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The world’s greatest Fantasy manager? An FPL Q&A with Fábio Borges

Fantasy Football Scout community writer Greyhead is the author of ‘The Great and The Good’ series, which takes a look at the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) transfers and strategies of some noted managers.

One of those Fantasy bosses is arguably the best on the planet: Fábio Borges.

Fábio is top of our Career Hall of Fame and is on course for a sixth successive top 2k finish, currently sitting at 865th in the world and with a Free Hit still left to burn.

Greyhead caught up with the elusive Fábio in the last few days for a special Q&A on his FPL strategy.


“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.”

The Greatest? I’ll let others argue over that one, but there is no doubt that Fábio Borges is quite good at this FPL lark.

He is no.1 in the Fantasy Football Scout Career Hall of Fame, has finished in the top 2,000 for the last five consecutive years, has never ended a season outside of the top 20,000, came 95th in 2018/19 and currently has another triple-digit rank this campaign.

All this and he is a member, in fact, the reigning champion, of The Great and The Good, my made-up mini-league of some of the more prominent FPL managers.

You can probably tell I’m a fan, and so having gazed admiringly from afar penning my FPL love letters through my weekly articles I was delighted when, through a mutual acquaintance, I was able to get in touch and he agreed to answer some of my burning questions (Pras and SonaldoTM)

So, let’s get to it…


Has your management style changed over the last few seasons?

Laporte injury latest as De Bruyne hauls: FPL notes

Fábio: To be honest, I don’t think it has changed much over the years. I don’t consider myself either a conservative or an aggressive manager since I think it is very important to adapt to the circumstances.

Of course, this season was a bit different than any other given the number of cancellations and Double Gameweeks, which forced me to take more hits and play a bit more aggressively than in previous seasons.

Again, I think being able to adapt to the circumstances is one of the most important skills in FPL.

Comments: Fábio has taken nine hits this season, compared to four in 2019/20, but the point about adaptability being the key skill rings true and rather than considering ourselves maverick or conservative, perhaps we should all strive to be better situational managers.


You had a slow start this season, up to about Gameweek 11/12. How do you manage such a situation, did you ever have doubts about your approach?

Fábio: Yes, of course, I am not immune to bad runs, and I probably complain a bit too much about it with some of my friends and it is something I am trying to improve on.

It is hard not to be upset when your goalkeeper loses a clean sheet at the last minute but, nowadays, whenever things don’t go my way, I just log out for a couple of days and try to forget about FPL.

Then, when I feel motivated again, I start preparing for the next Gameweek and try to make the best decisions I can possibly make with the information I have available at the time.

Comments: It’s refreshing to see that even one of the best managers gets frustrated over a captaincy blank or clean sheet wipe-out. A lesson to us all that taking time away can be the best approach.


 

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304 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Hows she looking for FH37?

    Martinez
    TAA Cash Myko
    Salah Son Zaha Maddison
    Vardy Richarlison Ings

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Very nice 🙂

    2. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good. Prefer Digne (for assist potential) over Myko if you can afford it.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Has 3 villa already

        1. Jet5605
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          My bad. Was thinking Digne still at Everton! Myko looks like best option in that case

      2. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Already have 3 villa. And Digne trolls me everytime I get him

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Looks good. No Kane or KDB is a shame

      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        The last time I free hitted was with Kane and Son and they burned me good.... So i'll stick to just Son

  2. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    KdB ripped me a new one! Need some thoughts here please?

    Pickford*
    Cash* Digne* Robbo
    Zaha* Son KdB Trossard
    Richa* Vardy* Kane
    X D Luiz* Tsimi* Amartey*

    Maybe Salah/Lukaku for KdB/Kane?
    Will downgrade Cash to Andersen to afford? Or gtg?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Luiz->Foden for me.I don't think that Vardy will start both games.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        So Foden in 352 rather that Lukaku, Kane, Riche in 343?

        1. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          It's a FH team?

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Yes

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        is Douglas Luiz.hmmm Trossard->Buendia?

