Podcast

Meet the Manager: LiveFPL creator Ragabolly speaks ahead of Gameweek 22

Joe chats to Ragabolly about his LiveFPL website, which has transformed Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers’ understanding of the game over the last three years.

When chatting to Ragabolly, it seems incredible that he manages to pack so much into a day.

Not only does he teach physics at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) but he has also finds time to create and manage such a hugely popular FPL site.

Launched in 2018, his LiveFPL set of tools, or “his baby” as he refers to it, has vastly expanded its roster of features over the years.

This includes viewing real-time rank changes, tracking the performance of ‘legendary managers’ and a ‘what if?’ tool to see how players’ potential performance can alter rank.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature has been his look at effective ownership (which includes captaincy and chip use) amongst groups of FPL managers, including those nearby in the rankings.

As Ragabolly explains to Joe, in this rare interview, his work with effective ownership has gone a long way to helping FPL managers understand why their arrows are red or green each week.

In addition, he chats about his Virtual FPL game, which was a welcome distraction for thousands of managers during the Covid lockdowns of 2020.

During their chat, Ragabolly also reveals how his early work in developing a virtual FPL game was interrupted by the Egyptian army and how Fantasy Football Scout creator Mark Sutherns has helped him to develop his site.

He also discusses how he deals with mixed feedback from managers, who can have different reactions to being helped to understand their FPL performance a little better.

Ragabolly discusses his own impressive FPL team management over the years – finishing inside the top 100K in ten of his 12 campaigns, with 2017/18’s finish of 2,821 his best yet.

This episode was recorded ahead of Double Gameweek 22 and the LiveFPL creator explains how his freshly Wildcarded team is geared up for this set of fixtures.

Above all, what comes through from this hour-long discussion is Ragabolly’s enthusiasm for FPL and being able to offer managers greater insight into the game they also love.

The ‘Meet the Manager’ series is where Joe chats to FPL managers with a strong record of success, an interesting view of the game and who offers the community valuable knowledge around Fantasy management.

Joe’s chat with Ragabolly is available below:

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

1,153 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Oh ffs got Keane and Gray in this week

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Doucoure here.

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Indeed did it on the silly assumption Everton may also double in 22

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Should have realised Newcastle were never going to agree doubles until their January splurge complete !

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I took a hit for Pickford last week as I had no playing ‘keeper
      Thought I’d got lucky this week, but ffs!

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      How often are you premature ?

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Lol

    5. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      What happened to them?

    6. Kevin and Perry go
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Pickman.

  2. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If Leicester can play today, how can they not play next game?
    Injuries are the main issue not covid
    Looks like it’s not just Djokovic lying about positive covid tests

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Think FA cup rules different to league. Which is why no cup games postponed

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Djokovic is gluten intolerant - because a guy held a slice of bread against his stomach and asked him how he felt. He didn't feel good.

    3. Kevin and Perry go
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The un jabbed the hut.

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

    Lookman got 3 assys today!!! 6m

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      3 assys is the stuff of dreams!

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

        This

  4. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Oh dear

    Leicester may ask Premier League to postpone Everton fixture again
    https://mol.im/a/10382659

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

      🙄

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

        No maybe about the asking. They will ask 100% in my opinion, from what’s coming out of the club.

        Remains to be seen if it is approved, though.

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Oh bloody hell, even 4 points from pick and gray would have been a bit of a boost to this revolting double game week

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Just laugh at your fate, you'll feel a lot better.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Been doing this a lot lately with fpl, certainly does help, quite proud this is the first time I’ve really checked any news this week

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Good work. Step back, laugh, and have some fun. I will FH next gw and put out at leat 9-10 dgwers. Just for giggles. Maybe even 11.

          1. Dammit_182
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Lord Trent and sir Bowen request an immediate audience with you regarding their rumoured absence from your FH team, sir knight….

            1. The Knights Template
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Dungeon! No trials!

              1. Dammit_182
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 3 months ago

                As you wish, I’ll put them in with trolls, Mr Traore & Mr Toney.

                1. Kevin and Perry go
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 3 months ago

                  And dragons.

  6. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Dammit, if you could play today then you should also play the game vs Everton. It's been already rescheduled once. Just play this game, you will lose anyway (I'm not saying this as a salty DCL and Gray owner whatsoever).

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      You asking for me?

  7. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    It’s unlikely to be approved

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Mine castle renovations?

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Unfortunately the shipment of gilded marble has failed to make passage through the mountain pass before the winter snow, we do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience

        1. Dammit_182
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          The shipment got diverted to Africa and we can’t let the kids play in the league..

