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. Emp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on dcl omission from the squad last night?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Benitez said he was just being rested, should be fine for midweek (assuming it happens)

      1. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Oh wow ok now I really hope Everton Leicester goes ahead

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He’s got a muscular problem so he was rested. Someone yesterday said it was unrelated to his previous injury, but I heard it was quadriceps again.

    3. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Injured again

  2. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Why is everton v Leicester likely to be called off?

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

      because I brought in gray and dcl for a minus 8

    2. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Source?

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Leicester's end from what I have read.

    4. vova
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      not sure about how likely but Leicester are going to ask for a postponement due to not having enough senior players due to COVID/injuries. Whether EPL will accept it is another question.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        yes, this.

    5. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Wtf this rodgers, the spoiled brat. Just play the u23 u21 u18 even u9.
      Keep postponing rodgers, until your players hammy getting better in May 2022

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

        What a mad reaction.

        1. fplgaruda
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Have an upvote

    6. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Have a look at yesterday’s starting lineup. Only one unfamiliar name to me. Hardly a team of under-23s.

      Surely the fact that they fielded a team on Saturday no problem will weaken their case.

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

      Asteroids heading that way. Don’t look up.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Watched that last night funnily enough. Decent, good half hour too long mind.

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

          Three maces from me.

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

    if everton/leicester is off im probably done ,coufal,keane,gray,dcl on a free hit in a vital h2h ,normal team has livramento,james,salah,son,coufal out cant be arsed anymore ,just feck off covid

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, that's the reason Covid should go.

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

      At the very least you can run away quickly because you are a horse.

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

        What do you know about it?

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

          Mine ar$e has sat astride many a horse. Tis not possible to joust without a horse.

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

            I’ve clearly challenged the wrong man. I concede sir. Spare me.

          2. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Well it is, you just have to point the lance up and waddle a bit.

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

              What is a ‘lance’ praytell?

              1. St Pauli Walnuts
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                The thingy you point up and waddle with when you don't have a horse but signed up for a joust.

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

                  Jousting stick?

                  1. St Pauli Walnuts
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes, a lance.

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

                    Its called a laaaance

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

                      Heeeellloooooo

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

                        How much would you pay for a pair of jousting sticks?

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

                        A gaggle of geese.

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      This is hillarious

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

        This thread made my day 😛

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

    Alright people, I'm bored so let's test the FFS community's knowledge of the season so far with four questions (without looking it up):

    (1) Man City has the best defence in the league so far with 13 goals conceded. Who has the second best defence with 14 goals conceded?
    (2) Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool have lost the least number of games this season with two defeats each so far. Who is next best with four losses?
    (3) Norwich has scored a pathetic eight goals this season so far, the worst in the league. Who has the second worst offence with 14 goals scored?
    (4) Watford and Norwich have lost 13 games this season, more than any other clubs. Which team has lost the next most games with 11 defeats?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Wolves
      Brighton
      Wolves
      Aston Villa

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I think anyway.

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

      Wolves
      Man U
      Newcastle
      Newcastle

    3. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      1) Wolves?
      2) West Ham?
      3) Burnley?
      4) Newcastle?

    4. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’m probably going to be rubbish, but here goes:
      1. Wolves maybe
      2. Arsenal
      3. Burnley
      4.Newcastle

    5. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I was way off, but I liked that post.

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

      Preston North End, 1888-89 season
      Accrington Stanley
      Stoke City, but only on cold Tuesday nights
      Sheffield Thursday

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

        Would actually guess Chelsea, Arsenal, Burnley and Newcastle. Good quiz, tricky like your username

    7. RichardNixon
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Congratulations to Gabbiadini on taking out the inaugural RichardNixon 'The Season So Far' football quiz.

      The correct answers are:

      Wolves
      Brighton
      Wolves
      Aston Villa

      I would have got 0/4 if asked those questions. Brighton and Aston Villa, who would have thought...

      Looking forward to getting a Wolves defender in my fpl team.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I was fairly confident with those answers.
        ...Aston Villa just haven't drawn any games, well 1. Whereas Brighton the draw specialists, have the equal most I believe.

        1. RichardNixon
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Brighton and Southampton have nine draws each, the most in the league (Palace, Burley and Newcastle have 8).

          Villa have drawn only once this season, against Brentford. Watford also have one draw.

          1. Gabbiadini
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            yep.

  5. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Martinelli plays if Son is out, do I get someone in for Son for a hit?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Depends who the someone is mate and if it's a good move beyond just the double.

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      play Martinelli, potentially lots of room for him to exploit against Spurs WB's

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No play martnelli

  6. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Alright chaps,

    Given fixtures, I can see why most want to ride out DGW 22 with FTs and hits to get 5+ double players out and rest good SGW fixture players. But now Son is out, I only have Alonso with a double and I have all chips still available, so FH is a no brainer yes?

    Current team is:

    Rams
    TAA / Alonso / Cancelo / Dawson
    Gray / Bowen / Jota
    Antonio / Watkins / Borja
    B > Gunn / Duffy / Son / Salah

    First FH draft is:

    DDG
    TAA / Reg / Lamp
    Madd / Bruno / Tross / Moura
    Ronaldo / Dennis / Kane
    B > Bach / Lowt / Siss / Roerslev

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      i prefer your original team tbh, treble Utd with the mess they're in is asking for trouble

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, very much first draft 🙂

        Do you think with only one double player the FH is justified in general though? I'd maybe sprinkle a couple more SGW players in to it with good fixtures, Jota etc.

