klopp - 12.30pm
    Lage - 1pm
    Gerrard - 1pm
    Tuchel - 1.30pm
    Guardiola - 1.30pm
    Conte - 1.30pm

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Another half day beckons

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Or a lie in at least

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          In the pub by 2pm, like the good old Fleet Street days

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers as ever SR

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My pleasure!

    3. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Pep's presser has now been cancelled. He has reportedly returned an "inconclusive" COVID test this morning and is waiting for a PCR test to confirm the results.

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. Feels like you didn't mean to post this as a reply.

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I did - I just didn't mean to post it as a reply to a different comment which I've now modded 😀

        2. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Its a response to the hot topic. Hot topics are supposed to be focal points for discussion over many days

          1. Skonto Rigga
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            You tell 'em, Gink

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Uh oh does this mean no news or will someone step in?

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Press conference cancelled so I'm assuming no news!

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

            No one else is allowed to talk in case they accidently reveal some team news information.

  3. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys need help for this week. Currently only got 8 starters this week looking at having 10 by making two moves and taking a hit. 0.3 ITB. Which two players would you target? I've been playing around but cant seem to afford a duo. WC intact so can reverse any moves.

    Guaita*
    Dias Cancelo Rudiger TAA
    Salah Bilva Jota Gallagher* Raphinha
    Dennis* Antonio*

    Foster* Toney* Normann* Duffy*

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

      Ramsdale & Watkins

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thats the ideal duo this week however I am 0.2 short.

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

          Ramsdale, J.Ramsey & Watkins (-8) gives you 11.

          Otherwise Smith Rowe & Watkins (-4) with no GK possibly?

          1. AC Yew
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Thank you.
            ESR & Watkins works although i'd have to lose Gallagher which im not too ecstatic about. Im aiming to field 10 so not too bothered about not having no GK for now.

    2. Comment removed.

  4. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    To those of you who still have the first wildcard in hand. What is your strategy? I am considering using it this week to field 11 players without hits but there is of course a risk that more matches are postponed close to kick-off. Thoughts?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not much time left to use WC, GW19 is last (I guess?)

      Would probably ride this GW and play WC next week as it gives more information on further postponement.

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

      what are you waiting for?? If there is a 2 week break now you won't have it anymore.

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

      Same predicament, I think I am going to save mine for another week or two. I don't really want to bring in players I don't want long term.

    4. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Use it, just in case if pl stops and they award as with another wc for free 🙂

    5. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I was considering using it this week but realised that I would be targetting players that have fixtures this week (not happy with the idea of using the chip and not having a full team) instead of those I would like long term so thinking of holding back another week or so. Concerned I might lose it though!

    6. Cruicky
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      like work holidays, use them or lose them.

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

        There is this also, would be a bit unfair on hose who have not used the WC chip yet, but hey ho.

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

      Was planning to wait as long as possible. Rules state we'd need to use it before 28 dec 12:00.

  5. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Rams
    Taa can rudi *lampty
    Salah jota bsilva *galla
    *Locadia watkins

    Which 2 transfers to do with a -4? My plan already was lampty locadia out before this crisis (itb 5.6)

    A) lampty to target/cash/tierny/white/tomiyasu/che def./laporte
    B) bsilva(if injured) to foden/kdb
    C) locadia to laca
    D) galla to foden/esr/saka

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Bilva is tough, how secure are we about "injured" or not.

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

    Anyone finding the twitter link on drop down not working on app- just getting blank white page?

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

      Yes same

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Same here

  7. DB_00
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Antonio > Watkins (play with 10)
    B) Guaita > Ramsdale (play with 10)
    C) Both for -4 (Play with 11)

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

      C.

      Getting Ramsdale is for the long run.

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

        This

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

      C

    3. golfboy
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C as it's pretty much only a -2 and both are good moves anyway

    4. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Pretty unanimous. Thanks

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

    If all 5 games go ahead I think I'll be capping someone else but Salah.

    Great time for a differential. Spurs won't get whooped but will lose.

