FISO

Posted: **09 Feb 2019, 12:25**

Smurphy's Paw wrote: ↑09 Feb 2019, 11:56 I’m not trying to create an issue and will dip out of the exchange by pointing out that I said possibly not you. You said probably. That was the only distinction I made. Good to see we agree.

Have a good game week

Yes, I said "it's probably a smaller blank including more big teams" which is true by all likelihoods. It is probable.

Posted: **09 Feb 2019, 14:36**

Vid wrote: ↑07 Feb 2019, 20:22 A reminder to not insult posters whose opinions you disagree with.

Thank You!

Not even myself for the stupid drunken transfers I made the night before?

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 00:39**

Too early to commit for sure but waiting on how the cup fixtures pan out I think I might go for the following....
Build for 32 and a boost. Free hit 31 and WC 33 with half a mind on trip cap for 35? City, Tottenham and Mitro potentially with some 1 gamers.....not set in stone yet and more thinking aloud and throwing ideas around...

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 10:27**

SunderlandFan wrote: ↑09 Feb 2019, 14:36
Vid wrote: ↑07 Feb 2019, 20:22 A reminder to not insult posters whose opinions you disagree with.

Thank You!
Not even myself for the stupid drunken transfers I made the night before?

Now that's an insult I would be amused to read.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 10:52**

Thoughts on preparations without a wild card.

This is going to be an unusual year in that I normally have all my chips available approaching the DGW/Blank season, and this time I have used both my wild card and my TC (thanks Aguero!). This means I have to take special care not to shift to a sub optimal squad because I can't correct it. So my general plan will be to only bring in players with blanks or doubles in mind if they are also players I would want in my team in a normal gameweek. This reduces the pool of candidate players substantially.

I think the best plan fo me is likely to be bringing in players that cover the GW31 and 33 blanks and FH in GW32. The challenge with this is that the GW31 and 33 teams don't have too many good options.

Candidate Pool

Liverpool: Salah, Mane, VvD, Firmino, TAA, Robertson, Allison
West Ham: Anderson, Arnie
Leicester: Vardy, Maguire, Pereira

Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal may come into play, which would help enormously.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 11:05**

I know I’m bias (afcb fan) but I think bournemouth assets are pretty good for BGW 31 and 33. At home to Newcastle/Burnley so decent chance of clean sheets (boruc back in, Smith from injury and clyne on loan seemed to have shored up the def a bit) and attacking wise plenty of threat from Wilson/brooks/Fraser/king. The first two hopefully may drop in price a little as out at the moment.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 11:22**

Yes Bournemouth options too. Wilson especially will be in my list

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Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 14:06**

It could turn out that Wilson isn't back in time for the GW30 run - apparently he had a knee operation last week to "clean it out", and Howe suggested it would be 4 weeks or so. So at the moment GW30 looks the earliest he could return rather than a definite.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 14:28**

Stemania wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 14:06 It could turn out that Wilson isn't back in time for the GW30 run - apparently he had a knee operation last week to "clean it out", and Howe suggested it would be 4 weeks or so. So at the moment GW30 looks the earliest he could return rather than a definite.

This brings King into play. We saw in the recent Chelsea game how devastating he can be in the central striker role.

The problem is, if Wilson returns in time for GW31, say, but you've already gone with King, Wilson's return could push King wider or deeper to a position where he's less effective.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 14:36**

Noob here...

I'm thinking of the following strategy... WC GW30, to set up for the doubles in GW32. FH for 31 to cover blanks. Then BB in 32 and TC in 35 when doubles are on.

Not many seem to be doing this from what I've seen. Is there a reason against it?

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 20:37**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 14:36 Noob here...

I'm thinking of the following strategy... WC GW30, to set up for the doubles in GW32. FH for 31 to cover blanks. Then BB in 32 and TC in 35 when doubles are on.

Not many seem to be doing this from what I've seen. Is there a reason against it?

I haven't yet thought about it enough to give an opinion - but will be following this thread intently myself.

Just replying to say Welcome to FISO

- you're in the right place to find the info you need.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 21:27**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 14:36 Noob here...

I'm thinking of the following strategy... WC GW30, to set up for the doubles in GW32. FH for 31 to cover blanks. Then BB in 32 and TC in 35 when doubles are on.

Not many seem to be doing this from what I've seen. Is there a reason against it?

Certainly a strategy I've been contemplating - largely depends on how comfortable I am with my team and the fixtures they have when going into GW30 and how they would fair in the none free hit BGW33. The other option is WC34 BB35.

