https://www.scmp.com/rss/328212/feed Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is an online contest in which players compete against other players across the world by selecting a "fantasy" squad and scoring points based on the real-life performace of their selected players. It has over 6 million competitors and offers weekly, monthly and overall prizes, including VIP tickets to watch English Premier League matches. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The English Premier League’s elite have been busier than ever this summer. Whether it’s bringing in top-class talent from abroad or raiding the mid-table clubs for their most important assets, no one seems to be standing still. Of course, it’s been a more productive summer for some than others. So as we near the end of pre-season, let’s take a look at how a busy summer of transfer business is shaping the 2025-26 campaign – and the consequences for your Fantasy Premier League (FPL)... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320696/fantasy-premier-league-all-you-need-know-liverpool-arsenal-city-spend-big?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320696/fantasy-premier-league-all-you-need-know-liverpool-arsenal-city-spend-big?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:43:35 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Never did I think that a Fantasy Premier League season could jeopardise my professional career, but here we are. The Post’s mini-league, despite my utter dominance throughout, has somehow come down to the final day, with just five points between my side, Various Artists, and the team in second. As the Post’s resident FPL “expert”, how can I walk back into the office with any shred of dignity if I somehow throw away the league? My editor has even hinted that I will be sent on a post-season FPL... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311590/fpl-under-pressure-kevin-keegan-i-would-love-it-if-i-beat-my-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311590/fpl-under-pressure-kevin-keegan-i-would-love-it-if-i-beat-my-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:14 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer With Tottenham Hotspur hosting Aston Villa and Chelsea against Manchester United on Friday, an early deadline looms for Fantasy Premier League managers. And Gameweek 37 is an extended one with fixtures involving FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace and Manchester City moved to Tuesday. The selection headache comes from those four teams, as targeting Man United and Tottenham has proven a sure-fire way to score points. I will look at whether picking Palace players, who could make history this weekend,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310274/fantasy-premier-league-get-watkins-villa-players-tottenham-man-united-horizon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310274/fantasy-premier-league-get-watkins-villa-players-tottenham-man-united-horizon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 06:48:36 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer With only three games to go in Fantasy Premier League, we are at that stage of the season when club sides become unpredictable, making team selection and transfers an even bigger headache. In most seasons, targeting players from teams facing Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would be ridiculous, but with both clubs showing dismal form in the league, and having secured their spots in the Europa League final on Thursday night, I am advising you to do just that. This Gameweek 36 FPL article... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3309839/fantasy-premier-league-time-buy-haaland-city-face-saints-gameweek-36?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3309839/fantasy-premier-league-time-buy-haaland-city-face-saints-gameweek-36?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2025 05:51:46 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer If you were among the one million Fantasy Premier League managers who activated their Free Hit chip in Gameweek 34, you are most likely enjoying a significant green arrow. But the action is not over, as Nottingham Forest host Brentford on Thursday evening, meaning if you do not have players from those sides, your current ranking is likely to take a hit. Friday’s deadline means managers have important decisions to make soon, including whether to drop big names such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308666/fpl-gameweek-35-dropping-mohamed-salah-bukayo-saka-among-key-calls-be-made-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308666/fpl-gameweek-35-dropping-mohamed-salah-bukayo-saka-among-key-calls-be-made-week?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Reuters Reuters With betting on the next pope frowned upon in the home of the Vatican, thousands of Italians have instead taken to playing “Fantapapa” – an online game inspired by the fantasy leagues familiar to sports fans. International gambling companies, never shy of a marketing opportunity, are offering odds on various candidates to succeed Pope Francis when cardinals meet in a secret conclave from May 7. In Italy, however, no licensed gambling platform is taking bets on ‘papabili’, as the papal contenders... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308572/fantasy-premier-league-style-game-allows-italian-guess-identity-new-pope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3308572/fantasy-premier-league-style-game-allows-italian-guess-identity-new-pope?