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

      Who u going for? I was thinking Trent or Cancelo

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

        Watkins or and Arsenal player maybe

    2. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foden or Watkins for me

    3. Cruicky
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs haven't played since for 2 weeks, so who knows what state they're in. I'd back the match sharpness of Salah, also got a wee rest by being subbed after 75mins yesterday.

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

      Yeah there’s merit in Watkins as you can at least decide that 1.5 hours before kick off knowing he’ll play

      If you owned Watkins for a lot of last year you would punch yourself in the face a few times before deciding to captain him over Mo haha

      I did return to Watkins last week and am still recovering from the shock of him converting a late 7 point tap in .

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

        What was that stat I read earlier? Trent has outscored Salah in 3 of the last 5?

        1. Bada Bing
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          In six of the last seven.

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

            Wow, super tempting, but I'll stick with Salah. vc Trent should Mo get a rare rest.

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

              Don’t VC from same game as C!!!! Especially the last one on Sunday. 28 hours is a LONG time these days

  9. We Go Again
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sanchez* Steele*
    TAA James Cancelo White Livra
    Salah Jota Foden Gallagher* Raphinha
    Watkins King* 4.5

    Currently have 9 starters for next week. Any tips on what to do? Have 5.4M itb 1 FT

  10. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    If we will have these games, I'm looking at King Gallagher Vardy to Foden Laca Watkins -8 to field XI.
    Thoughts?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Similar to what I’m doing and can’t tell if it’s good or stupid yet

  11. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else going for -8 this week?

    1. golfboy
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would if I wanted the players longer term anyway

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

      -8 is actually -4 if all the ones we are getting will play

  12. golfboy
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    How about this for -4 to field 10 IF fixtures stay the same and Bilva confirmed out (wishful thinking that all this will be clear before the deadline!)

    Guaita, Gallagher, Bilva > Ramsdale, Ramsey, Foden

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

    Sanchez/Raphina/Ronaldo to Ramsdale/Foden/Watkins worth -4?

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Easy

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

      I think so

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

      Think it’s A good time to get rid of Sanchez, will only be A -2 probably if Ramsdale gets at least 2 points against Leeds

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

      Don't you have anyone else in mid to remove as Raph may play this GW?

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

        Bilva if injured. Otherwise want to keep Salah, Jota, Gallagher

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

          I'm getting rid of Gallagher and keeping Raph, solely on the basis that one is not playing

  14. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Currently looking at 7 players for GW18 with 1FT - Take a -8 and push it up to 10 starters or worth hitting the FH for this? Obviously waiting until the last minute to do anything.

    Dea Gea*

    TAA, James, Cancelo, Dier, Guehi*

    Salah, Foden, Jota, Gallagher*

    Ronaldo*

    Subs: McGovern, Dennis*, King*, Mendy

  15. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Morning scouts.
    Priority here?

    A) livra to tierney
    B) reguilon to James
    C) brownhill to saka/S-Rowe

    1. golfboy
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A to field more players this week?

      1. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Not worried, just trying to get better

        Ramsdale
        TAA, cancelo, Alonso, reguilon
        Salah, jota, bilva, foden, brownhill
        Watkins

        Livra, Antonio, King

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

      A

  16. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Whats the consensus on taking hit to get more playing players? Without a Free Hit chip or WC, it's unlikely anyone will have a full 11 players without multiple hits.

    I have 5 defenders and 2 midfielders, that's it.

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

      Scratch that 4 defenders and 2 midfielers.

      1. golfboy
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ouch

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

      Probably worth a hit if you have less than 9 is my gut feeling. Just need to leave it as late as possible, and could still get burned by last minute cancellations. We're all in the same boat though!

    3. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would only take hits for players I would want longterm anyway.

    4. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe target Arsenal & Villa players as games likely to be on at deadline tomorrow whereas Sunday games could still go bandy

      -4 is -2 is this scenario

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

    Prediction: Only 3 fixtures will be left standing this weekend.

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

      Which ones?

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

        Villa
        Arsenal
        City

  18. golfboy
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Might be worth captaining someone in the first game! Watkins perhaps

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

      That's a good idea actually, might be the only game we get

    2. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      At least vice cap someone from that game.

