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
Showing posts with label Fantasy football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy football. Show all posts
Monday, 28 June 2021
Goodbye from here
Thursday, 13 September 2018
Bang Average FPL GW5 Podcast - Bournemouth, Wolves and an Epic Moustache
“Bang Average”
is a Fantasy Football podcast covering both #FPL and draft versions of the game
for the Premier League.
Hosted by John (@FantasyGaffer)
Mike (@BangAverageMike) and myself
Ryan (@FantasyYIRMA) we cover
everything Football, Fantasy and elite level Nonsense. Typically it starts out with
good intentions and goes downhill from there.
Next up Gameweek 5!
With the International Break behind us
thankfully we can look ahead to the return of the Premier League.
On this week’s podcast, Mike unveils his plans for "Total Football" a new fantasy format where he combines players from the Premier League and the NFL to create a cumulative score and confuse Ryan to no end who openly admits that Tom Brady is the extent of his American Football knowledge.
Following that - there's some fairly solid FPL / Draft content.
Following that - there's some fairly solid FPL / Draft content.
- John’s gone AWOL
- #FPL GW5 players for consideration
- Ryan has zero understanding of the new Nations League format.
- Mike runs us through his grooming routine for his magnificent mustache
- The guys take a detailed look at Bournemouth for Fantasy assets worth consideration
- Mike declares undying love for Adama Traore both in draft format and life in general
https://soundcloud.com/user-36523528/week-5-preview-total-football
Alternatively - You can Listen on iTunes and probably 20 other places also - If you can't find us on your podcast player of choice, let me know. Happy to give Mike more work.
Many Thanks for listening!
Ryan @FantasyYIRMA
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Wednesday, 8 August 2018
Who Got The Assist? Pod 42 - Unwritten Rules of FPL (w/ FPL Stag)
Hi all!
We’re back for our final pod of the preseason joined by FPL Stag, whom we’re also collaborating with on twitter for our Preseason Previews.
Here, it’s not the ten commandments but nine unwritten rules of FPL that we debate the merits of, as well as talking in depth about how rotation may become part and parcel of our game.
We also talk All England, Zombie League and our teams, too.
Enjoy – and all the very best of luck on Gameweek 1!
SoundCloud:
Spotify (NEW FOR 2018/19 - very slow to update at times unfortunately)
Podbean (NEW FOR 2018/19)
Wednesday, 3 August 2016
| 5 Types of FPL Teams | Formations |
Following my light-hearted post on the 5 archetypal FPL managers,
and with not long to to go until the new season, it's time I got more
technical and divided
the draft teams I've seen on Fantasy Football Scout and Twitter into 5
groups. Teams are often judged on their balance, but not every team can
rotate all of their players effectively so that they can start any of
their 15-man squad depending on form and
fixture difficulty, injuries and suspensions. It's much more common for
teams to have a cheap bench and an obvious starting formation. You may
rotate a defender, midfielder or striker with one from your bench, but
your team formation tends to stay the same.
How you structure your team in terms of pricing is a big part of FPL and will be important when it comes to picking your early wildcard team, which will set your team up until at least the new year. In this article I weigh up which is the best of the 5 most popular formations:
1. Standard 3-4-3
4.5-5.5 (bench: 4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 4.5-5.5, 4.5-5.0 (bench: 4.5, 4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 7.5-9.5, 6.5-8.0, 6.0-7.0 (bench: 5.5-6.0)
10.0-13.0, 9.0-11.5, 6.5-7.0
This is the go-to formation for the seasoned FPL manager. As with any other formation, the keepers can add up to a total of 8.5-9.5 for a pair that does not much affect the rest of the team. Pricing is difficult to pin down in the high-end midfield and forward spots, where there are variations; either 2 premium strikers (10.0-13.0) and one premium midfielder (9.5-11.0), or typically Aguero or Ibrahimovic as the single premium striker with 2 premiums in midfield. Mid-priced to premium strikers obviously allow for more flexibility. However, there are price boundaries which I have used to decide whether your team meets the standard 3-4-3 criteria or takes a more attack-orientated approach to 3-4-3 (below). The midfield should add up to 31.0-35.0 and the attack should total no more than 31.0 in this structure. The 3-man defence generally costs between 15.0 and 16.5, with 2 cheapies on the bench.