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:04:31 +0000 This weekend could see matters both at the top and bottom of the Premier League resolved. As for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, the main issue to contend with in Gameweek 34 is the blanks for Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. This comes hot on the heels of a Double Gameweek, so changes will be necessary as we close in on the final stretch of the campaign. I’m filling in today for my esteemed colleague, Lars Hamer, who’s had quite the past few weeks in FPL. But... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307875/fpl-gameweek-34-mohamed-salah-clinch-liverpools-title-give-cole-palmer-another-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307875/fpl-gameweek-34-mohamed-salah-clinch-liverpools-title-give-cole-palmer-another-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:30:08 +0000 Let us cut to the chase here: if you had followed my advice in the previous two FPL articles, you would have scored over 113 points from my tips alone. Building on the 63 points I scored in Gameweek 31, I bagged an additional 93 points in Double Gameweek 32, which concluded with Newcastle’s 5-0 demolishing of Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. My second green arrow in a row has lifted more than 50,000 places up the world rankings to sit in 145,409th, my highest rank since the dizzy heights of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307148/fantasy-premier-league-heres-my-tip-best-possible-team-double-gameweek-33?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3307148/fantasy-premier-league-heres-my-tip-best-possible-team-double-gameweek-33?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Apr 2025 05:24:24 +0000 Even though the Champions League is wrapped up for another week, a few talking points from the European action spilled into the Fantasy Premier League realm. One issue to arise from the Arsenal v Real Madrid game was Bukayo Saka (£10.4 million) limping off after 74 minutes. “Bukayo Saka has not suffered any serious injury,” Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said. “He’s fine – I think it was a kick.” Having just returned from three months out with a hamstring injury and with the crucial away leg at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3306061/fantasy-premier-league-showtime-crystal-palace-newcastle-and-will-bukayo-saka-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3306061/fantasy-premier-league-showtime-crystal-palace-newcastle-and-will-bukayo-saka-play?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:00:17 +0000 Things are starting to get real in the Premier League. Southampton could have their relegation to the Championship confirmed on Sunday night, Liverpool could wrap up their title bid by the end of the month, and FPL managers are gearing for Double Gameweek 32 and 33. Gameweek 31’s deadline is Saturday at 6pm Hong Kong time, so we’ve put together a handy guide on how to handle this weekend and the crucial closing stages of the season. Gameweek 31 tips Gameweek 31 could be a high-scoring affair as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3305331/fantasy-premier-league-southampton-set-drop-managers-face-double-jeopardy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3305331/fantasy-premier-league-southampton-set-drop-managers-face-double-jeopardy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:09:25 +0000 Fantasy Premier League is back with a 1.15am deadline on Wednesday, after a two-week break for international football followed Blank Gameweek 29. But before the Premier League gets back under way, the FA Cup quarter-finals will be played over the weekend, the results of which will create both Double and Blank Gameweeks. Add injuries to key players during World Cup qualifiers and Nations League games, and it is easy to see why more than 55,000 managers have activated their Wildcard. This week’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304093/fantasy-premier-league-whos-hurt-which-teams-target-best-gameweek-30-wildcard-draft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304093/fantasy-premier-league-whos-hurt-which-teams-target-best-gameweek-30-wildcard-draft?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Snooker player Neil Robertson is the Post’s Fantasy Premier League pundit for Gameweek 29, days after claiming the World Grand Prix trophy at Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Arena. The former world champion had recovered from the brink of defeat in his semi-final, later joking: “I was starting to think about the FPL deadline.” Having won the final against Stuart Bingham by a scarcely believable 10-0, can he hold his form, both on the snooker table – where he is heading back towards the world’s top 10 –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302500/fantasy-football-gw29-strategy-snookers-neil-robertson-fresh-hong-kong-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3302500/fantasy-football-gw29-strategy-snookers-neil-robertson-fresh-hong-kong-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:01:12 +0000 The English Premier League title race may effectively be over but we’re entering crunch time in Fantasy Football. Coming up is Gameweek 28, which is immediately followed by a weekend when four teams will not be playing. We decided to be topical and ask DeepSeek for a little help – and we’re going to tell you why that is not a good idea. But first, let’s take a look back at Gameweek 27. Cold Palmer Could it finally be time to move on from the Chelsea man? If Southampton at home didn’t bring... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301377/fantasy-premier-league-cole-palmers-last-chance-and-why-you-shouldnt-ask-deepseek?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3301377/fantasy-premier-league-cole-palmers-last-chance-and-why-you-shouldnt-ask-deepseek?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:00:18 +0000 Gameweek 27 presents the same age-old dilemma: do you captain Mohamed Salah or Cole Palmer? And if Chelsea’s main man fails to deliver again, it may be time to start sounding the alarm bells. Your regular FPL guru Lars Hamer is away, which means I’m stepping into his shoes, and while I certainly feel the pressure, that’s nothing compared with Palmer, who has now gone six matches without scoring. But before we take a look at what’s to come, here’s a quick recap on how last week went. Gameweek 26... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300012/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-27-will-see-palmer-finally-deliver-never-ignore-salah?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3300012/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-27-will-see-palmer-finally-deliver-never-ignore-salah?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:31:52 +0000 Fantasy Premier League managers have tough decisions ahead of Friday’s Gameweek 26 deadline: captain Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) against Manchester City, or opt for out-of-form Cole Palmer (£11.1m)? Then, of course, we have the issue of which assistant manager to select as well as tailoring transfers to Gameweek 29, when Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all blank. So, after a quick Gameweek 25 recap, I will outline the best captain and assistant manager choices, top five Gameweek... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299594/fpl-captain-salah-v-city-drop-palmer-big-gameweek-26-dilemmas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299594/fpl-captain-salah-v-city-drop-palmer-big-gameweek-26-dilemmas?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:42:23 +0000 A fiery Merseyside Derby under the lights at Goodison Park finished 2-2 on Wednesday to end Fantasy Premier League’s Gameweek 24, which started 12 days ago. Gameweek 24 was the first Double Gameweek of the season and saw managers score a whopping average of 87 points. While all that was going on, the Premier League announced the second Double Gameweek would be with us this weekend. So, with Liverpool and Aston Villa set to play two games in one week, we’ll tell you who to target for Gameweek 25,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298552/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-25-buy-villa-liverpool-players-triple-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3298552/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-25-buy-villa-liverpool-players-triple-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2025 03:00:08 +0000 The first Double Gameweek of the Fantasy Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, thanks to the rearranged Merseyside derby. Liverpool’s first of two games will be a tricky fixture away at Bournemouth, and this is followed by the short trip to Goodison Park, while the Blues’ pre-derby match sees them welcome Leicester City. So, after a quick Gameweek 23 review, we’ll get into the best Double Gameweek transfers and team selection. Gameweek 23 Like many FPL managers, I benefited massively from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3296800/fantasy-premier-league-time-triple-captain-salah-back-ndiaye-and-watch-out-transfers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3296800/fantasy-premier-league-time-triple-captain-salah-back-ndiaye-and-watch-out-transfers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:30:18 +0000 It is a little too early to say the Premier League has reached the business end of the season, but the next few weeks for the world’s fantasy managers could be crucial. This week, three of the top six are in action against teams fighting to avoid relegation. Following that, Gameweek 24 will be a Double Gameweek, plus there is the launch of the new Assistant Manager chip. So, with that in mind here are the best transfers, tips and line-up suggestions for Gameweek 23 in the Fantasy Premier... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3296088/fantasy-premier-league-dropping-palmer-makes-no-sense-crucial-weeks-coming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3296088/fantasy-premier-league-dropping-palmer-makes-no-sense-crucial-weeks-coming?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:00:19 +0000 The Premier League said this week that Liverpool’s postponed trip to Everton would be played in Gameweek 24 – meaning the first Double Gameweek of the season kicks off on February 1. Just days before that, FPL revealed prices for the new Assistant Manager chip, which also goes live on Gameweek 24. So, with manager transfer fees ranging from £500,000 to £1.5m, a desire to have as many Liverpool or Everton players ahead of the double as possible, and teams still in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup – and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3295291/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-22-go-big-forest-dump-van-dijk-and-course-buy-isak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3295291/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-22-go-big-forest-dump-van-dijk-and-course-buy-isak?