Almost 10 years ago today I sat inside a Central London office on the verge of accepting a football-related job. It's something that I had dreamed of since collecting football stickers and following scores on Ceefax as a child. I was all set to start but had a change of heart. Sometimes you just have to say no. I wanted to do something different and instead write about football, in particular my fantasy football adventure. Not long after this realisation the FPL Hints blog was formed by me. I simply wanted to share player recommendations and my very own team before each Gameweek. I still remember my first article on here which was short and brief.
From the onset we had readers from all around the world. The blog's hits, content production and writing team grew rapidly as the number of FPL managers skyrocketed in a few short years. In terms of traffic, 2013-2017 was the heyday of this blog. Thereafter I didn't have the time to commit to weekly articles and preferred using Twitter. Over the years, many seasoned fantasy football managers contributed an assortment of articles. At the same time, this blog had its limitations. It wasn't a website and I didn't really have time to develop it due to my own commitments. I dare not look at the traffic numbers now, but they've probably nose dived over the past year and a half when I gradually stopped posting content on here. Sorry for letting that happen and for also no longer sharing my team on a weekly basis.
On the plus side, looking ahead, www.fplhints.com will now be redirected to a long awaited website with new functionality. Rest assured, this blog will not be deleted off the face of the earth. I will keep it alive for archive and nostalgia purposes. But as the 10th anniversary of FPLHINTS gets near it made sense to do something new on the web front, as well as releasing a free magazine. I will still be active on Twitter and have began to experiment with YouTube and even Instagram. Thank you for reading this message and see you on the other side.
Ash, Chief @FPLHINTS
Monday, 28 June 2021
Goodbye from here
Sunday, 16 August 2020
FPL Invite Codes 2020/2021 Season (Fantasy Premier League)
Friday, 28 February 2020
Budget defensive options - Gameweek 28 and beyond
🤔 #ProPundit @FPLHints discusses the best budget defenders to help plug a gap in Blank Gameweek 28...— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) February 25, 2020
📝 READ HERE ⬇https://t.co/ufEaAn6b64#FPL #FantasyPL #BGW28
Friday, 10 January 2020
Sadio Mané? Mohamed Salah Or Both? #FPL
📊 #ProPundit @FPLHints has run a comparison on Salah 🆚 Mané— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) January 10, 2020
📝 READ HERE ⬇https://t.co/5uwx0PvjPT#FPL #FantasyPL #GW22 #lfc
Saturday, 14 December 2019
Why I've decided to lighten the bench
💺 While many FPL managers are strengthening their benches, @FPLHints has sold a playing substitute...— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) December 11, 2019
✍️ In his latest article, Ash - aka Chief - discusses Man City assets, aggressive transfers and his #GW17 plans.https://t.co/Pa7fDOEAdh#FPL #ProPundits #FantasyPL
Gameweek 17 Differentials
🤔 Defence could be the place to look for differentials over Christmas, writes @FPLHints— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) December 13, 2019
📝 READ HERE ⬇https://t.co/fHk020e3yH#FPL #FantasyPL #GW17 #cpfc #lcfc #sufc
Friday, 6 December 2019
Gameweek 16 Differentials
🔥 The differentials column just keeps on picking them this season!— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) December 6, 2019
🎩 The on-form @FPLHints has chosen 3⃣ more for #GW16!
📝 READ HERE ⬇https://t.co/EAaVdgP82e#FPL #FantasyPL
FPL: Five to watch in GW16 - dare to Dele?
The midweek Premier League games have barely finished but already attention turns to a fresh round of fixtures this weekend. The schedule is punishing for players and managers alike and rotation is bound to be a factor. Dave Black takes a look at the Fantasy Premier League picture ahead of gameweek 16.
If weeks 14 and 15 promised a hefty return, I am less optimistic ahead of week 16. The way the fixtures have fallen means that a lot of the FPL favourites are away from home this week. Whilst that isn't necessarily the be all and end all, the situation isn't helped by a Manchester derby and the ongoing injury doubts over Tammy Abraham and Mo Salah.
Whilst Salah can quite easily be replaced by Sadio Mane in FPL terms, Abraham's situation is far more unclear. The striker missed GW14 through injury but made a swift return for GW15, only to depart with an injury. Further news is awaited. Tottenham have a home fixture with Burnley which brings their attacking contingent into contention whilst Leicester were efficient rather than electric against Watford. Is the schedule taking it's toll?