Strengths: Your 4th midfielder can rotate with your 5th midfielder and score similar points. You can afford to have 3 defenders with a good FPL record who play for teams with strong defences. There is less of a need to have a cheap bench, so the defenders you can sub in are sure to start. Starting defenders are less likely to fall in value.
Weaknesses: The cost of your defence and bench means you miss out on a top of the range mid or striker. If your cheaper alternative doesn't score as many points your rank will suffer.
How you structure your team in terms of pricing is a big part of FPL and will be important when it comes to picking your early wildcard team, which will set your team up until at least the new year. In this article I weigh up which is the best of the 5 most popular formations:
1. Standard 3-4-3
4.5-5.5 (bench: 4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 4.5-5.5, 4.5-5.0 (bench: 4.5, 4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 7.5-9.5, 6.5-8.0, 6.0-7.0 (bench: 5.5-6.0)
10.0-13.0, 9.0-11.5, 6.5-7.0
This is the go-to formation for the seasoned FPL manager. As with any other formation, the keepers can add up to a total of 8.5-9.5 for a pair that does not much affect the rest of the team. Pricing is difficult to pin down in the high-end midfield and forward spots, where there are variations; either 2 premium strikers (10.0-13.0) and one premium midfielder (9.5-11.0), or typically Aguero or Ibrahimovic as the single premium striker with 2 premiums in midfield. Mid-priced to premium strikers obviously allow for more flexibility. However, there are price boundaries which I have used to decide whether your team meets the standard 3-4-3 criteria or takes a more attack-orientated approach to 3-4-3 (below). The midfield should add up to 31.0-35.0 and the attack should total no more than 31.0 in this structure. The 3-man defence generally costs between 15.0 and 16.5, with 2 cheapies on the bench.
Strengths: Your 4th midfielder can rotate with your 5th midfielder and score similar points. You can afford to have 3 defenders with a good FPL record who play for teams with strong defences. There is less of a need to have a cheap bench, so the defenders you can sub in are sure to start. Starting defenders are less likely to fall in value.
Weaknesses: The cost of your defence and bench means you miss out on a top of the range mid or striker. If your cheaper alternative doesn't score as many points your rank will suffer.
2. Attacking 3-4-3
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0, 4.5 (4.0-4.5, 4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.0-10.5, 6.5-8.0, 6.0-7.0, (4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 10.0-11.5, 7.5-9.5
As you can see above, there is more spent on the attacking line. Compared with the standard formation, less is spent in defence to afford an extra premium mid (9.5-11.0) and a cheaper 5th midfielder means more can be spent on your forward line. No more than 17.5 should be spent on your 4 bench players and no more than 14.5 should be spent on your 3 starting defenders for a big-hitting front 7.
Strengths: Your midfield and attack will be sure to contain at least 4 of 2015/16's top 8 highest scoring players, which were all midfielders and strikers last season.
Weaknesses: Your defence will only have one of last season's top 6 highest scoring defenders. Your sub midfielder will be unlikely to score or assist if he is needed and your sub defenders will be unlikely to keep a clean sheet if they start.
3. Standard 4-3-3
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.5, 5.0-5.5, 5.0-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
9.0-10.5, 7.5-8.5, 6.5-8.0 (5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 9.0-11.5, 6.5-7.5
This is a similarly priced team to the standard 3-4-3 model, but with a more expensive defence. There are 2 cheap mids on the bench that will not start costing up to just 10 combined, and up to 23.5 might be spent on your 4 starting defenders.
Strengths: You can afford more defenders that are more likely to keep clean sheets, make assists and score goals. Midfielders are more expensive than defenders, so having 2 cheapies on the bench saves more money to spend on upgrading the rest of your midfield and defence.
Weaknesses: The same is true of bench fodder. Cheap midfielders tend to be more expensive than cheap defenders, so you will have more cash on your bench and slightly less to spend on your starting 11. Also, midfielders score more points on average than defenders.
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0, 4.5 (4.0-4.5, 4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.0-10.5, 6.5-8.0, 6.0-7.0, (4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 10.0-11.5, 7.5-9.5
As you can see above, there is more spent on the attacking line. Compared with the standard formation, less is spent in defence to afford an extra premium mid (9.5-11.0) and a cheaper 5th midfielder means more can be spent on your forward line. No more than 17.5 should be spent on your 4 bench players and no more than 14.5 should be spent on your 3 starting defenders for a big-hitting front 7.