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2025 04:00:16 +0000 As we go into the first full match schedule of the new year, four red arrows in a row have got me questioning where I am going wrong in Fantasy Premier League – the answer is, once again, my bench. I had 10 points among my subs last week, 14 the week before and 17 the week before that. My drops down the rankings have, thankfully, not been too bad. Gameweek 19 saw me fall from 295,000 to 367,000. My 63-point score cost me a minor five thousand places the week before. Anyway, the best bit of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3293115/fantasy-premier-league-upshot-my-recent-ranking-falls-do-i-say-not-i-do?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3293115/fantasy-premier-league-upshot-my-recent-ranking-falls-do-i-say-not-i-do?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:20 +0000 While Premier League titles cannot be won over Christmas – although the team at the top of the table in four of the past six seasons has gone on to be crowned champions – Fantasy Premier League managers can take advantage of those who neglect their side in exchange for mince pies, presents and mulled wine. With fixtures coming thick and fast, it could be make or break time for those of you looking for bragging rights in your work mini-league or trying to get one over on family and friends. And,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3292104/fantasy-premier-league-splash-your-saka-cash-isak-or-bet-foden-city-getting-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3292104/fantasy-premier-league-splash-your-saka-cash-isak-or-bet-foden-city-getting-better?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:30:06 +0000 Last week, the Fantasy Premier League community received an early Christmas present when the Mystery Chip was finally revealed. The Assistant Manager chip will be available for players from Gameweek 24 and allows users to bring one Premier League manager into their squad. Assistant managers earn your side six points for a win, three points for a draw and extra points for goals and clean sheets. If you choose a manager whose side beats an opponent ranked at least five places higher, points for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3291556/fantasy-premier-league-tough-choice-gameweek-captain-salah-has-earned-his-spurs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3291556/fantasy-premier-league-tough-choice-gameweek-captain-salah-has-earned-his-spurs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:17 +0000 Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 16 is approaching, and there’s so much to discuss. We have a GW15 review, must-have signings, captaincy picks and differentials. So, let’s just get on with it. Gameweek 15 review In the absence of centre-back partner Gabriel (£6.2m), William Saliba (£6.2m) has stepped up to be Arsenal’s set-piece danger man, bagging two in as many games. Gabriel’s omission from Arsenal’s match-day squad for the second week in a row and Liverpool’s game against Everton being... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3290421/fpl-sign-arsenals-set-piece-king-william-saliba-new-chelsea-dangerman-enzo-fernandez?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3290421/fpl-sign-arsenals-set-piece-king-william-saliba-new-chelsea-dangerman-enzo-fernandez?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2024 04:00:20 +0000 Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast, with two rounds of games this week. That means there is little time for Fantasy Premier League managers to get their teams in shape, and even less for us in Hong Kong who are dealing with a 2am Wednesday morning deadline. Without further ado, here is your must-have midfield for Gameweek 14, a selection of defensive diamonds and cheap forward options to enable big-money signings. Gameweek 13 review You may remember two weeks ago I told people to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3289125/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-14-must-have-midfield-stout-defenders-cheap-forwards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3289125/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-14-must-have-midfield-stout-defenders-cheap-forwards?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:30:09 +0000 Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will need to be almost perfect if they are to catch runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool but feels momentum is building again after a poor run. Arsenal, runners-up to Manchester City over the past two seasons, were expected to challenge again this year but instead Liverpool have raced eight points clear of second-placed City. The Gunners go into Saturday’s match against West Ham on a high after hammering Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek. Last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3288772/english-premier-league-arsenal-must-be-near-perfect-catch-liverpool-says-arteta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3288772/english-premier-league-arsenal-must-be-near-perfect-catch-liverpool-says-arteta?