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 21:27**

Yes, welcome

If employing that strategy you’ll have to give some thought to how you’ll approach the blank game week in 33. You’d be picking your squad before you know the outcomes of the FACup games in GW31

Posted: **10 Feb 2019, 22:53**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 14:36 Noob here...

I'm thinking of the following strategy... WC GW30, to set up for the doubles in GW32. FH for 31 to cover blanks. Then BB in 32 and TC in 35 when doubles are on.

Not many seem to be doing this from what I've seen. Is there a reason against it?

This was my original strategy that was the first idea that came into my head. Obviously we won't know how many blanks/doubles are on until close to next deadline so no planning can be really completed as yet in terms of personal preference however. I'm leaning toward build for 32 but won't make a decision until after the cup games.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 09:08**

According to Judio, there is a chance Fulham v Liverpool in GW31 moves if Chelsea also have a home fa cup tie as that tie would have to be on the Sunday to fit. Police advice might not want 2 home games in West London at same time.

Whether that means a blank that week I don't know. But worth keeping an eye on.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 09:11**

raoul wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:08 According to Judio, there is a chance Fulham v Liverpool in GW31 moves if Chelsea also have a home fa cup tie as that tie would have to be on the Sunday to fit. Police advice might not want 2 home games in West London at same time.

Whether that means a blank that week I don't know. But worth keeping an eye on.

Thank you for an interesting nugget. If Liverpool blanks then it's a very likely FH31, that's my first impression anyway. Who is Judio?

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 09:23**

Finisher1 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:11
raoul wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:08 According to Judio, there is a chance Fulham v Liverpool in GW31 moves if Chelsea also have a home fa cup tie as that tie would have to be on the Sunday to fit. Police advice might not want 2 home games in West London at same time.

Whether that means a blank that week I don't know. But worth keeping an eye on.
Thank you for an interesting nugget. If Liverpool blanks then it's a very likely FH31, that's my first impression anyway. Who is Judio?

Someone that has been providing excellent fixture news for many years

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 09:50**

That's quite a big 'if' though .... Chelsea beating Man United

.... sorry Vid

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 10:15**

raoul wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:08 According to Judio, there is a chance Fulham v Liverpool in GW31 moves if Chelsea also have a home fa cup tie as that tie would have to be on the Sunday to fit. Police advice might not want 2 home games in West London at same time.

Whether that means a blank that week I don't know. But worth keeping an eye on.

Pretty sure the Fulham v Liverpool match would move to the Saturday in that case. Given the Manchester derby is unlikely to take place even if Chelsea do win, there would be a free Saturday lunchtime TV slot.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 10:24**

brencarr wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:50 That's quite a big 'if' though .... Chelsea beating Man United .... sorry Vid

It's a big 'if' indeed but they are currently odds-on to beat Man United.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 10:37**

I’ve scrolled back through the thread to get the latest odds on blanks etc, is the latest on from end of Jan?

I think I’m going to have to pre-empt the fixtures of GW31/33 as need to get rid of hazard, he’s dropping like a stone!

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 11:27**

Vid wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:23
Finisher1 wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:11
raoul wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 09:08 According to Judio, there is a chance Fulham v Liverpool in GW31 moves if Chelsea also have a home fa cup tie as that tie would have to be on the Sunday to fit. Police advice might not want 2 home games in West London at same time.

Whether that means a blank that week I don't know. But worth keeping an eye on.
Thank you for an interesting nugget. If Liverpool blanks then it's a very likely FH31, that's my first impression anyway. Who is Judio?
Someone that has been providing excellent fixture news for many years

Indeed and long may it continue.

Since any change relies on Chelsea both winning and getting a home draw and I suspect still being in EL (Which I think forces the Sunday cup tie) this seems more possible than probable ... But if it happens it could wipe out the most obvious go to fixture of GW31 and make even a FH tricky.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 12:34**

Smurphy's Paw wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 21:27 Yes, welcome

If employing that strategy you’ll have to give some thought to how you’ll approach the blank game week in 33. You’d be picking your squad before you know the outcomes of the FACup games in GW31

This answers my question very well I think! It's a gamble to wildcard before knowing what the BGW33 fixtures will be.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 12:41**

When do we find out which games will be missing in GW31? Is GW33 likely to have far fewer blanks?

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 13:26**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 12:41 When do we find out which games will be missing in GW31? Is GW33 likely to have far fewer blanks?

All blanks for GW31 will be confirmed after the 5th round FA Cup games this weekend (and Monday). No 5th round replays this year.

Predicted #blanks - based on bookies odds - for GW31 currently 4.27 and for GW33 2.71, as per https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... ?sle=true#.