Strengths: Your midfield and attack will be sure to contain at least 4 of 2015/16's top 8 highest scoring players, which were all midfielders and strikers last season.
Weaknesses: Your defence will only have one of last season's top 6 highest scoring defenders. Your sub midfielder will be unlikely to score or assist if he is needed and your sub defenders will be unlikely to keep a clean sheet if they start.
3. Standard 4-3-3
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.5, 5.0-5.5, 5.0-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
9.0-10.5, 7.5-8.5, 6.5-8.0 (5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 9.0-11.5, 6.5-7.5
This is a similarly priced team to the standard 3-4-3 model, but with a more expensive defence. There are 2 cheap mids on the bench that will not start costing up to just 10 combined, and up to 23.5 might be spent on your 4 starting defenders.
Strengths: You can afford more defenders that are more likely to keep clean sheets, make assists and score goals. Midfielders are more expensive than defenders, so having 2 cheapies on the bench saves more money to spend on upgrading the rest of your midfield and defence.
Weaknesses: The same is true of bench fodder. Cheap midfielders tend to be more expensive than cheap defenders, so you will have more cash on your bench and slightly less to spend on your starting 11. Also, midfielders score more points on average than defenders.
4. Attacking 3-5-2
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0 (4.0-4.5, 4.0- 4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.5-10.0, 8.5-9.5, 6.5-7.5, 6.0-6.5
10.0-13.0, 6.5-7.5 (5.0-6.0)
This is a formation for those who have settled on 5 midfielders who they think will outscore strikers of the same price. It can be altered slightly if 2 premium strikers are chosen over 2 premium midfielders, but the 5 starting mids should be chosen to start every game regardless of fixtures and potential rotation.
Strengths: It allows for 3 premium mids and 4 of last season's top 8 midfielders are now 9.5 or over.
Weaknesses: You are unable to rotate midfielders and you will have more money on the bench than 3-4-3. Only 2 of last season's top 6 point scorers are midfielders.
5. Standard 4-4-2
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.5, 5.0-5.5, 5.0-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.5-10.0, 7.0-7.5, 6.0-7.5 (4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 6.5-7.5 (5.0-6.0)
This line-up is the same as 3-5-2 but with an extra starting defender and a cheap mid on the bench. Again, it depends on your outlook as to whether to invest in 2 premium forwards or 2 premium midfielders, but this formation is favoured by those who don't see value in having 3 starting strikers and would prefer to spend the cash on 4 defenders with a proven point-scoring record.
Strengths: You can afford more defenders that are more likely to keep clean sheets, make assists and score goals. Your team is likely to be balanced, so there is more opportunity to sub in starting players in each position if needed without using a free transfer.
Weaknesses: There are limited forward options below 6.0, so your sub striker may not start and drop in value. Midfielders and strikers score the most points, so not fielding the maximum may result in less points.
The best formation for you is based on your player preferences and whether you want your high end players in midfield, attack or both, including how many reliable defenders you feel you need. There is no right or wrong at this stage as we don't know who the highest scorers will be, but your favoured formation is something to bare in mind. The best thing to do is look for value for money in each position.
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.0-5.5, 4.5-5.0 (4.0-4.5, 4.0- 4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.5-10.0, 8.5-9.5, 6.5-7.5, 6.0-6.5
10.0-13.0, 6.5-7.5 (5.0-6.0)
This is a formation for those who have settled on 5 midfielders who they think will outscore strikers of the same price. It can be altered slightly if 2 premium strikers are chosen over 2 premium midfielders, but the 5 starting mids should be chosen to start every game regardless of fixtures and potential rotation.
Strengths: It allows for 3 premium mids and 4 of last season's top 8 midfielders are now 9.5 or over.
Weaknesses: You are unable to rotate midfielders and you will have more money on the bench than 3-4-3. Only 2 of last season's top 6 point scorers are midfielders.
5. Standard 4-4-2
4.5-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
5.5-6.5, 5.5, 5.0-5.5, 5.0-5.5 (4.0-4.5)
9.5-11.0, 9.5-10.0, 7.0-7.5, 6.0-7.5 (4.5-5.0)
10.0-13.0, 6.5-7.5 (5.0-6.0)
This line-up is the same as 3-5-2 but with an extra starting defender and a cheap mid on the bench. Again, it depends on your outlook as to whether to invest in 2 premium forwards or 2 premium midfielders, but this formation is favoured by those who don't see value in having 3 starting strikers and would prefer to spend the cash on 4 defenders with a proven point-scoring record.