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          yeah probably, just take out Bruno and leave in Jota, and probably put in Rudiger for Lamps, (cb's usually do well in dgw's)

          1. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Ta, good advice.

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

      FH no brainer.

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes FH

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

    Plenty of eyes on that Hammers line up and game today. Coufal down 2 to go for me.

    1. Solanke
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      What happened to coufal?

      1. mdm
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Couvid

  8. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is taking a -8 hit Better than using FH? I get saving FH until better DGW but questioning taking -8 when hsve the extra FH to avoid this?

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

      depends who you are getting in, I'm not liking many players with a DGW this week as long term options

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Son to Maddison & Benteke to Ron and then also maybe mendy to Sanchez

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

          not bad moves, just wait for more information on what's happening with Leicester. Who is your other goalie?

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Foster which is my issue as if he plays I would only need to do -4

            1. RichardNixon
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              In a video on his YouTube channel recorded before the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, Foster said he was still "not fully fit" but revealed he was approaching the stage where he would be able to play once again. "[I'm] nearly back to full fitness," he said.

              "Going to be a few more weeks, but we are getting there, thank goodness."

              https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/19828956.watford-goalkeeper-ben-foster-issues-fitness-update/

              1. Stranger Mings
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Ok great cheers

    2. Jensen Luiz Coleman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Similar dilemma. I have done two transfers (-4) and considering a replacement for Son (-8) or FH. I don't want to lose the transfers that I have already made so I may just bench Son.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        -4 a ok for DGW and silly to play FH for that but guess depends on your bench as getting hard to find good son replacements

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

      Son, Mendy (& Benteke to some degree) would still be a problem next week if you FH so I think hit them out

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeh guess good advice cheers

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son to Coutinho anyone?

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

      Please clap.

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nope but coutinho in a few weeks could be an option

  10. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 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. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Good team only comment is Double Chelsea defence could be risky

  11. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Have a genius idea for this COVID postponements with regards to fpl.

    Why not incorporate a way to capture everyone’s teams for the original week Game X was scheduled for.
    Then when it is postponed and rearranged, managers get points backdated into the original gameweek.

    Normal weather/cup forced postponements to occur as normal, but I think the above idea would be great for COVID ones, and a nice surprise for managers too.

    Could be hard to implement but something has to be done now really.

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

      So I put Daka in my team for Leicester but when the games are replayed he is sitting on the bench for Vardy? Thats even worse.

      Why does something have to be done exactly?

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

      It's not genius. It's horribly flawed and a nightmare to implement.

      Lots of leagues and things like the cup are decided week to week. We can't suddenly change how this system works.

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

      It's the worst idea I have ever heard. No offence.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        None taken - logistics would be difficult granted and cause issues elsewhere.

        But maybe something indicative of the above would work

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

      You had an idea to solve one issue, but you simply forgot think all the problems where it would lead. These things happen, don't worry.

  12. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Current team for next GW: 1 FT, 1.7 itb

    DDG Steer
    Reguilion TAA Cancelo Livra James*
    Son* Salah* Bilva Gray Bowen
    King Antonio Broja

    Is Broja + Salah + Son > Ronaldo + Maddy + Mount -8 worth it?

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

      Would only consider Mount on FH or if WC-ing by GW24

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

      Wouldn’t bring in Mount personally, blanks in 24 and 25

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Won’t Broja play? Prefer son & salah to Maddison & ronaldo as only -4

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Jesus ignore more that can’t work!

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

      I am in the same Salah/Son predicament and might go Son and Broja to Dennis and Maddison for a -4 at the moment.

      Do I really want Roanldo for GW22 and 23 then get Salah back is the question I am asking.

      Yes it is 3 games, but going Broja to Dennis I can ship out Alonso GW23/24

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

    Morning all, been out the loop this past week, any ideas for my team?

    De gea
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Son Jota Foden Bowen
    Antonio King Pukki

    Steer ESR Duffy Livramento

    1ft 6.2itb

    Son and Pukki to Maddison and Kane for a hit?

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

      Fine plan. Maybe you missed Livramento injury news but rest of your team is fine afaik

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

      Out of the loop means out of the circle of trust!

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yep or get ronaldo instead of Kane

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

      Yes for me

  14. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Surely it’s worth getting Pope in before DGW22?

    I know Burnley are poor but they have 4 games in hand on some teams

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

      If he's going to concede in each of those matches (which isn't impossible the way they're playing) and end up conceding more than once in a few of those 4 games then another keeper could outscore him in a single game in the meantime.

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        With save points and potential clean sheets, bonus, save points then I think it’s worth the gamble.

        It’s also possible that Dyche turns things around and they tighten up at the back. He’s historically been a good points scorer too.

  15. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    With Son out and only DDG Dennis doubling, I was all set for FH but if Leicester game is off I have NFI what to do…definitely not keen for multiple hits as I probably wouldn’t want those players post this week.

    Those that brought in Everton hoping for 2 doubles and now a potential blank, will you be selling?

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

      Everton has Norwich next.

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

        Right you are, don’t know why I thought they were playing against each other. Cheers

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

          Well... I had the exact same brain fart when I heard the news 😉

          PS It has something to do with this "long gw"... After realising that I am likely to lose 4 players gw 21 I was even more annoyed.

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

    Just saw Hasenhuttl said Livramento might need knee surgery, and that he's worried he could be out for up to a year. Would be such a shame for the lad if it ends up that way, he's had such a good season.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Indeed. It brakes my heart to see young players with such horrible injuries early in their careers...

  17. tallboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Joe, if you want less stress about FPL the get off of LiveFPL.