  19. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts for my 2 ft, lads? Here's what I can field atm:

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Dias, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Douglas Luiz
    Watkins, ________

    Antonio*, King*, Bowen*, Livra*.

    Any thoughts?

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

    Surely we should know by the deadline if any games will be called off.

    Fans have travel plans and will need to know asap.

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      They called Burnley-Watford off just two hours before kick off.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Saturday games yeah

    3. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yep only going to take hits for Saturday games

  21. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Lacazette?

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

      Has he ever hit a brace for Arsenal??

  22. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guys this my team for GW 18…able to field 10 players including GK, rest are blanks. Should I use free transfer to field 11?

    Ramsdale-Begovic
    TAA-James-Cancelo-Alonso / Livra(Blank)
    Salah-Foden-ESR-Jota / Gallagher(Blank)
    Watkins / Antonio-Dennis(Both Blank)

    3.3 itb

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

      Similar team to yours, and I am planning to use a FT.
      Either Livra upgrade to double up on Arsenal or Antonio to Laca. But will wait for news etc.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Seeing the carnage in others teams I was luckily unaffected so you must’ve had the same luck haha. I got 87 points! How bout you?

  23. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    DDG > Ramsdale
    Antonio > Watkins/Laca

    -4

    Worth it? Enables me to play a full 11 this weekend, as long as ESR and Bilva get minutes.

    1. golfboy
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes!

  24. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo scores more ?

    A. Lacazette (lee,nor)

    Or

    B. Wilson (MCI) + King (wol) + 4 points

    1. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  25. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone got any clue what to do this GW? too many articles to piece together

    I've got 7 players (possibly 6 due to Silva*), no GK or strikers...

    free hit too risky as well?

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Similar situation here. Free hit is tempting but I am afraid there is a decent chance that at least one of the Sunday games will be postponed.

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Currently thinking just taking it to the chin

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

          i think a city midfielder is priority at this moment

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do two transfers and get yourself a keeper & striker, that should be enough for this week

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

        so reluctant to take a hit for a keeper but not a terrible option

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

          Wait until 5 minutes before the deadline, then use my Ft to get a goalkeeper who'll be playing.

  26. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Quite a few of us without a GK this week. Worth a punt on Lloris? Lots of DGWs to come. Now only 0.3 more expensive than Ramsdale.

    Do Davies/Reguilon represent much better value that there's no need to go there?

    Or is it the short term fixture of Liverpool that's putting people off?

    1. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Worth a crack long term for sure just don’t expect anything this week

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say Spurs have some potent attacks to face (Watford and Arsenal as well as Liverpool) and injuries in defence. I'd prefer DDG or Ramsdale, at least until those DGWs are scheduled.

  27. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Since we're back in 'It's really only a -2' territory, guessing the safest option is to take a hit or two just before deadline to bring in any Villa/Arsenal players you want.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      (Meant in reply to the Mantis - apologies)

  28. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Missing Dennis, Gallagher and Ronaldo as outfield players plus Sanchez in net plus all three subs. I have Wilson and I always wanted to get rid of him for this tough run of fixtures but he will actually play (in theory) this week. I have two FTs - do I make the transfers I want longer term or correct the fact I only have a 7 man team this week? What is everybody else doing? The thing is, I have so much value tied up in Gallagher and Dennis, I don't really want to get rid of them (had them both for weeks and weeks).

    1. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dennis may only have 2-3 games before he goes Afcon unless it’s called off!

  29. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Managed a small green arrow despite opting for Sterling. What to do with this lot please guys:

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Cancelo - James - Alonso
    Salah - Sterling - Jota - Mount - Saka
    Dennis(Blank)

    Foster(Blank) Benteke(Blank) Livramento(Blank)

    1FT 0.6ITB

    A) Roll the transfer and field 10
    B) Sterliing and Benteke to Foden and Watkins for -4
    C) Sterling to Foden for free

    Will do my best to return comments.

    1. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think B is a good bet long-term. Foden much better value than Sterling and Benteke is a rotation risk. Plenty of people will be taking hits this week so I wouldn't let that put me off too much.

    2. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A - 2 FT could prove to be beneficial next week.

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

    Ronaldo + Bowen + Omo > Laca + Foden + James ?