We're back to just the five selections this week, starting with an in form midfielder at Tottenham.
1) Dele Alli (Tottenham, Midfield, £8.6m)
In a week with relatively few certainties, I've decided Tottenham's forward players are the best route to attacking returns. Even they are in a phase of transition, Jose Mourinho's winning streak being halted at three by Manchester United on Wednesday. Tottenham have looked much more of a goal threat and that has been typified by Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son. Whilst the South Korean has one goal and three assists to his name, Alli has netted three time under Mourinho including a wonderful finish at Old Trafford. A home game with Burnley presents a further opportunity for goals.
If weeks 14 and 15 promised a hefty return, I am less optimistic ahead of week 16. The way the fixtures have fallen means that a lot of the FPL favourites are away from home this week. Whilst that isn't necessarily the be all and end all, the situation isn't helped by a Manchester derby and the ongoing injury doubts over Tammy Abraham and Mo Salah.
Whilst Salah can quite easily be replaced by Sadio Mane in FPL terms, Abraham's situation is far more unclear. The striker missed GW14 through injury but made a swift return for GW15, only to depart with an injury. Further news is awaited. Tottenham have a home fixture with Burnley which brings their attacking contingent into contention whilst Leicester were efficient rather than electric against Watford. Is the schedule taking it's toll?
We're back to just the five selections this week, starting with an in form midfielder at Tottenham.
1) Dele Alli (Tottenham, Midfield, £8.6m)
In a week with relatively few certainties, I've decided Tottenham's forward players are the best route to attacking returns. Even they are in a phase of transition, Jose Mourinho's winning streak being halted at three by Manchester United on Wednesday. Tottenham have looked much more of a goal threat and that has been typified by Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son. Whilst the South Korean has one goal and three assists to his name, Alli has netted three time under Mourinho including a wonderful finish at Old Trafford. A home game with Burnley presents a further opportunity for goals.
You can read the rest of this article here
Wednesday, 4 December 2019
WGTA Live - Dec 2019 - Talisman And Value
Gameweeks 14 and 15, 2019/29
This week, in lieu of a full on pod, we took to YouTube to discuss two of WGTA's trademark stats - Talisman and Value.
The audio is attached here.
League Code: eikx03
Back next week with a full pod - and maybe Tom will be back with a solo back end of this week.
Watch the video (really sorry for the jerky cam footage; will fix next time!) here.
Listen and subscribe using the links here.
This week, in lieu of a full on pod, we took to YouTube to discuss two of WGTA's trademark stats - Talisman and Value.
The audio is attached here.
League Code: eikx03
Back next week with a full pod - and maybe Tom will be back with a solo back end of this week.
Watch the video (really sorry for the jerky cam footage; will fix next time!) here.
Listen and subscribe using the links here.
Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Gameweek 15 Differentials
🤔 Looking for a #GW15 differential? @FPLHints is back with three more options!— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) December 3, 2019
📝 READ HERE ⬇https://t.co/w0iJhpPZs4#FPL #FantasyPL
Friday, 29 November 2019
FPL - Who do you need ahead of GW14 & 15?
The Premier League returned after the International break and did not disappoint. As the calendar creeps towards December, the tough winter schedule really starts to take shape as we head into two game weeks in 3 days. FPL managers have some tough decisions to make so Dave Black takes a look at the games ahead.
With a midweek round (GW15) following in such short proximity, it makes sense to look at both sets of fixtures this week. Last week was very good for Jamie Vardy owners whilst Aguero and Sterling owners were tearing their hair out for differing reasons. Mo Salah got a much needed rest whilst Jose Mourinho gave new hope to owners of Spurs' attacking players, even if the defence has more questions than ever.
We're sticking with the Wish list theme for this week but taking both sets of games into account. These are 11 players that I'd want in my team with the two fixtures taken into consideration.
Goalkeeper
I've given the gloves to Nick Pope (£4.7m) this week. I'm hoping Burnley's home game with Crystal Palace will see a clean sheet whilst the midweek home game with Man City should be a chance to pick up some save points if nothing else.