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 18:00:11 +0000 The wheels have well and truly come off at Manchester City. They followed their 4-0 home loss to Tottenham up by throwing away a three-goal lead against Feyenoord. This kind of run is unprecedented in the Pep Guardiola era. But what does it mean for Fantasy Premier League? City are still making chances: they had 23 shots against Spurs and Erling Haaland (£15.1m) scored two against Feyenoord. However, they are leaking goals, with Josko Gvardiol (£6.3m) in particular having had a torrid time and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3288458/fpl-sell-erling-haaland-manchester-city-players-captain-liverpools-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3288458/fpl-sell-erling-haaland-manchester-city-players-captain-liverpools-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:33:24 +0000 The latest international break is over and Fantasy Premier League players will be glad to hear that there will not be another one until March. Also, Premier League fixtures are about to start coming thick and fast, with the first week of December hosting a round of midweek fixtures before the Christmas run-in. So, let us dive into the Erling Haaland (£15.2m) dilemma, whom to target in Gameweek 12 and transfer tips. Backtrack on selling Haaland? The Norwegian has been transferred out by almost... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3287341/fantasy-premier-league-3-reasons-you-should-keep-erling-haaland-and-3-teams-target?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3287341/fantasy-premier-league-3-reasons-you-should-keep-erling-haaland-and-3-teams-target?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Nov 2024 04:00:12 +0000 If you have not ditched Erling Haaland (£15.3m) yet, now is the time to do it. The Norwegian has returned only once in the past five games and his next three fixtures are Brighton away, Spurs at home and then Liverpool away. Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), on the other hand, has scored 31 points in three games, including goals against Brighton, Arsenal and Chelsea. Say hello to your captain for Gameweek 11. As for striker options, if you’ve been sleeping on Chris Wood (£6.5m), I feel sorry for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3285585/fantasy-premier-league-good-week-pick-some-spurs-skippered-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3285585/fantasy-premier-league-good-week-pick-some-spurs-skippered-mohamed-salah?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:00:11 +0000 For me heading into Gameweek 9 of Fantasy Premier League, it was all about stopping the rot – and with 75 points and a fat green arrow, it was mission accomplished. My big performers were once again Chris Wood (£6.4m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£7.7m), who both scored two, and Mohamed Salah (£12.7m), who got me 10 points. My choice to play Virgil van Dijk (£6.1m) against Arsenal paid off – even though Liverpool conceded two – as the Dutchman scored from a corner. Heading into Gameweek 10, talk within the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3284597/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-10-big-players-came-through-time-ditch-haaland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3284597/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-10-big-players-came-through-time-ditch-haaland?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:30:13 +0000 As my disastrous run of form continues in the Fantasy Premier League, the panic button has been well and truly pushed ahead of this week’s Gameweek 9 deadline, which is at 1.30am on Saturday. In the low-scoring week that was Gameweek 8, my blushes were well and truly saved by the Nottingham Forest duo, goalkeeper Matz Sels (£4.5m) and striker Chris Wood (£6.3m), in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Hong Kong time. Had it not been for Sels’ clean sheet and Wood’s 65th-minute goal in the 1-0 win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3283685/fantasy-premier-league-panic-button-well-and-truly-pushed-its-back-well-proven-duo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3283685/fantasy-premier-league-panic-button-well-and-truly-pushed-its-back-well-proven-duo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:30:08 +0000 It’s now a month since I took charge of the Fantasy Premier League blog for the Post, and would love to tell you that my hot streak has continued and that I am still among the best managers in the world. But that is most certainly not the case. I activated my Wildcard in Gameweek 6, bringing in William Saliba (£6.0m) for the double Arsenal defence as well as Bukayo Saka (£10.1m). While Saka scored me 16 points last week, at the other end of the pitch, their once-watertight defence has shipped... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282547/fpl-gameweek-8-erling-haaland-triple-captain-my-chris-wood-woe-benching-virgil-van-dijk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3282547/fpl-gameweek-8-erling-haaland-triple-captain-my-chris-wood-woe-benching-virgil-van-dijk?