  8. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ddg
    Cancelo reguilon trent
    Jota foden son maddison bowen
    Ronaldo king

    Foster - watkins cash livra

    Son to who for a hit?
    Or just play him and if he is not ready for the second match then watkins first sub.…

  9. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Lookman > Tielemans imo for the DGW

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

      **SGW

  10. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Another meaningless post about game not yet cancelled

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Change the record son, getting a migrane over here

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          You got no fans

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

    Was Broja taken off today for a rest or due to injury?

  12. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Evening folks, in a bit of a pickle here.

    Up until couple days ago, my team was looking rosy, spot on for just a -4 hit...
    I was going to ditch Salah & Broja for 6.2m mid & CR7.

    Now Son has been marked as injured for the rest of the month, meaning I need to replace him with Lucas, thus spending a -8...

    DDG(x2)
    Trent - BAVIES(x2) - LOWTON(x2)
    *10.2m Salah replacement* - LUCAS(x2) - Jota - Bowen
    KANE(x2) - KING(x2) - CR7(x2)
    --------------------------------------------
    Subs: Foster; Laporte, C.Dawson, Brownhill.
    -----
    IN SHORT...

    A). * Is it worth -8 to do;
    OUT: Salah, Sonny, Broja
    IN: 10.2m mid, Lucas, CR7.

    B). or just leave Son in my team, meaning I can't bring in any more Spurs players (max 3 used), and instead bring in a 6.2m mid in place of Salah? THEN play Craig Dawson (LEE) or Laporte (CHE) instead?

    I know this is badly laid out, and thank you if you are still reading 🙂 x

    1. yeahbuddy
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Generally like to prioritise trading out 100% non playing players... How about getting rid of Salah and Son for -4?

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah can do, but that means no CR7 for the DGW22. Also not too much choice of mids available either.

        If I were to bring CR7 back in, I would likely give him the armband over kane

        1. yeahbuddy
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Fair call, think -4 is the way to go, I'm just not sure who you trade out now... Both could be back in 2 weeks (or trade the other out next week with FT)
          Leave Son or Salah on the bench and play Laporte (most have Cancelo so if city keep a clean sheet there's a bit of damage control there)

      2. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        and thank you for taking time to read my query.

        Do you think it's worth going without CR7 then?

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

      I like that plan. Wish I was in your shoes but only have 2 DGW players since Son out so its starting to look like I will FH

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I had my first WC still available GW20. so had to use it or lose it. so built my team (kinda) what I thought would be best for the upcoming DGWs.

        Plan was to attack them with both Kane & CR7 together in the absence of Salah, but -8 is tricky

  13. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would you bench boost this or wait until later in the season?

    Foster (new, bur)
    Johnson (LEE)
    Gray (nor)
    Lowton (LEI, WAT)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Foster might not play and for that reason alone I think I'd hold onto it.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Foster will not start

  14. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Better option here? 1ft, 0.1m itb

    A. Son Bernardo > Maddison moura -4
    B. Son Antonio > Kane lookman -4

    LLORIS
    Taa cancelo ALONSO
    SON Bernardo Jota Bowen
    RONALDO KING Antonio

    Foster gray Johnson tierney

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A pretty easily for mine.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks. Tempted by Kane tbh

  15. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Risers: None

    Fallers: Steffen (4.4) Oko-Flex (4.4) Mbete (3.9) Omole (3.9)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers Ragabolly.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Holy Omole

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Is Omole an Irish spy?

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

        Come on people this is quality 🙂

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Oko-Flex is surely a product on QVC not a player

      1. Chemical76
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I pulled my Oko-flex.

        Out for 3 weeks.

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

          Michael Crawford’s mate is in there too, Mbete.

  16. Grande Tubarão
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I really hope we beat Villa tomorrow and get/destroy Plymouth in the next round. Live there and have had to listen to nothing else except how they beat some Championship side ever since their game

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

      Be careful what you wish for.

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Why don't you let them have their moment. Joyful moments of success are slim pickings for lower league clubs.

    3. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      How dare the home town fans of a lower league team enjoy a rare moment.

      Meanwhile everywhere in the world there is someone putting up with a Man United fan…

    4. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not everyone can be a glory supporter, some people enjoy supporting their local club.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yep. ManU will have to readjust to supporting their local club LOL

        1. Ian J
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          They used to say that those that live in Manchester only support City.
          Wonder whether that is true.
          I had to put with so many glory supporters of Liverpool as a kid.
          Got lots of time for supporters who follow their local team.