Posted: **11 Feb 2019, 22:04**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 12:41 When do we find out which games will be missing in GW31? Is GW33 likely to have far fewer blanks?

GW33 is likely to have fewer blanks as there are only 2 FA Cup semi finals clashing with GW33, compared to 4 QFs in GW31. Snout has given the odds but expanding on that a little:

GW31 - minimum no. of blanks = 1, maximum = 6, bookies odds = 4 (but there will be 6 if the favourite wins each FA Cup match this weekend)
GW32 - min = 0, max = 4, bookies odds = 3 (will be 4 if the favourite wins each FA Cup match)

It is a quirk of the FA Cup draw and the PL schedule that although lots of PL teams went out of the cup early, quite of lot of blanks are still possible. This is because nearly all the FA Cup matches are PL against lower league. Plus the GW31 and GW33 schedules don't include any matches between teams still in the FA cup (I think).

Posted: **12 Feb 2019, 08:25**

carlitobrigante wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 12:34
Smurphy's Paw wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 21:27 Yes, welcome

If employing that strategy you’ll have to give some thought to how you’ll approach the blank game week in 33. You’d be picking your squad before you know the outcomes of the FACup games in GW31
This answers my question very well I think! It's a gamble to wildcard before knowing what the BGW33 fixtures will be.

Yes, this has been the basis for my strategy and is why I’ve kept all chips (despite nearly bringing in Aguero to TC in 25

).

Anyway, so I’ll be doing:

1) Build through 27-30 for a first XI* for D32
2) FH B31 as it’s very probable to have the most blanks and therefore need the most (temporary) assistance
3) TC in D32 *unless I can also build a decent bench in 27-30, whereby I may then BB32 instead
4a) WC in B33 if cup results from B31 are kind enough to allow me to get in additional blank coverage for B33 whilst leaving me with a decent platform (ie free transfers) for D35
4b) Or WC in 34 if it feels better than 4a)
5) BB in D35 as can build a bench more easily with a WC *or TC depending on action taken in 3)

By choosing to build for D32, and using FH before WC, if - by any stroke - I feel I don’t need major surgery for D35 when it arrives (by needing WC for it), I can use WC 36-38 to optimise a sprint finish. Doubt this will be the case but it gives me the increased flexibility I feel. The risk, I guess, is building for D32 a few weeks ahead of time (injuries, etc.), but I’m happy to take this risk.

Posted: **12 Feb 2019, 09:29**

Spreadsheet wrote: ↑12 Feb 2019, 08:25
carlitobrigante wrote: ↑11 Feb 2019, 12:34
Smurphy's Paw wrote: ↑10 Feb 2019, 21:27 Yes, welcome

If employing that strategy you’ll have to give some thought to how you’ll approach the blank game week in 33. You’d be picking your squad before you know the outcomes of the FACup games in GW31
This answers my question very well I think! It's a gamble to wildcard before knowing what the BGW33 fixtures will be.
Yes, this has been the basis for my strategy and is why I’ve kept all chips (despite nearly bringing in Aguero to TC in 25 ).

Anyway, so I’ll be doing:

1) Build through 27-30 for a first XI* for D32
2) FH B31 as it’s very probable to have the most blanks and therefore need the most (temporary) assistance
3) TC in D32 *unless I can also build a decent bench in 27-30, whereby I may then BB32 instead
4a) WC in B33 if cup results from B31 are kind enough to allow me to get in additional blank coverage for B33 whilst leaving me with a decent platform (ie free transfers) for D35
4b) Or WC in 34 if it feels better than 4a)
5) BB in D35 as can build a bench more easily with a WC *or TC depending on action taken in 3)

By choosing to build for D32, and using FH before WC, if - by any stroke - I feel I don’t need major surgery for D35 when it arrives (by needing WC for it), I can use WC 36-38 to optimise a sprint finish. Doubt this will be the case but it gives me the increased flexibility I feel. The risk, I guess, is building for D32 a few weeks ahead of time (injuries, etc.), but I’m happy to take this risk.

I'm pretty much in the same place at the moment; depending on what happens this weekend.

Posted: **12 Feb 2019, 09:52**

I like that ^^^^ from Spreadsheet .... food for thought

Posted: **13 Feb 2019, 19:51**

French league has top flight games tonight.

Thought that wasn't allowed and is reason we all expect GW32 to be full of doubles?

FISO

Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - Summary in OP

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

Re: Blanks, DGWs, and those pesky chips (18/19) - DGW25 Confirmed

League matches in European weeks