Strengths: You can afford more defenders that are more likely to keep clean sheets, make assists and score goals. Your team is likely to be balanced, so there is more opportunity to sub in starting players in each position if needed without using a free transfer.
Weaknesses: There are limited forward options below 6.0, so your sub striker may not start and drop in value. Midfielders and strikers score the most points, so not fielding the maximum may result in less points.
The best formation for you is based on your player preferences and whether you want your high end players in midfield, attack or both, including how many reliable defenders you feel you need. There is no right or wrong at this stage as we don't know who the highest scorers will be, but your favoured formation is something to bare in mind. The best thing to do is look for value for money in each position.
Kyle Norbury, obsessive
fantasy football manager and have been for many years. Bit of a nerd
when it comes to stats. #TeamIbra.
Thursday, 28 July 2016
Football Survivor: Welcome!
‘So easy, your nan could play it!’...
Fantasy Premier League is a daily ritual for many, not merely a past-time, but a way of life. With Football Survivor, we’ve created a game which seamlessly fits into the average football fanatic’s day. Each week, each player, picks one team from the Premiership round of fixtures, to win their respective match. If they lose, you lose points, if they win, you don’t. It’s that simple. But there’s a catch… you can only pick each team once. A popular concept amongst many, the office, the university lecture hall, we’ve decided to generate the perfect platform for people to play. For our introductory post, we’ve decided to offer our expert advice on the opening weekend of the Premier League!
Fantasy Premier League is a daily ritual for many, not merely a past-time, but a way of life. With Football Survivor, we’ve created a game which seamlessly fits into the average football fanatic’s day. Each week, each player, picks one team from the Premiership round of fixtures, to win their respective match. If they lose, you lose points, if they win, you don’t. It’s that simple. But there’s a catch… you can only pick each team once. A popular concept amongst many, the office, the university lecture hall, we’ve decided to generate the perfect platform for people to play. For our introductory post, we’ve decided to offer our expert advice on the opening weekend of the Premier League!
The Safe Pick: Hull City v. Leicester City
Will the greatest football story ever told get a sequel? Or will we see Leicester slide down the Premier League table? The Foxes stormed the BPL last season and completed the most unexpected, dramatic and sensational title win in living memory. With unprecedented style and swagger, a team which was almost relegated the season before, smashed their way past Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City. Highlights included, Jamie Vardy breaking a premier league goals record, scoring in an unbelievable 11 consecutive matches, whilst Mahrez dazzled and terrified defences across the country, epitomised by his sensational solo effort in a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. This summer, N’Golo Kante, arguably Leicester’s most fundamental player, has transferred to Stamford Bridge to line up alongside Conte’s new men. It’ll be interesting to see how the Foxes fare this season in their title defence. However uncertain there success may be, an opening weekend fixture win at newly promoted Hull City, currently without a manager, looks a banker. Certainly, if Morgan, Drinkwater, Mahrez and Vardy are on song, then Hull have no chance.
The Risky Pick: Bournemouth v. Manchester United
It seems strange saying that it is a risk backing Jose Mourinho to win his opening Premier League game. But, there really is no way of knowing how this is going to go. Mourinho brings with him, success, style and a lot of baggage. Chelsea’s pathetic defence of the title last season was largely explained by Mourinho’s poor temperament and stubbornness. Certainly, his treatment of Eva Caneiro, Chelsea’s doctor, earned him little praise and a lot of enemies. Similarly, United were abysmal, last season, finishing 5th. The rigidity of Van Gaal’s system resulted in the lowest number of goals scored by a Manchester United team in any Premier League season. Memphis Depay arrived as one of the hottest prospects in European football, but ended the season being left out of the FA Cup Final squad; perhaps a result of LVG’s anti-creativity style of football. Chants of ‘attack, attack, attack’ would regularly erupt inside Old Trafford, as United fans became as desperate as they were frustrated. This season, things might be drastically different. The arrival of Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan, Baily and potentially Paul Pogba, for a world record transfer fee, would spark immense excitement in Manchester. The million dollar question is whether Mourinho can rejuvenate this Untied team to the heights of Sir Alex Fergusson, or whether we are really seeing the steady decline of England’s biggest football club.