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:30:07 +0000 Premier League football is back, almost seven days on from when we last saw it, and after a week of League Cup and Uefa Europa League action as well as no Monday game, it’s about as long a break as we’ll see this season. So that means ever so slightly more thinking time for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. And here are a few things to consider as we head into Gameweek 6. Wild card week? It’s always a pressure situation knowing when to use the opportunity to completely overhaul your team.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3280001/fpl-gameweek-6-wild-card-week-erling-haalands-strike-partners-best-budget-midfielders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3280001/fpl-gameweek-6-wild-card-week-erling-haalands-strike-partners-best-budget-midfielders?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:30:09 +0000 Another week and another green arrow in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for Various Artists as my team jumps from 90,630th in the world to 57,621st. My 61-point haul marks the fifth week in a row that I have climbed up the rankings, but all that glitters is not gold with three players having contributed 48 points from my Gameweek 4 total. A goal and a clean sheet for Gabriel (£6.0m) in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Tottenham earned him 15 points. The defender was the first name on my substitutes bench and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3279074/fpl-gameweek-5-concerns-amid-injuries-lack-form-and-erling-haaland-facing-gabriel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3279074/fpl-gameweek-5-concerns-amid-injuries-lack-form-and-erling-haaland-facing-gabriel?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:30:09 +0000 For most football fans, a two-week break from the English Premier League after just three fixtures is one of the most infuriating parts of the game, next to failing to beat the first man from a corner or a lengthy VAR check. But the wait is almost over as the competition resumes on Saturday at 7.30pm (Hong Kong Time) with Southampton against Manchester United. And the return of domestic football means only one thing, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are busy with wildcard drafts, transfers... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3278173/fantasy-premier-league-diaz-odegaard-make-salah-captain-how-you-can-win-gameweek-4?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3278173/fantasy-premier-league-diaz-odegaard-make-salah-captain-how-you-can-win-gameweek-4?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:30:07 +0000 In theory, the weekend means those of you with light-blue blood running through your veins may well have stayed up to watch Erling Haaland give another set of defenders nightmares. Or, you could have taken in some tennis, Formula One, rugby, the Paralympics, and Joe Root’s record-setting 34th Test match hundred at Lord’s. But for those of you that do value your shut-eye, here’s what happened while you were sleeping. The edited highlights China’s Paralympians are winning so many gold medals that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3276721/china-athletes-dominate-paris-paralympics-and-can-anyone-stop-erling-haaland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3276721/china-athletes-dominate-paris-paralympics-and-can-anyone-stop-erling-haaland?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Aug 2024 23:30:14 +0000 Call me mystic Lars. I told you to captain Erling Haaland (£15.1 million) – which, granted is not a hugely controversial call. But I did also say to play Fulham’s Antonee Robinson (£4.6m) over Arsenal defenders. And while the Manchester City goal getter bagged a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Ipswich, Robinson’s assist in the 2-1 win over Leicester City meant he outscored Arsenal defenders, despite them keeping a clean sheet. Overall, I scored 88 points in Gameweek 2, much higher than the 69-point... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3276394/fpl-tips-man-utd-v-liverpool-dilemma-i-was-right-pick-fulham-defender-over-arsenals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3276394/fpl-tips-man-utd-v-liverpool-dilemma-i-was-right-pick-fulham-defender-over-arsenals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:00:16 +0000 Surprise omissions, underperformers and business as usual for Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal were some of the big talking points from Gameweek 1 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL). Gameweek 2 is fast approaching and with Brighton hosting Manchester United at 7.30pm on Saturday (Hong Kong Time) it is time for managers to start putting together their starting XIs. And in case you are wondering why you should listen to me when deciding who to pick, I scored a whopping 70 points in Gameweek 1,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3275469/tips-winning-fpl-gameweek-2-bench-arsenal-defenders-make-erling-haaland-captain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3275469/tips-winning-fpl-gameweek-2-bench-arsenal-defenders-make-erling-haaland-captain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Aug 2024 08:20:48 +0000 Manchester City face a strong challenge from Arsenal as the champions look to win an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title. Liverpool start a new era with Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp, while Erik ten Hag is under pressure to deliver at Manchester United after narrowly avoiding the sack. Here are five things to watch out for when the new season gets under way on Friday: Tough act to follow Liverpool fell short of giving Jurgen Klopp a glorious goodbye as they stumbled down the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3274441/english-premier-league-reds-arteta-ten-hag-promoted-teams-chelsea-5-talking-points?