Defenders
Once again Trent Alexander-Arnold earns his place in the selection. He was a late substitute during Liverpool's Champions League clash with Napoli so he should be well rested for the upcoming double header. Liverpool have two home games, starting with Brighton this weekend and out of form Everton on Tuesday.
Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) is the Leicester representative in our back line as the Foxes go hunting for a 5th successive clean sheet. Home games with Everton and Watford suggest a 6th and 7th are not out of the question.
I never thought I'd say this, but John Lundstram (£5m) is basically a must pick. The reality here is that Lundstram is listed as a defender on the game but essentially plays in attacking midfield. With 6 points on offer for a defender goal it's too big of a risk to leave him on your bench - and he is the top scoring defender in the game. Three goals, two assists and five clean sheets. Ignore him at your peril.
To read the rest of this article, click here
With a midweek round (GW15) following in such short proximity, it makes sense to look at both sets of fixtures this week. Last week was very good for Jamie Vardy owners whilst Aguero and Sterling owners were tearing their hair out for differing reasons. Mo Salah got a much needed rest whilst Jose Mourinho gave new hope to owners of Spurs' attacking players, even if the defence has more questions than ever.
We're sticking with the Wish list theme for this week but taking both sets of games into account. These are 11 players that I'd want in my team with the two fixtures taken into consideration.
Goalkeeper
I've given the gloves to Nick Pope (£4.7m) this week. I'm hoping Burnley's home game with Crystal Palace will see a clean sheet whilst the midweek home game with Man City should be a chance to pick up some save points if nothing else.
Defenders
Once again Trent Alexander-Arnold earns his place in the selection. He was a late substitute during Liverpool's Champions League clash with Napoli so he should be well rested for the upcoming double header. Liverpool have two home games, starting with Brighton this weekend and out of form Everton on Tuesday.
Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) is the Leicester representative in our back line as the Foxes go hunting for a 5th successive clean sheet. Home games with Everton and Watford suggest a 6th and 7th are not out of the question.
I never thought I'd say this, but John Lundstram (£5m) is basically a must pick. The reality here is that Lundstram is listed as a defender on the game but essentially plays in attacking midfield. With 6 points on offer for a defender goal it's too big of a risk to leave him on your bench - and he is the top scoring defender in the game. Three goals, two assists and five clean sheets. Ignore him at your peril.
To read the rest of this article, click here
Thursday, 28 November 2019
What are the avenues ahead without Aguero?
💷 With Aguero injured, @FPLHints has some money to spend as he cashes in on the premium City striker.— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) November 27, 2019
🦅 In his latest piece, Ash reveals his team plans and ponders the worth of Palace defenders:https://t.co/YnrXuFn7ZX#FPL #FantasyPL #GW14 #ProPundits #FPLCommunity
Tuesday, 26 November 2019
WGTA Pod 89 - Incoming FPL Onslaught (with Josh Williams)
Gameweek 13, 2019/20!
This week, in a packed pod, we're joined by the insightful Josh Williams (follow him on twitter @distancecovered) to look at the incoming FPL onslaught with 3 Gameweeks coming over just 7 days (Gws 14 to 16).
We do this through focusing on the key men for the sides with decent fixtures across that trio, covering our hot takes on Spurs under Jose Mourinho among other things.
It's an expanded Dad Watch this week in the features as Nick scores an interview with the man himself, as well as further listener questions.
League Code: eikx03
Due to the upcoming fixture congestion, we'll be on YouTube next Tuesday (3rd December) evening to do a live show.
Subscribe to our channel here!
Listen and subscribe using the links below:
SoundCloud
iTunes
Stitcher
Acast
Spotify
Podbean
This week, in a packed pod, we're joined by the insightful Josh Williams (follow him on twitter @distancecovered) to look at the incoming FPL onslaught with 3 Gameweeks coming over just 7 days (Gws 14 to 16).
We do this through focusing on the key men for the sides with decent fixtures across that trio, covering our hot takes on Spurs under Jose Mourinho among other things.
It's an expanded Dad Watch this week in the features as Nick scores an interview with the man himself, as well as further listener questions.
League Code: eikx03
Due to the upcoming fixture congestion, we'll be on YouTube next Tuesday (3rd December) evening to do a live show.
Subscribe to our channel here!