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Nah, will defo keep Trossard as differential. Don't think Villa will score many over 2 games

  3. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Jota+Laporte->Son+Fofana/Sessegnon(-4)?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      yes if he starts in cup

  4. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best option for BB this week: Will FH in 38 so these transfers are essentially one week punts. 0.3 ITB

    A - Mitchell & Dennis > Holgate & Weghorst for -4
    B - Mitchell, Cancelo & Dennis > Digne, Holgate & Ings for -8
    C - Other suggestion?

    Schmeichel
    TAA - Cancelo - James
    KDB - Mount - Son - Saka - Maddison
    Richarlison - Dennis

    Foster - Mateta - Mitchell - Schar

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

  5. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is Zaha essential on FH?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      yes

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No way

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      nah

    4. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not a whole other DGW options so yes if you want more doubles

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He's hit and miss.

      May only play one.

      I'd fancy him more at Villa than Everton too.

    6. krumcake
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No

    7. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Normally involved, I now own him but every time I ever own him he disappoints

  6. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I put Watkins in before the liverpool game, what shall I do if injured? Move for a -4 to Ings or Richarlison

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Watkins or buendia on fh? Thanks

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Wait and see about Watkins injury first

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      watkins if fit

  8. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Rubbish question, I know, but on FH what bench option:

    A - Tsmikas + Veltman
    B - B. Williams + Amartey

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

  9. Maisie's #1 GW rank
    Yer Dad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    My daughter spends hours on Tik Tok and and You Tube watching funny dogs and cats and I watch articles on FPL. We then sit down to discuss transfers I ponder and she just hits button. She then does this last night. She overtook me and put me 3rd and even missus is beating me.

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/5771007/event/36

    1. 1-1 at Newcastle
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Number one gameweek rank! She must be over the moon with that.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Fantastic.

      Was it Maisie in Rotherham or somewhere similar?

      Just the one transfer too?

      Nice one Nige. 1 in 9 million.

      1. Yer Dad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks.
        It was Maisie in Rochdale.

        She a happy bunny this morning and enjoyed mocking her dad. May switch internet off as punishment.

      2. Yer Dad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        She did have Rochdale AFC Maisie as team name but when I said a few people will click on her ridiculous score she changed her team name to HerGameToo to get publicity for the cause.
        As sure as death and taxes, she will get arrested in coming years for chaining herself up to something for the cause.
        I drew the line when she asked me to start sitting down for a wee to show equality. They say girls are easy!!!

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If Nketiah scores hat-trick, she's gonna set the new points record. I'll be rooting for her for sure! 😀

    4. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Brilliant! Go Maisie!

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Wow that is just incredible!! Well done Masie, congrats dad!

    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      That's amazing, well done Maisie!

    7. SteJ
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      You should get her to pick some lottery numbers for you too

    8. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Amazing. As someone who had a baby girl called Maisie 10 weeks ago yesterday, I spat out my proverbial coffee when I saw this headline. Hopefully she one day emulates her namesake.

    9. DelPiero10
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Lovely stuff!

      • Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        That's amazing! If she wants to write or do an interview or something based on this (via her dad), let me know! We should celebrate more stories like this really.

        1. Mince n Tatties
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Well said Neale

      • bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        WOW...Just wow!

      • Monklane
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Completely fantastic. Well played Maisie!

      • OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        WoooooW

      • Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Insane. Guess I will be watching more funny does and cats from now on. The FPL stuff just make me do stupid moves like Sterling to Mahrez.

      • Mince n Tatties
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Superb!
        She'll be looking for an Arsenal 3-0 win tonight!

      • Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Just to say that’s bloody brilliant and the best team name!! Well done!!

    10. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Hmmm new FH draft, need to decide between Kane and KDB really. What you think?

      PICKFORD
      DIGNE MYKO Cancelo
      ZAHA MADDISON DeBruyne Salah Son
      INGS RICH

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You'd think the guy playing Burnley at home but King Kev could shine at West Ham.

        I think they'll give Man City a decent game but it will be tricky.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Same team with Andersen and Kane over Myko and KDB

      2. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        trent over zaha, palace awful away.