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3274441/english-premier-league-reds-arteta-ten-hag-promoted-teams-chelsea-5-talking-points?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 08:00:44 +0000 After two months of global sporting events, including Euro 2024, Copa America and watching Hong Kong stars at the Paris Olympics, you could be forgiven for forgetting to put together your Fantasy Premier League team (FPL) side. The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday in the UK, with Manchester United against Fulham scheduled to start at 3am on August 17 (HKT). This means that FPL managers have until 1.30am to finalise their 15-man squad and starting 11 for the weekend. With the new... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3274435/fantasy-football-tips-premier-league-back-man-utd-v-fulham-kicks-gameweek-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3274435/fantasy-football-tips-premier-league-back-man-utd-v-fulham-kicks-gameweek-1?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 07:41:20 +0000 Fantasy Premier League has gone live for its 23rd consecutive season, with more transfer power and a mystery chip players have to wait until January to use. The £100 million budget remains the same, and players now have four weeks of unlimited transfers to create a squad of 15 before the season kicks off on Friday, August 16. Over the past week, FPL had been drip-feeding player price tags to the community, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is now most expensive player in the competition’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3270963/fantasy-premier-league-more-transfers-mystery-chip-and-10-points-if-your-keeper-scores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3270963/fantasy-premier-league-more-transfers-mystery-chip-and-10-points-if-your-keeper-scores?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:30:09 +0000 The English Premier League will enter its final round of fixtures at 11pm Hong Kong time on Sunday, and 90 minutes later the world will know who this season’s champions are. As the football world focuses on who will lift the Premier League crown, the eyes of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will be on their mini-leagues and world rankings as they hope for one last climb up the table. For Hong Kong FPL managers, the later-than-usual 11pm Sunday kick-off for all 10 games provides the luxury... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262936/fantasy-premier-league-tips-erling-haaland-top-captain-pick-final-round-son-heung-min-cole-palmer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3262936/fantasy-premier-league-tips-erling-haaland-top-captain-pick-final-round-son-heung-min-cole-palmer?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2024 06:00:32 +0000 The penultimate round of fixtures in the English Premier League kicks off on Saturday and with it comes another highly anticipated Double Gameweek. The last “doubler” (where some teams play two games in one week) of the season is likely to see a number of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers activate their Bench Boost chip, which could lead to triple-figure points, meaning the chance of a green arrow could be high. Double Gameweek 34 averaged 76 points per manager, while the highest scorer... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261901/chelsea-manchester-city-players-and-isak-captain-among-fantasy-premier-league-tips-seasons-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261901/chelsea-manchester-city-players-and-isak-captain-among-fantasy-premier-league-tips-seasons-final?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:17 +0000 The Premier League is approaching its final furlong and with the league champions, two relegation spots and teams competing in European competitions still to be decided, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players can rest assured that most sides will be fielding their strongest XI for the final three weeks of the season. As this crucial part of the season kicks into life, FPL managers need to structure their team to manage not only this weekend’s fixtures, but the Double Gameweek to follow. Tips for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261072/fpl-tips-replace-mohamed-salah-bruno-fernandes-stack-man-city-arsenal-players-epl-title-race-hots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3261072/fpl-tips-replace-mohamed-salah-bruno-fernandes-stack-man-city-arsenal-players-epl-title-race-hots?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:28 +0000 Fantasy Premier League’s Gameweek 32 was full of talking points, a total of 35 goals went in over the weekend. Manchester City’s Phil Foden, the previous week’s hat-trick hero, was dropped, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins recovered from a hamstring injury to score two in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brentford. Heading into Gameweek 33, managers have plenty to mull over, such as whether to include City players as Pep Guardiola could again spin the rotation wheel following their midweek match in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3258631/fantasy-premier-league-erling-haaland-bench-captain-mohamed-salah-hong-kong-football-commentator-lau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3258631/fantasy-premier-league-erling-haaland-bench-captain-mohamed-salah-hong-kong-football-commentator-lau?