Listen and subscribe using the links below:
SoundCloud
iTunes
Stitcher
Acast
Spotify
Podbean
Friday, 22 November 2019
Gameweek 13 Differentials
⚽️ A trio of FPL forwards - all of whom are owned by fewer than 5% of Fantasy managers - for your consideration ahead of Gameweek 13 👇https://t.co/GpZWBsa9df#FPL #GW13 #FantasyPL #FPLCommunity— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) November 22, 2019
FPL: GW13 wish list - Leicester to maintain form?
The International break is over and FPL managers are reassembling ahead of the return of club football. Whilst a certain Portugese manager is back in town, most of us are sweating over the return of our International stars. Please, no more injuries! Dave Black take a look at the FPL weekend ahead.
Jose Mourinho's appointment at Tottenham has dominated the football news this week. From an FPL perspective, that Tottenham defence is only going to tighten up but just how quick can the re-employed one work his magic? There's worrying news coming out of Liverpool as FPL stalwarts Salah and Robertson struggle to shake off injuries and don't even get started on what team Pep will pick. It's good to be back.
We've gone for a format change too. Rather than just opting for five picks, I've expanded it to the full 11. There is minimal thought given to the budget and this is merely a wishlist of who I would pick if I was starting with a blank slate this week. It's a tricky fixture list this week so it seems a good week to try it out. As ever, comments are welcome.
Goalkeeper
Clean sheets have been at a premium in general this season but save points are on the rise. For that reason, Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) gets the nod in goal.
Having collected bonus points in each of his last three matches as well as three clean sheets in four, Ramsdale represents value for money but also a fair chance of a points return as Bournemouth welcome Wolves. It's a bold move considering Wolves have only failed to score once this season but with Jimenez having been away representing Mexico, it could be Bournemouth's chance to profit.
Jose Mourinho's appointment at Tottenham has dominated the football news this week. From an FPL perspective, that Tottenham defence is only going to tighten up but just how quick can the re-employed one work his magic? There's worrying news coming out of Liverpool as FPL stalwarts Salah and Robertson struggle to shake off injuries and don't even get started on what team Pep will pick. It's good to be back.
We've gone for a format change too. Rather than just opting for five picks, I've expanded it to the full 11. There is minimal thought given to the budget and this is merely a wishlist of who I would pick if I was starting with a blank slate this week. It's a tricky fixture list this week so it seems a good week to try it out. As ever, comments are welcome.
Goalkeeper
Clean sheets have been at a premium in general this season but save points are on the rise. For that reason, Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) gets the nod in goal.
Having collected bonus points in each of his last three matches as well as three clean sheets in four, Ramsdale represents value for money but also a fair chance of a points return as Bournemouth welcome Wolves. It's a bold move considering Wolves have only failed to score once this season but with Jimenez having been away representing Mexico, it could be Bournemouth's chance to profit.
To read the rest of this article, click here
Wednesday, 20 November 2019
Gameweek 13 Tips & £50 Cash Prize Opportunity
Join me and many other fantasy football managers in Starting 11’s
Gameweek 13 free to enter £50 game.
Starting 11 has another free to enter £50.00* mini-league prize on offer this weekend. I’m here to bring you tips and hints on how to make the most of your Daily Fantasy Premier League team.
We all love fantasy football and with a lot of us playing in FPL cash games with family, friends and work colleagues, Starting 11 are offering us the chance to win some fresh cash, every weekend!
What makes Starting 11 special is that there are no player price caps or budget restrictions, which allows you to pack a weekly team with as many premium assets as you want, rather than being forced to own less accomplished players from the bottom end of the table.
If you’d like to get involved this week by challenging myself and many other FPL managers from the community, simply create your line-ups today by downloading the free Starting 11 app, which is available on both iOS and Android.
*Terms and conditions apply
This Saturday we have SIXTEEN teams in action which include some fixtures that are difficult to call. You can only choose 11 players. Who will make your Starting 11?
Below, I (@FPLHints) will show you all my line-up in advance and offer a few thoughts on which premium and differential players I’m considering.
Once you’ve installed the app and are logged in, please head over to the ‘Mini-League’ tab and there you will see FPLTips’ contest for Saturday 23rd November.
As mentioned, both the iOS and Android apps are free to download, and the £50.00 free roll contest is free to join and play so there's nothing to lose.
Raul Jimenez vs. Bournemouth (A)
Raul Jimenez is showing both form and consistency ahead of the trip to Bournemouth, having scored three times now during his last four Premier League outings. He is beginning to rediscover his goal scoring touch from last season.