Friday, 22 July 2016
| Chief's Footy Survivor League | How to Play & Join |
It's like Fantasy Football, but much easier!
Create a league, give it a name and invite all your mates to join.
The rules are simple
Choose 1 team from the Premier League you think will win each week.
Each player starts with 10 lives
If your chosen team...
Wins?
You keep all your lives!
Draws?
You lose 1 life
Loses?
You lose 2 lives!
The catch?
You can only pick each team once!
PRIZE FOR THE WINNER:
The last player alive in Chief's Survivor League will win a classic football shirt!
Wednesday, 20 July 2016
The new FPL game has launched - Prepare in style...
The FPL game is back and with a new look and added features it’s sure to be an exciting season ahead – and to compliment the new FPL game you can look forward to a refreshed fix coming soon with refined features to help your FPL season.
If you're wondering which players to have in your starting line-up this season, be sure to check out our Pre-Season Pack for algorithm squad picks, points projections, and rotation tools so you’ve got the start of the season covered.
Giving you more then just projections, our Pre-Season Pack also includes stats, tactics, and playing styles from the top 50 FPL Managers
of last season – combine these stats with the world’s most powerful
predictive fantasy football algorithms to improve your standard of FPL
play.
All these features plus loads more are AVAILABLE NOW – and for the next 7 days only receive 20% discount by using discount code: CHIEF
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
Create your FPL Squad for next season NOW…
The Fantasy Football Fix Pre-Season Pack is AVAILABLE NOW. Beat the wait for "FPL" to relaunch and start planning next season's Gameweek 1 squad now using Fix's Predicted Player Prices.
Create multiple FPL squads and tinker to find your ideal player combination for the start of next season, then apply fix stats to understand which player combinations will give you the most points.
 |
Friday, 29 April 2016
Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 36
Disclaimer: *I reserve the right to change this team at any time. Any changes will most likely be confirmed on FPLH's Twitter account.
Transfers:
Gomes & Lanzini (IN)
Schwarzer & Alli (OUT)
MONEY IN THE FPL BANK:
£0.0M
Friday, 15 April 2016
Chief's FPL Team Double Gameweek 34: Wildcard Edition
Disclaimer: *I reserve the right to change this team at any time. Any changes will most likely be confirmed on FPLH's Twitter account.
WILDCARD ACTIVATED
MONEY IN THE FPL BANK:
£0.1M
FREE @FPLHints Classic League Code (click to join) : 274-641
Yes, you read that right. I made a long-awaited spontaneous move!
No need to rub your eyes... "WILDCARD ACTIVATED".
It was never part of the plan to use it during a week in which I was keen to use one of my chips. But the fact of the matter is that I bagged a bad red arrow in Double Gameweek 33 following my failed purchases of Lukaku (c) and Lennon - I fell down by over 100,000 places. Ironically the two Evertonians could now be doubts for their upcoming game and with four other players who are also doubts or unlikely to start I had to take a risk and use my wildcard. Was I willing to risk a -8/-12 with no thought for GW35? Of course not. Plans are there to be redrawn or ignored. The aforementioned quagmire meant that I had an opportunity to build a wild card team for DGW34 and "Blank" GW35. I will still use one of my chips in DGW37. As for the other chip (most likely Triple Captain) I could use that for the final Gameweek of the season and hope for a random Theo Walcott hat-trick, right? I hate these blasted chips.
I was mindful of the fact that some DGW34 players have blanks in GW35. This meant that I didn't buy Carroll or top up with three United players. It's now or never for Newcastle, so Mitrovic was worth a shout, alongside a rejuvenated Welbeck. Liverpool are plagued with rotation as a result of their European adventure. I wanted a defender, but Mignolet seemed the "safest" pick at the back. I could have opted for Coutinho or Firmino but the latter hasn't played much of late. I had to get de Bruyne as he has proven to play well with Aguero. In terms of defence, Bellerin and Smalling are players that I have wanted since August, but have only now been able to accommodate both. I wanted guaranteed GW35 Spurs and Leicester cover so I somehow managed to squeeze in Dembele and Simpson. Darlow and Bennett are bench fodder with the latter in line for DGW37. The downside to all of this is that I sold Kane, Alli and Mahrez - they have no Double Gameweeks this season.
For more Double Gameweek insight, be sure to check this out.
Good luck to you all.
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