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:15:56 +0000 As the Premier League season approaches its final furlong, games are coming thick and fast. On Saturday, clubs in England’s top flight will be starting a third round of fixtures in just two weeks. For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, the points gained or the ones that slip away during this period could make or break their campaign. The founders of the city’s largest FPL community, Hong Kong Fantasy Premier League (HKFPL), shared tips with the Post on what left-field tactics players could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3257820/fantasy-premier-league-how-differentials-wildcards-and-bench-boosts-can-help-managers-epl-enters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3257820/fantasy-premier-league-how-differentials-wildcards-and-bench-boosts-can-help-managers-epl-enters?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:59:08 +0000 After a two-week hiatus during the international break, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) will return at the weekend with Gameweek 30 kicking off on Saturday. Last week, double Gameweeks 34 and 37 were announced, meaning players have important decisions to make about when to use their Wildcard, Bench Boost and Free Hit, should they have any left. Chelsea and Spurs are also expected to double in Gameweek 35 or 36. Justen Li Kwok-yee, 36, has only been playing fantasy football since the Euros in 2021,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3257195/fantasy-premier-league-mo-salah-bukayo-saka-out-gameweek-30-high-flying-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3257195/fantasy-premier-league-mo-salah-bukayo-saka-out-gameweek-30-high-flying-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:30:16 +0000 Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle once more in the race for the world’s best talent ahead of Friday’s kick-off to the 2022-23 season. Manchester City and Liverpool, two teams who have become perennial title contenders in recent years, have made big splashes in the transfer market, while Manchester United have again struggled to cause even a ripple. With the title seemingly destined for either Anfield or the Etihad Stadium, we take a look at five summer signings who could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3187812/english-premier-league-haaland-jesus-five-signings-watch-new-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3187812/english-premier-league-haaland-jesus-five-signings-watch-new-season?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Aug 2022 05:29:11 +0000 It’s almost time for the 2021-22 Fantasy Premier League season, which means it is also time for the final tweaks to your starting squad. Fantasy managers have until 90 minutes before the kick-off of the English Premier League season, which begins with Arsenal playing Brentford, to lock in their 15-player squad and starting 11 for the opening gameweek. Whether you’ve already spent hours on your team or let auto-pick do the work, the time for tweaking is ticking by as you look for a differential... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144993/fantasy-premier-league-tips-guide-players-new-fpl-positions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144993/fantasy-premier-league-tips-guide-players-new-fpl-positions?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:08:19 +0000 Time, tide and the start of the Fantasy Premier League season wait for no one. If you have not picked your team then you have until the kick-off of the first game of the English Premier League – or risk starting from behind everyone else in the myriad mini-leagues you will be in this season. So where to start? After taking a look at the FPL basics, our guides to goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders now is the time to look at forwards – the business end of the pitch in both real-life and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144920/fantasy-premier-league-tips-fpl-forwards-guide-where-get-bargains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144920/fantasy-premier-league-tips-fpl-forwards-guide-where-get-bargains?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Aug 2021 06:29:08 +0000 One thing that Fantasy Premier League managers have over their real-life equivalents in the English Premier League is the ability to multiply their points. That is done through the chips that the game offers to its virtual bosses: wild card, triple captain, bench boost and free hit. So what are they, how do they work and when is the best time to play them to give yourself the maximum chance of a maximum increase on your points? Read on for our guide on how to play your chips. They could prove... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144772/fantasy-premier-league-chips-when-play-wildcard-triple-captain-free?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3144772/fantasy-premier-league-chips-when-play-wildcard-triple-captain-free?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:22 +0000