A front three of Vardy, Jimenez and Abraham is becoming the go-to front three this season across all fantasy football platforms – Jimenez deserves his place among that trio.
Their opponents Bournemouth managed to keep three clean sheets on the run recently, a side normally known for both scoring and conceding goals. However, normal service was resumed during Gameweek 12 as Newcastle put two past the Cherries.
What’s also worth noting is that Jimenez only played 20 minutes during his international fixture midweek, so he will be fresher than expected going into Gameweek 13.
James Maddison vs. Brighton (A)
While Vardy picks up the headlines, Maddison continues to be the driving force behind Leicester’s attacking football.
Maddison so far this season has chipped in with four goals and three assists, however a closer look suggests he could have delivered even more returns and feels like a must own at this stage of the season.
He has averaged two shots per game this season and in addition to his four goals, has missed four big chances – he’s averaging over two key passes per game.
There is a discussion as to whether we should own Maddison or Tielemans (on Starting 11 this week I have both!), however with Maddison’s set pieces added to his armoury – he edges it for me.
This week’s opponents Brighton have conceded nine times during their last six games. They play an attacking form of football to pose a real threat to Leicester’s winning run – but I still expect Leicester to score easily.
We all have to own an Everton player this week in Starting 11, purely for their fixture this week vs Norwich City.
Lucas Digne was a firm favourite among the FPL Community earlier in the season – attacking, set pieces, as well as the addition of possible clean sheets.
Three assists so far is less than we hoped for, as are only three clean sheets after a favourable opening fixture run. However considering Norwich have only scored twice during their last seven games, those clean sheet points look almost safe.
At the other end of the pitch, Norwich have conceded SIXTEEN times during those seven games. I'm sure we will see Digne in his opponents half more than we do defending his own goal.
To get involved, simply download the free app below and create your best 11-man team - and you’ll need to pick a captain to earn you those all-important double points!
FREE TO PLAY - FREE MONEY TO GIVEAWAY - DOWNLOAD BELOW
Monday, 18 November 2019
Pro Pundits - Performance Analysis
The @FFScout Pro Pundits and Forrest Gump get The Great and The Good treatment this week. https://t.co/oYb8qdXPJH@MarchSimon @FPLCruyff74 @lateriser12 @ffscout_luke @FPLFamily @zophar666 @FPLHints @FFCommunity_— FPL Greyhead (@Greyhead19) November 18, 2019
Buy Mane? Buy Salah? Or Both?
📝 Why #FFScout #ProPundit @FPLHints wants to become a Mané owner before it's too late ⬇https://t.co/zetFaUa35i#FPL #FantasyPL #lfc— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) November 12, 2019
Tuesday, 12 November 2019
Who Got The Assist? Pod 88 - Embrace The Fear
Gameweek 12, 2019/20!
This week, after focusing heavily on players and teams for the last few pods, we instead turn the spotlight on managers and how we deal with bandwagons in FPL. The challenge of the bandwagon decision comes around often, so this pod looks at the reasoning dilemmas and psychology behind them to help managers decide how to deal with challenge they represent.
As usual, we also include our usual features in the Market Forces, 30+, Nick/Tom picks, #dadwatch a league update and listener questions!
League Code: eikx03
Listen and subscribe using the links below:
SoundCloud
iTunes
Stitcher
Acast
Spotify
Podbean
This week, after focusing heavily on players and teams for the last few pods, we instead turn the spotlight on managers and how we deal with bandwagons in FPL. The challenge of the bandwagon decision comes around often, so this pod looks at the reasoning dilemmas and psychology behind them to help managers decide how to deal with challenge they represent.
As usual, we also include our usual features in the Market Forces, 30+, Nick/Tom picks, #dadwatch a league update and listener questions!
League Code: eikx03
Listen and subscribe using the links below:
SoundCloud
iTunes
Stitcher
Acast
Spotify
Podbean
Friday, 8 November 2019
Gameweek 12 - Differentials
🤔 Three #FPL midfield differentials for your consideration ahead of Gameweek 12 - all of whom are in-form and enjoy home fixtures 👇https://t.co/EtScBMkmIi#GW12 #FantasyPL #FPLCommunity— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) November 8, 2019
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