          1. Casual Player
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            I live in Australia.

            It’s amazing how I’d never met a Man City supporter until about 10-ish years ago and now they’re everywhere…

    5. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Why wouldn’t they be happy? Why do you begrudge them their happiness? Why do you think anyone here would like this post?

  17. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Likelihood of Dalot starting against VILA and BRE? Shaw is out against Vila i think

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Slim

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Slim to none….and Slim just left town…

  18. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Son to Mount -4?

    Or play Sissoko

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

      Out of those two play Sissoko

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Sissoko will outscore Mount this week

  19. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Can Brentford win the FA Cup?

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

      Can you win FPL?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Rod Stewart had a trial at Brentford in 1960.

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Well, he had to be good at something…

        2. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Was he convicted?

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Can they beat me blues?

  20. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What to do?

    A. Bench Son, get Ronaldo and captain
    B. Bench Son, get Kane and captain
    C. Sell Son, get Bruno and captain

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Sell Son, get Mbeumo.

  21. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    FT. Son to
    A. Jota
    B. Maddison
    C. De Bryune

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

      ABC

      in that order, I already have Jota so will likely get a Maddison providing their DGW doesn’t look in danger of being postponed. Jota is a great medium/long term pick.

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

        Thanks a bunch

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

          No problem, best of luck!

    2. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Deffo C. Much higher ceiling than A or B.

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

        Thanks friend

  22. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Does Leicester trying to get the Everton game postponed make Maddison more appealing to you for DGW22?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not really, if the don't have enough players mid week they may not for the week end

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

        Fair enough, my thinking is that EPL is less likely to grant two postponements in a row (or grant a postponement for the weekend after denying one midweek). That's of course if they don't get any new COVID cases.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          i think they should be made to play now that they have played in the FA Cup against a PL team, hopefully all the U23 players that played in the cup are classed as having played a first team game and are now ‘counted’ as available players whereas perhaps they were not for the cancelled game

        2. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          If they allow a cancellation of a game they’ve only just rearranged, who knows what else they’ll do.

  23. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Reckon this is worth a BB? No hits.

    Ramsdale (tot)
    Cancelo (CHE)
    Keane (nor)
    BROWNHILL (LEI, WAT)

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

      wouldn't be against it if Brownhill is fit to play both games

    2. Aadii
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Doesnt seem like it. And you should start Keane.

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

        I would start Cancelo ahead of him

  24. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I have De Gea and Dalot for currently and no Brighton.

    I guess Dalot has a very slim chance of startinh the DGW matches. So, should i bring another MU defender or Brighton/ Liecester defender?

    Planning to play BB22. 1FT and 4.0 ITB

    CURRENT DEFENCE:

    De Gea Bachman
    TAA CANCELO REGU COUFAL DALOT
    A. COUFAL-> CUCURELA/Leicester
    B. COUFAL-> MU defence
    C. Coufal+Dalot-> Bri+ MU with a -4
    Was planning to get rid of Coufal anyway after GW21.

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

      maybe keep Coufal and do Dalot to Brighton defender? I have no idea what Rangnick will do with Dalot/AWB. Coufal has a decent fixture vs Leeds and could get some attacking returns even if a chance of a clean sheet is probably relatively low given West Ham's recent defence and Leeds' attacking style.

      1. Original Sin
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Noted. Since i planned to get rid of Coufal anyway, why not now? I really dont have any hope of Coufal getting more than 2pts VS Leeds. I will keep Dalot and Coufal-> brighton?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers. Will check it out.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I was there. Didn't know Ted Lasso was as well!

  25. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    GW22 Free HitTeam. Lots of fun punts.

    What would you change?

    De Gea
    Alonso Emerson Rudiger
    Maddison Mount Tiels Lucas Moura
    Ronaldo Kane Dennis

    3.9 TAA Bowen 3.9

    (I have 2 FHs still)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, lots of fun here. I will do something similar. Mucus Laura out for me.

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

      Not a big fan of Trent on the bench; would play him over Rudiger. If you want a really fun punt you could shake up the forward line a bit with Daka

  26. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thrilling finish to the cricket. Two overs left, England down to last wicket.

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

      Jimmy!

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

      Where you live Knights? You been talking on here all throughout uk nighttime.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        The great southern land.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Croydon?

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

          South Africa?

      2. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        The Night Knight

  27. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Does Dalot have any chance of starting any of the 2 games of GW22?

  28. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Jimmy boy stays not out once again! Perfect.

  29. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    On a FH. Got 14 DGW in my squad. Got a strong (ish) bench to cover covid.

    Do I go.

    A) trent single GW
    B) cucurella DGW