      3. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I like it, but mine will be better

      4. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Pickford Foster
        James Cancelo Matip Royal Mings
        Mount KdB Salah Son Zaha
        Nkteiah Rich/Ings 4,5

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          That the WC Team?

          1. Arn De Gothia
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Might be yes. You don’t approve?

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Looks lovely tbf!

              1. Arn De Gothia
                • 13 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Thanks, feel free to copy

                1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                  • 7 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  I’m on FH not WC ! Haha

                2. RAFA THE GAFFA
                  • 7 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  I’ll probably end up on something like this (depending on how Kane looks tonight and how the FA cup final goes of course). As I slightly favour him to KDB with this week’s fixture, but not certain yet:

                  PICKFORD
                  DIGNE CASH TAA
                  ZAHA Salah Son GORDON
                  Kane INGS RICH

                  1. Arn De Gothia
                    • 13 Years
                    1 year, 10 months ago

                    Each to he’s own… I just never buy that expensive forwards when mf:s get +1 for goal and +1 for clean sheet. Why cash over mings? I try to pick the right one myself and haven’t really looked at AV since Digne buttf*kked me so good I ragetransfered him and banned him for life.

                    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                      • 7 Years
                      1 year, 10 months ago

                      Better player for one. More attacking and touches/shots in the box.

                      I tend to agree with you on the expensive mid over expensive striker long term but in a single given GW (like FH) it’s more the fixture that week. But it’s still close and I’m not decided yet

                      1. Arn De Gothia
                        • 13 Years
                        1 year, 10 months ago

                        Ok, thanks. I blame you next week

    11. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Relying on Everton and Villa triple ups on free hit who just came off the back of a double will be interesting, tired legs and big rotation incoming!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Particularly worried about Villa as Gerrard seems to be handing more fringe players opportunities with little riding on the results.

    12. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      WC37 - 0.9m ITB. How to improve this squad?

      Pickford*
      Robbo - Cancelo - Digne* - Holgate*
      Salah - Son - Foden - Zaha*
      Richarlison* - Ings*

      Foster - Nketiah - KDH* - Sessegnon

      GW 38:
      Digne > Zinchenko/Matip
      OR
      Ings > Toney

      1. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Solid, gtg

    13. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Have been off FPL Twitter since this morning.

      Depressing place. Everyone there has 150+ points this GW and am nowhere near 100.

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Hopefully Arsenal can cheer you up in a few hours.

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        season over, dont worry

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thank goodness. 🙂

      3. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Always the same w@nkers...

      4. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I have enjoyed both Twitter and FPL much more since I unfollowed all FPL-based accounts and muted the word FPL.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Maybe I should follow suit. People only post the good anyway, never the bad.

    14. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Brilliant.

      Was it Maisie in Rotherham or somewhere similar?

      Just the one transfer too?

      Nice one Nige. 1 in 9 million.

      1. Yer Dad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks.
        It was Maisie in Rochdale.

        She a happy bunny this morning and enjoyed mocking her dad. May switch internet off as punishment.

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          ????

          1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Check out hot topic

            Awesome story

    15. dhamphiir
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Any update on Laporte’s injury?

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Nope

    16. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Can I please get your thoughts on this team? Got 1 FT and 0.3m ITB (no chips left).

      Schmeichel
      TAA Cancelo James Silva
      Salah Son Kulusevski Saka Havertz
      Richarlison

      Steele Gelhardt Broja Doherty

      A) Havertz > Zaha
      B) Silva > Cash
      C) Doherty > Holgate
      D) smth else??

      Thanks!

      1. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Solid A looks good

    17. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      How did Gordon and Richalison look last night then? Bad picks?

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Lively I would say but lacking in the final third

    18. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      BB - What to do with this lot 0FT .2mib

      Pickford - Dubravka
      Alonso - Matip- TAA - White - Cancelo
      Saka - Mount - Son - Salah - DH
      Kane - Mateta - Gelhardt

      Mount to Zaha
      Gelhardt to Nketiah?
      Or?