Always Cheating: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast (FPL)

Whether you’re debating one free transfer, considering a hit, playing a Free Hit chip, or ready to wildcard, this episode has all you need for GW34 strategy. This isn’t the last double of the season, but it very well could be the most pivotal, so Josh and Brandon methodically run position by position through every viable (or nearly viable) transfer option, from goalkeepers and defenders to midfielders and forwards. Arsenal and Liverpool are the marquee clubs, but does their current form and risk of rotation scare us off any players? Plus who are the sneaky picks on the lower-ranked doubling teams like Bournemouth, Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Everton? There’s much to consider, so join us and let’s figure it out together. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfqMioyemOo #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW33 #GW34 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fantasy gameweeks are now coming thick and fast and midweek European fixtures are about to further complicate matters. In this episode, the Cheaters debate what impact the Champions League and Europa League will have on our upcoming FPL plans. Most immediately, we discuss captaincy options for GW33, but our transfer plans for this weekend are still tied to the double in GW34. We also discuss the freshly announced double in GW35 for Chelsea and Spurs and if there are any picks amongst the rabble. Plus, we unveil our "On the Beach" rankings, which will be updated weekly through the end of the season. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bku3Mqzviyg #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW32 #GW33 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join the Cheaters, Josh and Brandon, as we unravel the news and results from GW30 and quickly look ahead to this big decisions for GW31, which kicks off on Tuesday—right around the corner. Of course, we give our thoughts on Sunday's big clash between Manchester City and Arsenal and consider Salah's performance against Brighton and what it portends for the midweek scores. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORIcntARvmk #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW31 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The big fantasy news from this international break has been the official announcement of the doubles in GW34. With the double fixtures in GW37 also coming into focus, it's time to get serious about our strategies for maximizing points in the run-in. In this episode, the Cheaters take a closer look at the key clubs and players who will impact GW34 and how we plan to use our remaining chips. Most importantly, when are we thinking we'll wildcard? Plus, as to not forget the gameweek right in front of us, we talk about GW30 transfer targets, captaincy options, and just how quickly Salah might be playing his part. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lR--32sRv8 #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW30 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, the Cheaters recap the wild non-results of blank GW29 and discuss what went wrong—and what could've gone worse—on the Free Hit chip. With the season's final international break ahead of us, we also take a beat to consider our strategies for the fantasy season's run-in, including the potential of remaining double gameweeks and chips. Then it's time to revisit our beloved feature: Kings of the Gameweek! Looking at top scorers in GW21–29, what lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the Fantasy Premier League site's often overlooked feature? Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TIu9C0OqZU #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW29 #MFFA #hailcheaters #kingsofthegameweek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Opinion among FPL managers is divided on how to best approach the blank GW29, but the Cheaters are both using their Free Hit chip to navigate what will be a weird and perhaps wild gameweek. In this episode, we look at a potential Free Hit draft and run through the best—and perhaps under the radar—picks from each of the eight featuring clubs. Even if you don't plan to use a chip this deadline, the player and club analysis is still a useful exercise for narrowing down where to find an edge in a tricky moment. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDSgyAqgqik&t=3837s #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW28 #GW29 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite our best plans, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden continue to dictate the Fantasy Premier League terms with the two star players combining for 116 points in their last six gameweeks. But they're not the stars of this episode as the Cheaters look ahead to the double in GW28 featuring Bournemouth and Luton Town—two clubs who rarely clog up the FPL conversation. But if we must, we will, and Josh and Brandon offer their best hot takes on viable options on each team from keepers and defenders to midfielders and forwards. Plus, there's a push to potentially triple captain Dominic Solanke with his two plum home fixtures: Is it a sensible and insane chip strategy? We also preview our own squads and strategies for the double with more green arrows on our minds. Hail Cheaters! Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M9JGn9B3Cw&t=143s #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW27 #GW28 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hindsight is in full view for FPL managers after this weekend's lopsided fantasy duel between Douglas Luis and Hwang Hee-chan. That was a key midfield transfer as the overall points tally for GW26. In this episode, Josh and Brandon recap where their squads are ahead of the West Ham-Brentford match and then look ahead to their strategies and captain picks for a somewhat forgotten GW27. What role will the Manchester Derby play in the upcoming gameweek? And how worried should we be about Erling Haaland's goal-scoring form when we compare the Norwegian to other tempting captains like Bukayo Saka? We also discuss the fallout from the League Cup final in which Liverpool sustained yet more injuries and Chelsea burned through some much needed energy ahead of a midweek FA Cup clash with Leeds that will play into our fantasy plans for the stretch run. Watch this episode unfold in video format on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06rBwpPUKJw&t=6s #bluewirevideo #FPL #PL #GW26 #GW27 #MFFA #hailcheaters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend’s GW24 fixtures saw returns for many key fantasy assets who set the table for a double gameweek showdown with Liverpool and Manchester City both getting their say in GW25. But with European competitions coming back into the picture, and a blank for some clubs in GW26, some fantasy decisions this deadline aren’t as easy as they look. On this episode, we look at the best transfer targets for the doublers, including Luton Town and Brentford, and what ripple effects we should keep in mind. Along with a lengthy Darwin Nunez vs Ivan Toney chat, there’s also an on-air toggle of the Triple Captain chip. #BlueWireVideo To see it unfold on video, check out video for this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5HYMjWq9Y&t=702s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While some managers might want to revel in Ollie Watkins points haul for a bit longer, the Cheaters are already on to strategies for GW24 and beyond. Of course this planning involves the enhanced double in GW25 that now includes Liverpool and Luton Town alongside Manchester City and Brentford. In this episode, we rate the top assets to bring in to hopefully maximize the double—a list that includes everyone from Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne to Diogo Jota and Ivan Toney—and also assess the risk of Liverpool's subsequent blank in GW26. Plus we look at GW24 transfer and captaincy options, as well as under-the-radar players (like Wolves attackers) who are becoming hard to ignore. #BlueWireVideo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At last, a new FPL deadline is upon us with GW22 kicking off Tuesday. The Cheaters return with a quick-fire episode revealing their team strategies and answering listener questions about what's next for the fantasy season. There's also plenty of chat on GW22 captaincy options ranging from Richarlison to Foden and what risks might be inherent with transfers for De Bruyne and Diogo Jota. Plus, we discuss the impact that Jurgen Klopp's recent announcement (that he'll leave the club this summer) will surely have on Liverpool and the Premier League, as well as upcoming blank- and double-gameweek news that also involves Liverpool, among others. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re very close to the end, but GW21 drags on for one more match at the time of this recording. And we must wait until next Tuesday for the GW22 deadline. Nonetheless, what have we learned thus far during this staggered fixture schedule and array of international and domestic tournaments? On this episode, the Cheaters look ahead to everything we need to know about the weeks ahead, including confirmed and probable double and blank FPL gameweeks—and the potential chip strategy therein—and which clubs have the best upcoming fixture runs. Plus, we discuss Salah’s hamstring injury and potential departure from AFCON, Jota’s explosive returns against Bournemouth, and the triumphant return of Ivan Toney. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With GW21 in media res, the Cheaters check in on the biggest highs and lows of the gameweek’s first half—most notably Kevin De Bruyne’s explosive return. Then, with a moment to catch our collective breath, we review gameweeks 9–20 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right: it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek! What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the Fantasy Premier League site's often overlooked feature? We’ll be back next week with our GW22 preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest and listener favorite Dave Weigner-Lodahl joins the pod to discuss a tricky two-week Gameweek 21. What is the best approach to the captaincy in a GW where there is no consensus? Are we still planning a Haaland transfer? How are we replacing the players who have left for AFCON and the Asian Cup? We discuss these topics, take listener Qs, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Premier League's nonstop festive fixtures now behind us, it's time to digest what we've learned and establish a plan for the fantasy season's second half. The first big issue is, of course, the departure of key midfielders Mo Salah and Son Heung-min (among many others) to international tournaments. How can we best replace them—and how soon? We size up the favorite options of Saka, Bowen, and Richarlison, plus a few less popular picks, and debate the significance of Arsenal's attacking form, as well as Richarlison's ability to pick up the slack for Spurs in Son's absence. There's also the small matter of Manchester City's inevitable resurgence with the return of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trauma of real life and Tom Lockyer bleeds through into this episode's recap of GW17, after which we attempt to refocus on the fantasy game and the remaining fixtures in the Premier League's festive period. With this weekend having offered renewed faith in clean sheets, we debate if manager's should reinvest in their goalkeeper and defenders—and, if so, then who?—and how we can possibly ever afford the in-form-but-extremely-expensive Trent Alexander-Arnold. Plus, we update our strategies on keeping, selling, or re-buying Erling Haaland when the time is right, and we discuss Chelsea, Arsenal, and players soon to leave for international tournaments in Africa and Asia. Hail Cheaters! Interested in advertising on this podcast? Email sales@bluewirepods.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erling Haaland's absence from Manchester City's GW16 team sheet set off a chain reaction that impacted both our fantasy scores and our core strategy for the upcoming run of festive fixtures. The Norwegian forward is one of many long-held players we now might consider selling. To help fantasy managers reset, Josh and Brandon use this week's episode to evaluate all of the big assets and debate their value in buying, holding, or selling: With Trippier's suspension (and horrid form), does he need to go? Son is hitting a profitable scoring patch, but what does his upcoming Asia Cup duty mean for his value? Are they ANY defenders worth buying? And are form teams like Fulham and Everton suddenly worth a sniff for cheap alternatives? Plus, we look ahead to key transfers and captains for GW17. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The weekend’s Premier League results saw key victories for Arsenal and Newcastle—and Liverpool by the skin of their necks—while other top-four and title contenders settled for draws. But what did we learn about the fantasy assets from these teams who are now embarking on a crowded holiday fixture run? On this week’s podcast, we brace ourselves for the quick turnaround of Tuesday’s GW15 kickoff and discuss Arsenal defenders, a Newcastle triple-up, and a clear frontrunner for the midweek FPL captaincy. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sure, podcasting is a lot about voicing an opinion—controversial or not. This week, Josh and Brandon try to take that to the next level by limiting themselves to just one 'hot take' per Premier League side. Some of these takes might be hotter than others, but the Cheaters pin their feelings to the mast from top-of-the-table Arsenal all the way down to last-place Burnley. How many will you agree with; and how many, shall we say, less so? Let us know! Plus, of course, we look ahead to the key transfer targets and captaincy options for GW14 and the upcoming run of festive fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we review the up-to-date International Break news, including injury scares, minutes played, distance traveled, and of course goal-scoring form. What do the international football results tell us about GW13? And what's the best way to set up our fantasy squads for what looks like a tricky slate of fixtures? A key decision will be the captaincy with the two standard picks Haaland and Salah facing off in the gameweek's first kickoff, it could be a good moment to be different and give the armband to Son—or even Solanke. Do we have the guts? Plus we discuss cheap defender options, Chelsea's epic upcoming run, and a "Clásico of sorts." Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we recap our adventures in England during the last few days, including attending the 4-4 thriller at Stamford Bridge that saw Manchester City drop points while Chelsea continues their comeback charge up the league table. We also give our impressions of the London Stadium and Selhurst Park after our visits to those grounds, which also delivered engaging matches. Plus, more on our appearance on the Premier League’s Fantasy Show and highlights from our listener meet-up in London Bridge. We’ll return next week with a full GW13 preview and more regularly scheduled programming. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend produced a brutal run of results for fantasy managers, resulting in a low-scoring GW11 and a continuation of one of the toughest seasons in memory. Josh and Brandon look to bounce back with their upcoming trip to the U.K. and a GW12 filled with fixtures that will hopefully be easier to predict. Maybe? On this episode we discuss Arsenal's form and injury crisis, as well as Darwin's double personality, Doku's sudden emergence, and Watkins' mysterious track record. If you're in the London area, please join us for a listener meet-and-greet this Friday, November 10, at The Dugout at Belushi's London Bridge starting at 7:00 PM. No ticket required, 18+ venue, cash bar. Hope to see you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fantasy managers have now survived, thrived, or endured through the first ten match weeks of the Premier League season. So, what have we learned that we can take with us into the next ten? Josh and Brandon first unpack their GW10 strategies and scores and then discuss the key themes and trends we've seen emerge since the game kicked off in August. That's everything from xMins to Vibes FC and what sort of value managers are extracting from the top-tier, most expensive assets. Plus, we look ahead to GW11 fixtures, transfer targets, and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FPL managers looking for a lifeline this season could see their fortunes change with a notable GW10 fixture swing. Teams like West Ham, Brighton, and Arsenal will finally see some green in the FDR, while Spurs, Chelsea, and even the mighty Manchester City are in for a rough patch. In this week’s episode, we discuss how the upcoming Premier League schedule could impact active wildcards. Plus we weigh the urgency of bringing in both in-form players Mo Salah and Ollie Watkins—and if it’s reasonable to sacrifice Erling Haaland in the process. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we return from the international break and prepare for GW9, Fantasy Premier League managers now have the perfect moment to hit the reset button. Whether it’s a change in attitude or a shift in strategy, we need to leave the first eight week’s of this season behind and start with a blank slate and positive outlook. Josh and Brandon start this week’s episode discussing how we can achieve that aim and then look ahead to important decisions for GW9 and beyond: Which clubs are entering into good fixture runs? Should Salah be everyone’s priority? Just how far has Haaland fallen in the FPL ratings? And is Son worth a look for the captaincy against Fulham? Join us for all this and more—and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we enter the Premier League's second international break of the season, the Cheaters review gameweeks 1–8 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's often overlooked feature? We also discuss our scores from GW8, Brandon's wildcard satisfaction levels, and the increasingly insistent case for Mohamed Salah. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend, Ollie Watkins defied the expectations of most FPL managers with his extraordinary 23-point haul against Brighton. That season-defining performance has inspired the Cheaters on this week's episode to look at some of the biggest fantasy picks in the game—from Salah and Son to even Erling Haaland—and reassess whether each of them is currently overrated, underrated, or properly rated by the general FPL community. Plus, Brandon's on a wildcard as we look ahead to the GW8 fixtures and our key transfer targets and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent GW6 had some major highs and lows for fantasy managers and Josh and Brandon represent both sides of that coin. And after we break down our learnings from the weekend, it's on to GW7 and this season's first double gameweek featuring Burnley and Luton Town. Those aren't the most enticing clubs to tie your FPL fortunes to, but this episode really is all about the pros and cons of pursuing the upside of just about any double gameweek. So, is this one "just about" enough for us? Listen to find out. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a frustratingly low-scoring GW5, but the weekend's standout storyline has been the woeful form of clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea. While those teams continue to look for a way into this Premier League season, fantasy mangers have lost all patience—notably with Nicolas Jackson, Ben Chilwell, Bruno Fernandes, and a few others. Of those players, who are we prepared to fully turn our backs on? And which ones might prove us all wrong and score FPL points in the coming weeks? Plus, the Cheaters debate the urgency of transferring in Mo Salah and which midfielders we should consider sacrificing in order to squeeze the Egyptian in. (Is that sacrifice Son Heung-min?) Then we look ahead to GW6 fixtures and our key transfer targets and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season's first international break concludes on Tuesday and thus far it's been fairly uneventful. But will things stay that way? And how will GW5 be impacted? With a rocky start in FPL, Josh is already planning his first wildcard and in this episode the Cheaters debate which Premier League players have stood out, have great fixtures on the horizon, and have hopefully not traveled too far with their respective national team. Plus, we praise an in-form Spurs side, zero in on question-mark teams like Chelsea and Manchester United, and check back in on the mess of goalkeeper picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The results of GW4 have sent fantasy managers into the international break with a lot to think about. While some of us will feel smug and full-up on points from the likes of Alvarez, Mbeumo, and Maddison, others will be panicking and weighing the benefits of an early wildcard. With Josh away, special guest co-host Sam Danby Bailey joins Brandon to search for clues in the season's first four weeks as to which players and clubs are heading in the right direction: Was Sterling always a trap? Can Son capitalize on his hat trick? Is there any hope at all for clean sheets? Plus, Sam catches us up on life and football culture in Norway and shares some stories about his encounters with the great Erling Haaland. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's matches proved to be the first big stress test on our fantasy squads and the FPL template of highly-owned, highly-agreed-upon assets. So what's next? Is Raheem Sterling really going to take the game by storm? Can we trust the West Ham attack to remain this potent? What happened to Brentford and Brighton on Saturday? And which of the stock Manchester United and Arsenal midfielders would we be will to part with in favor of an in-form guy like James Maddison? To sort this all out, we play another round of buy/sell/hold debating other alluring midfield options, budget defenders, and the still-fuzzy goalkeeper picture. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's GW2 action saw banter-level fantasy blanks for key players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Nicolas Jackson while other pre-season darlings like Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo continued to score points—not to mention the "we knew they had it in them" guys like Luis Diaz and Solly March who have started this new season in incredible form. How do we manage to overlook the potential of some options while convincing ourselves to stay the course with others? This week, we discuss the plan for GW3 and if (or for how long) we can continue to ignore the high-flying player we don't yet have in our FPL squads. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This season's opening weekend presented a wide range of fantasy outcomes, but some teams and players proved easier to predict than others. On this week's episode, the Cheaters discuss what stood out in GW1 and how it changes the calculus as we look ahead to GW2 and beyond. We also rate the plethora of midfielder options still vying for our attention and consider updating our goalkeeper strategies. Plus, we talk about impressive showings for Ben Chilwell and James Maddison, upcoming fixtures for Liverpool, a strong start for Newcastle, and Erling Haaland's eternal grip on the FPL captaincy. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2023/24 Premier League season kicks off this Friday and we got our first taste of what's to come with Sunday's Community Shield clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, which saw the Gunners emerge victorious. The Cheaters react to the result and give their impressions of performances from notable players like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Bukayo Sake, and even Kai Havertz. Did anything from the match change our thinking for GW1 and our early FPL drafts? Plus, we reveal our latest GW1 drafts and field a number of last-minute questions about Harry Kane, Mo Salah, João Pedro, and what punts/differentials we might be missing out on. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special bonus pod, special guest Elevenify (https://elevenify.substack.com) joins to discuss data-driven strategies for the new Fantasy Premier League season. All of this week's podcast questions came exclusively from Always Cheating's Patreon supporters—visit patreon.com/alwayscheating to support the pod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our third and final FPL player preview ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season, we take a closer look at the top defender and goalkeeper options and discuss where they each rank in terms of fantasy point floors and ceilings, injury and rotation risk, surrounding squad quality, and that all-important fun quotient. Always Cheating is trying something new this pre-season by working with our very own "data" model for fantasy picks, weighing factors that are uniquely important to our listeners. Listen back to our ranking of top 10 forwards and top 10 midfielders and tune in next week for our blockbuster GW1 deadline preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our second of three FPL player previews, we take a closer look at the top midfielder options and discuss where they each rank in terms of fantasy point floors and ceilings, injury and rotation risk, surrounding squad quality, and that all-important fun quotient. Always Cheating is trying something new this pre-season by working with our very own "data" model for FPL player picks, weighing factors that are uniquely important to our listeners. Listen back to our ranking of top 10 forwards and tune in next week for our defender and goalkeeper previews. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This pre-season, we're trying something new at Always Cheating headquarters: We built a "data" model for FPL player picks. But what sets our model apart from the competition is we're weighing factors that have historically been uniquely important to our listeners—like, say, is a player fun to own in fantasy? In our first of three player preview episodes, we take a closer look at the top forward options and discuss where they each rank in terms of fantasy point floors and ceilings, injury and rotation risk, surrounding squad quality, and that all-important fun quotient. Stay tuned for our midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper previews coming in the next week. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're now four weeks out from the start of the new Premier League season and, with it, the GW1 FPL deadline. At this point, the fantasy deadline feels like it's at once right around the corner and a lifetime away. So, where's the best place for us to put our focus now? Brandon and guest co-host Dave Weigner-Lodahl tackle six big questions that remain unanswered in the pre-season, including preferred team formations, goalkeeper strategy, and seeking to break the early FPL template. Plus we review recent transfer news with the likes of Anne Onana, Jurriën Timber, and Pau Torres all making moves. Hail Cheaters! Join Fantasy Football Hub this season with 50% your membership at any tier using this link: https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Josh and Brandon as they debut their 'FPL After Dark' show for YouTube Live and reminisce about the 2013/14 Premier League season. Join Fantasy Football Hub this season with 50% your membership at any tier using this link: https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FPL site is officially live for the new 2023/24 Premier League season, meaning it's suddenly time to log in and get down to the business of winning our mini leagues and finishing with a high overall rank. In this episode, we're getting listeners up to speed with some early transfer deals, fantasy position reclassifications, and the controversial new player pricing within the fantasy game. Then Josh and Brandon hit upon early premium asset strategies, team formations, and the endless (mindless?) pre-season tinkering. Plus, we of course discuss new ways to make this FPL season as—or more—fun than the last. Hail Cheaters! Join Fantasy Football Hub this season with 50% your membership at any tier using this link: https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GW38 started with a raft of lineup leaks—some more trustworthy than others—that set the tone for a wild final match-day of the 2022–23 fantasy season. If the decision point was a Salah versus Kane captaincy, we know how that went. But there were countless other ways to cut this gameweek; from a De Gea penalty save or an Alvarez blank to a Gabriel Jesus punt. In this episode, the Cheaters reflect on their own squads and results and begin the long process of learning from everything this season has thrown at us. We'll be back periodically throughout the summer, but look for more Always Cheating podcasts in July when we begin to preview 2023–24 in all new ways. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're still waiting for the final matches of GW37 to conclude, but it's not too early for the Cheaters to strategize for the FPL season's grand finale of GW38. In this episode we set up the Premier League stakes for all twenty clubs (spoiler: there aren't many) and then dig into the best approaches depending on where fantasy managers are and want to be. Picking the right—or differential—captain will be the most efficient way to move up the ranks, so who should we be considering for the armband? Plus we discuss expected squad rotation, the home stadium advantage, and players who could give us an edge in every position. Best of luck this weekend and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FPL managers got yet another dose of 'The Truth' when Callum Wilson opened the GW36 scoring with a brace and full bonus. Pair that with a Pervis Estupiñán haul and you're flying—but the Cheaters are still waiting for their Isak ship to come in. Will it? As the rest of this gameweek plays out, we look ahead to the final double of this season staring Manchester City, Manchester United, Brighton, and Chelsea. City's midweek battle with Real Madrid could be a major factor in fitness and rotation, so what's the best way to load up on the soon-to-be Premier League champions? We also discuss the injury to Marcus Rashford and if it's worth restructuring our current Brighton fantasy triple-ups. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Very little in GW35 went as predicted, from the Haaland blank to virtually every single moment in Monday’s fixtures. So, what are the key FPL takeaways as we now plan for the double in GW36 featuring both Newcastle and Brighton? Solly March looks to be latest victim of the Premier League injury bug and Josh and Brandon discuss every possible option for replacing him in our fantasy squads. Plus, we debate the pros and cons of the Newcastle assets—namely the forwards Isak vs Wilson—and whether the Toons will keep another clean sheet this season. We also question if managers are overlooking single-gameweek guys, like the in-form Martin Ødegaard or Mo Salah, for transfers or even the captain’s armband. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's still a whole lot of GW34 to go, including doubles for numerous clubs. Josh and Brandon check in on their FPL squads—including Brandon's active Bench Boost—and discuss the weekend's Premier League highlights and lowlights. While we wait for the midweek fixtures to happen, this episode is the perfect moment to fully digest the fantasy season's remaining gameweeks and formulate a winning strategy for the home stretch. Which clubs have the best and worst schedules for the run-in? Which player transfers should we be prioritizing? And where will the next under-the-radar pick pop up? All that and more . . . Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Free Hit chip was mostly a success in GW32, a week that gave us some freak Premier League results and wild storylines. As we digest those performances, we must quickly turn our attention to the GW33 deadline coming this Tuesday. In this episode, the Cheaters look at their own FPL squads and talk through transfer dilemmas and captaincy picks and then run through the top questions for midweek fantasy: What's going on at Arsenal? What short-term impact will the FA Cup semifinal have on Manchester United and Brighton? And what opportunities should we keep in mind for the following GW34 double gameweek? Good luck and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With key teams Manchester City, Manchester United, Brighton, and Chelsea all blanking in GW32, the next fantasy deadline will require some very tricky decisions. For some managers, the Free Hit chip will be crucial and in this episode the Cheaters look at what the best options are for an optimal one-week squad. Liverpool takes center stage both for Free Hit and managers and non-chip managers alike as the Reds will play this weekend plus they have a great double in GW34. So which players will we target? We also discuss goalkeepers, transfer hits, and the FPL fate of Bruno Fernandes. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined this week by Fantasy Football Fix pundit Tom Campbell to pick apart the action, injury news, refereeing controversies, and numerous penalty misses of GW30. Tom also discusses his recent wildcard squad and strategy for navigating upcoming blanks and doubles with "good players from good teams." Brandon and Tom then look ahead to GW31 and attempt to resolve key FPL dilemmas including: Rashford's prognosis, Grealish's purple patch, Liverpool's form vs fixtures, and Arsenal's tricky run-in. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Midway through the massive double GW29, the Cheaters check in on their scores and their squads. While it’s mostly good news from the weekend, there’s still a fair amount of turmoil to contend with post International Break—namely: what’s the plan going forward with Erling Haaland? Not to mention the trick of navigating the blanks in GW32 and more doubles in GW34? Plus, we discuss the recent sackings of Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers and what that news might mean for FPL. Also: the triumphant return of Gabriel Jesus, the disappointment of owning Ben Chilwell, and the conundrum of too much Manchester United. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest Erik Sibils, currently #704 overall in FPL, joins the podcast to discuss all things relating to double-gameweek 29, which features 12 Premier League teams playing twice when FPL returns on April 1. Topics discussed include the Rashford and Haaland injuries, bench boosting, captain picks, International Break news, Conte's sacking, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we enter the Premier League's final international break of the season, the Cheaters review gameweeks 17–28 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's often overlooked feature? We also discuss our GW28 scores, whether it was the right time for the Free Hit chip, and the impact of this weekend’s FA Cup results on the upcoming FPL fixture calendar. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've put our faith in double-gameweekers again, yet single-gameweekers continue to win out. As GW27 continues rolls on, the Cheaters discuss their fresh wildcard teams and where it's gone right and wrong. Were Brentford and Brighton picks justified? How well set up are we for the big doubles in GW29? But before we get to more doubles, we contend with blanks in GW28 and spend some time building an "ideal" squad that includes some tricky questions for Chelsea and Spurs assets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend the Premier League continued to double-down on entertaining and dismaying match results. Between the breathless Arsenal comeback and Manchester United's annihilation at the hands of Liverpool, it's really hard to know where to begin the FPL discussion. But with three massive gameweeks coming in quick succession, the Cheaters dutifully dig into complicated chip and transfer strategies that will hopefully maximize our fantasy returns. Of course we debate wildcard and free-hit timing, what to do with Liverpool players, and the more immediate GW27 doubles for Brighton and Brentford. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are some pivotal GW25 fixtures yet to play, with Arsenal and Liverpool able to turn the tide of a relatively lackluster weekend. While we await the fates of Saka and Salah, the Cheaters turn their attention to more upcoming chaos with new doubles in both GW27 and GW29. The midweek FA Cup Fifth Round will determine how the fixture calendar fully takes shape—which will in turn direct our FPL strategy—but what we do know for sure is that Brighton and Brentford bounce back from their blanks this weekend with a series of doubles, making players like Ivan Toney and Kaoru Mitoma especially good picks. Plus we take a closer look at GW26 and the data behind the key captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FPL scores from GW24 didn't necessarily reflect the sublime chaos the Premier League weekend offered. So then what exactly did we learn as we now set our sights on the doubles in GW25? Those doubles include Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, and Wolves. With Arsenal back on track after a dramatic win at Aston Villa, their place in our fantasy squads remains assured. It's Liverpool that provide less assurance, as the club this season is simultaneously good and bad—but with two plum fixtures, the Reds might have the highest ceiling. Join the Cheaters as we discuss our strategies for investing in Salah, Alexander-Arnold, Gakpo, Darwin, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's top performers were a good reminder for FPL managers who suffer from fantasy "blind spots"—players and clubs who never click with your strategy despite their big potential. Leicester City gave us two great examples in James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho, but some of us have worn season-long blinders with players like Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and even Miguel Almirón. What can we do to overcome our biases? Plus, we check in on GW23 news and scores and look ahead to key transfer targets and captaincy options for next weekend's GW24. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though both clubs are coming off losses this past weekend, all FPL eyes remain on Arsenal and Manchester City. Each have a double in the upcoming GW23 and on this episode the Cheaters look at all of their players—from goalkeepers to forwards—and determine which are the best fit for different fantasy scenarios. How big of a rotation risk might Martinelli be? Is De Bruyne really that out of favor under Guardiola? Should captainers be concerned about Haaland's goal-scoring form? And if you need to pick one of Ødegaard or Saka, who should it be? Plus, we recap the events of GW22 thus far and celebrate some glorious Rashford points. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League made way this weekend for FA Cup fourth round fixtures and the results confirmed a double in GW22 for both Manchester United and Leeds—a massive opportunity for fantasy managers to gain an advantage. The Cheaters take a look at their own FPL squads and debate the best strategy for the coming weekend, as well as the pitfalls that await in the gameweeks to come. The biggest decision is shaping up to be playing the triple captain chip on in-form Marcus Rashford who has two bankable home games. But is it insanity to consider using your triple captain this season on anyone other than Erling Haaland? We also look at the close of the January transfer window and its impact on the second half of the season. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With essentially half the season now behind us, Always Cheating proudly presents our annual mid-season review of all twenty Premier League clubs. Yep, that's AFC Bournemouth to Wolverhampton Wanderers and everyone in between. We discuss both FPL and real-life player and team performances and how those assessments might influence our fantasy decisions down the home stretch. The podcast will return next week with a proper GW21 preview, transfer and captaincy strategies, and more information (based on upcoming EFL and FA Cup results) for prospective double and blank gameweeks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Because the GW20 doubles stretched out the proceedings, fantasy managers now have just one day to tinker ahead of Saturday's GW21 deadline. We quickly review what was learned from recent matches like the North London Derby and Manchester City's continued up-and-down form and discuss how it all applies to the weekend. Plus, Manchester United might hold even more appeal in FPL with a potential double in GW22—what's Rashford's points floor if that happens? Then it's a listener mailbag in which we answer your questions on Mahrez, De Bruyne, Toney, Mitrovic, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The results of this weekend’s FA Cup matches have brought about a newly-announced double gameweek for both Manchester United and Crystal Palace. That’s on top of the double now confirmed for Manchester City and Tottenham, suddenly making GW20 a potential FPL blockbuster. So, what’s the strategy? In this episode, Josh and Brandon debate the necessity of big player picks like Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne and if they can justifiably displace key fantasy assets like Salah, Mitrovic, and Almirón. Plus, we look at strategies for an under-the-radar Bruno Fernandes and other Manchester United guys—yes, including Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial. Then there’s the not-so-small matter of Haaland and the Triple Captain chip and we weigh the pros and cons of holding vs playing it. There’s a lot to discuss, so join us and get stuck in. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With mere hours until the GW19 fantasy deadline, Josh and Brandon prepare their own squads, weighing the pros/cons of Chelsea and Fulham assets. Is Mitrovic a captaincy option? Can Sterling or Havertz be trusted? How important is Chelsea defensive cover? And are transfer hits warranted to attack this double gameweek? We also debate the form—or lack thereof—of players like Darwin Núñez and Bruno Fernandes. Then we look beyond the upcoming FA Cup break and consider what's yet to come for FPL in January and February. Happy New Year and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2022 World Cup offered a thrilling break from club football, but it's now time to dust the cobwebs off our neglected fantasy squads. As we return to non-stop Fantasy Premier League coverage, Josh and Brandon run through news you may have missed, consider the physical and emotional impact on players in Qatar, and look ahead to the key decision points for the GW17 deadline. And it's not just Boxing Day as we discuss the fixture pile-up through GW23, including a handful of double game-weeks for Manchester City, Spurs, Chelsea, Fulham, and Arsenal. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a final for the ages—filled with brilliance, chaos, and pure emotion. Ultimately, Messi cements his place next to Maradona in football history and Argentina have won their third Wold Cup title. France required a dramatic comeback, and Mbappé nearly got them there, but the young French attacker will have to settle for the Golden Boot. Josh and Brandon record their last Qatar World Cup Minute and reflect on both Sunday's incredible match and the tournament as a whole. Thank you to all who have joined us during this adventure and we invite you to continue with Always Cheating as we jump back to the English Premier League and the FPL game. New episodes coming weekly starting tomorrow. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Morocco finally reached their breaking point upon meeting France in Qatar's World Cup semifinals. Though soundly beaten, the North African team put up a mighty fight worthy of their Cinderella tournament run. But now it is France with an opportunity to repeat as consecutive World Cup champions as the young superstar Kylian Mbappé faces off against the legendary Lionel Messi. Who will lift the trophy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For our twentieth World Cup Minute, we recap the first semifinal in Qatar with Argentina dominating Croatia. Ultimately, Messi's brilliance was too great and Julian Álvarez's finishing too focused for this tough Croatian team to handle. Josh and Brandon then look ahead to Wednesday's Morocco vs France match and how either team might stack up against the Argentines. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rounding out a truly thrilling World Cup quarterfinals, Day 19 in Qatar delivered victory for both Morocco and France. Portugal and England kept it close and will each feel disappointed at how close they came. In the end, Ronaldo couldn't muster any last-minute heroics in what will surely be his final international tournament, while England played an exceptional match, delivering on almost everything but the final result. Now it's Argentina vs Croatia on Tuesday and France vs Morocco on Wednesday in a competition where the results are harder and harder to predict. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The World Cup Minute returns for Day 18 in Qatar and the first of the tournament’s quarterfinals. And, well… WHAT A DAY IT WAS! Drama, goals, handbags, penalties, tricky free kicks, upsets—fans were in dreamland throughout, unless you happen to be Dutch or Brazilian. Despite Neymar’s brilliant goal in extra time, Brazil couldn’t fend off the eternally tough Croatia who will now go on to face Argentina, who themselves had to grit their teeth through a nervy extra-time match. Ultimately, Messi & Co found enough magic to make it past the Netherlands and Emi Martinez again showed his bravado and excellence in a shootout scenario. Josh and Brandon then look ahead to Saturday’s double-header of Morocco vs Portugal and England vs France. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 17 in Qatar brought fans more drama as Morocco took Spain to penalties . . . and won! The early kickoff's tight, defensive affair then stood in stark contrast to the goal-fest of Portugal vs Switzerland as the Seleção das Quinas put six past the Swiss, even with Ronaldo on the bench for the majority. A hat trick for Goncalo Ramos was the major headline, but the Cheaters also spotlight Achraf Hakimi's cheeky Panenka/Penguin penalty. And then it's time to preview the World Cup Quarterfinals that commence on Friday with Croatia vs Brazil and Netherlands vs Argentina. We'll talk to you all then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 16 of the FIFA World Cup saw Brazil and Crotia advance to the Quarterfinals, each in different fashion. Croatia proved "too tough" for Japan to break down, and ultimately the Samurai Blue fell to a series of poor penalties, while Brazil topped South Korea in more dazzling, frenetic fashion. Looking ahead to Tuesday's final slate of Round-of-Sixteen matches, Josh and Brandon preview what should be some competitive face-offs for Portugal vs Switzerland and Morocco vs Spain. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emphatic wins for France and England featured on Day 15 of the FIFA World Cup, underlined by a Golden Ball–level performance from 23-year-old Kylian Mbappé. Additionally, Olivier Giroud broke Thierry Henry's goal record, while England spread the attacking output around through standout performances from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane. (Yep, we see you, Jordan Henderson. And, yeah, nice finish, Saka.) The two European heavyweights will now face off in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday. Senegal and Poland exit Qatar and we must then look ahead to Monday's matches when more fates will be decided: Josh and Brandon give their thoughts on South Korea vs Brazil and Japan vs Croatia and their hopes of more goals and perhaps some surprises. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our good friend Dave joins the podcast to recap the U.S. men's performance against the Netherlands and across the entire World Cup tournament. Where do we stand on Berhalter's management and the American talent pool? Plus, we weigh in on the momentum of Messi's Argentina—do they have enough firepower to get to the final? And then it's a preview of Sunday's matches, including England vs Senegal and France vs Poland. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 13 of the FIFA World Cup saw one of the tournament's most powerful moments as South Korea players were moved to tears after progressing to the knockout stage in a dramatic win over Portugal. Victories of the more pyrrhic sort befell Uruguay and Cameroon, while the grudge match between Serbia and Switzerland delivered on goals and handbags—and eventually jubilation for the Swiss. Josh and Brandon then look ahead to Saturday's kickoff of the Round of Sixteen and matchups between the U.S. and the Netherlands, as well as Argentina and Australia. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a brief and magical moment during Day 12 of the FIFA World Cup, both Japan and Costa Rica were heading out of Group E at the expense of European juggernauts Spain and Germany. Japan and Spain ultimately move on, while Group F saw the tournament's second African nation qualify for the knockout stage. Croatia is also through after a shocking performance by Belgium, who will know their team xG does not tell the full story. After recapping Thursday, Josh and Brandon look ahead to tomorrow's final day of group play as Brazil and Portugal set out to clinch their pole position and Serbia and Switzerland have a score to settle. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 11 of the FIFA World Cup saw Argentina, Poland, France, and Australia advance to the knockout stage. While Australia was the biggest shock of the day—at a dour Denmark’s expense—Argentina’s emphatic resurgence as tournament contenders was, as we look ahead, a pretty substantial marker laid down. Josh and Brandon then preview Thursday’s round of fixtures with Germany and Belgium fighting for their lives and Morocco looking to be the Cinderella. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Day 10 of the World Cup, the Americans booked their trip to the knockout round of sixteen in the most significant U.S. victory of the last two decades. Christian Pulisic got his moment on the big stage—and has the bruises to prove it—and will now face a non-vintage Dutch side this Saturday. Josh and Brandon also recap the action elsewhere as England sailed past Wales and Senegal battled to beat Ecuador and clinch second place in Group A. Then it’s on to Wednesday and an almighty showdown in Group C between Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, while in Group D Australia will look to upset expectations. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monday's matches started Day 9 of the World Cup off with a bang—eleven goals in 180 minutes. While the scoring fell off a bit, the later games were no less engaging with Brazil and Portugal both clinching their trip to the tournament's knockout stage. Josh and Brandon then preview tomorrow's kickoff of the final round of the group stage, featuring massive stakes in both Groups A and B. While Ecuador and Senegal will be the signature match for Group A, all eyes will be on the narrative between Wales-England and Iran-United States. Go Go USA! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday in Qatar brought us big upsets of Japan and Belgium by the hands of Costa Rica and Morocco, respectively. But it was the draw between Spain and Germany the really explodes the roadmap for Group E. Meanwhile, a ruthless Croatia put Canada out of the tournament, leaving it all up for grabs in Group F. Josh and Brandon also review the kits from Day 8 and preview the stakes for the final slate of Round 2 fixtures featuring Brazil, South Korea, Cameroon, Serbia, Switzerland, Ghana, and a featured match of Portugal v Uruguay. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday’s World Cup action included Denmark giving France some (ultimately moot) resistance, while Argentina and Poland both hit the reset button on their tournament ambitions. Messi and Mbappe continue to dazzle and Lewandowski finally gets the goal to complete his trophy cabinet. Josh and Brandon recap Groups C and D as that final round is shaping up to be a must-win doozy for all involved. We then look ahead to Sunday’s fixtures featuring the highest-stakes match yet with Spain facing Germany. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The main stage for Day 6 was reserved for England v the U.S. While the match didn't deliver on goals, there's still a lot to unpack on how the nil-nil draw impacts Group B and also effects the narrative of the cultural and managerial trajectories of both federations. Josh and Brandon pick the bones and also discuss highlights from Thursday's only games. After some brief "kit talk," it's on to Saturday's fixtures with Groups C and D, including a do-or-die match for tournament darlings Argentina. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Thanksgiving Day in America, but despite the distractions the Cheaters are more committed than ever to recapping/previewing the World Cup. This Thursday offered some exciting match-ups, but only a few of them delivered on that promise: We discuss the Uruguay v South Korea stalemate, along with Portugal's nail-biting victory and Richarlison's emphatic opening statement for Brazil. Then we look ahead to Friday's kickoff for the second phase of group play with key matchups in Groups A and B—including the blockbuster U.S. v England. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wednesday offered yet another early tournament upset as Japan startled Germany 2-1. Meanwhile, Spain were in cruise control putting seven goals past a rudderless Costa Rica. But what about Belgium? Did they impress? Josh and Brandon step in to recap the day's highlights and look ahead to tomorrow's slate of fixtures, which includes title favorites Brazil and another South American darling in Uruguay. Plus South Korea, Switzerland, Cameroon, and Mitrovic's Serbia. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day 3 of the 2022 World Cup began with a startling upset of tournament favorites—and Messi led—Argentina by Saudi Arabia. The Cheaters recap the rest of the action: from Lewandowski's miss and Ochoa's now-familiar heroics to an underwhelming Denmark and a flying France. Then we look ahead to tomorrow's matches featuring exciting lineups for Spain and Germany, a point to prove for Belgium, plus some potential under-the-radar nations who could add still more unpredictability in Qatar. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first full day of fixtures kick off the 2022 World Cup in spectacular fashion as England dazzles, the Netherlands persevere, and the United States and Wales trade blows. After decompressing from an exhausting homer experience for a couple Americans, we then look ahead to Day 3 and matches for Argentina, Denmark, Mexico, Poland, and France. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our first episode of the 2022 FIFA World Cup! For Day 1 of our new daily podcast, we recap the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador. We then look ahead to the stakes and what we're excited about with Monday's fixtures rounding out Groups A & B. How does a Senegal without Mané match up against the Netherlands? And how bullish or negative are we with the young American squad who faces Wales? Plus, England versus Iran and kit talk! Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a chaotic final gameweek, FPL will hit pause for the 2022 World Cup. It's a good moment for the Cheaters, Josh and Brandon, to take a look at how their fantasy seasons have gone so far and what strategies might help them kick on after the break. After some unpacking of GW16—from Haaland's blank to braces for Toney, Darwin, and Ødegaard—it's then time to turn the focus to Qatar, including ways to consume and enjoy World Cup content, early tournament favorites, and a "homer" assessment of the U.S. men. Join us on this feed for daily World Cup podcasts starting Sunday, November 20. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just one more round of Premier League fixtures before the World Cup, the Cheaters look to make the most of GW16 and head into the break in style. In preparation, we assemble an ideal, if-money-were-no-object squad and debate which players have the highest upside with perhaps the lowest ownership. Additionally, we discuss the FPL site's recent woes of crashing just before important deadlines and whether or not team sheet leaks are to blame. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emerging from the weekend's GW14 fixtures, we pick the bones of Brandon's wildcard squad and talk about the challenges facing us in the final days before the World Cup break. As fantasy managers hunt for punts and differential picks for this brief pre-Qatar run, we look down the Premier League table and answer one key FPL question on all twenty clubs, from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With only three matchweeks to play before the Premier League breaks for the World Cup, the Cheaters consider how best to attack GW14–16. Brandon is doubly focused on this stretch of fixtures because of his active wildcard. So, who are the key players with the biggest upside? We discuss the importance of home and away schedules, the fatigue factor of a packed season, and the psychological impact of Qatar looming on the horizon. Plus, we debate Almiron, Xhaka, and Iwoba, as well as the must-have assets from Arsenal and Manchester City. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a quick turnaround for the midweek slate of GW12 fixtures and the Cheaters are nailing down how they intend to manage the blank for Arsenal and Manchester City. With lots of key FPL assets missing out, we weigh the pros and cons of using a wildcard or free hit chip to bail out your fantasy squad. Or, depending on your situation, maybe transfer penalties can help? We also discuss the necessity (and captaincy appeal) of Mo Salah, along with other interesting differential picks from each position. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal and Manchester City are each enjoying incredible form—sadly just in time for their fantasy fixture blank in GW12. In this week's episode the Cheaters break down the best ways to navigate possibly selling off six of our best FPL assets for missing merely one gameweek. What can we justify? How many Arsenal or Man City players can we stand to keep? Would we consider a Free Hit? If we're wildcarding around GW12, then when exactly? We also discuss how Liverpool's (and more specifically Mo Salah's) form effects our upcoming transfer decisions and look ahead to Friday's GW11 deadline. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a Premier League weekend filled with talking points, one man again stole the show as Erling Haaland delivered his third hat trick of the season (in his first-ever Manchester Derby). Since GW1, the Norwegian's impact on FPL has been swift and with full force. So, what does this mean for fantasy managers going forward? How can something so certain be either challenging or fun? Or even offer a means of competition when everyone has the same gameweek captain, let alone the same forward? The Cheaters weigh in with their views on where both the fun and the strategic advantage could lie in playing the Haaland game. Plus, we debate what to do with Salah—and other Liverpool assets—ahead of the GW12 blank despite his woeful form. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As this Premier League season's first international break comes to a close, it feels like precious little football has been played during the last month. That's got the Cheaters especially excited for FPL's return this weekend. GW9 presents some interesting challenges for those who wildcarded early, are looking to wildcard this week, or are planning ahead for the Man City/Arsenal blank in GW12. On this episode, we prioritize transfer targets and discuss our own squads. From Solanke vs Toney to Kane vs Salah, it looks like there's plenty of room to go your own way in the coming gameweeks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we enter the Premier League's first international break of the season, the Cheaters review gameweeks 1–8 through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's often overlooked feature? We also discuss our scores from GW8, Josh's wildcard satisfaction levels, and the increasingly heated managerial sack race. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded live at Fest NYC in Brooklyn's beautiful Sunset Park Rooftop, Josh and Brandon enjoy a wide-ranging FPL conversation with Fantasy Football Scout founder and FPL BlackBox co-host Mark Sutherns. We discuss Mark's early days of founding the legendary Scout website, as well as his days working for the Premier League, and how his fantasy management style has evolved through many years and various highs and lows. The Fest NYC audience takes part in a Q&A section, getting thoughts from Mark and the Cheaters on current dilemmas like ditching Salah, playing a wildcard, and the sudden uncertainty of fixture postponements and rescheduling. Thanks to all who attended our inaugural Fest NYC. We had an amazing day despite the lack of live matches. Let's do it again, shall we? Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After six FPL gameweeks, the Cheaters are beginning to consider a wildcard. But do we have enough actionable information yet? Salah continues to underwhelm and Haaland has strengthened his grip on a permanent captaincy. These two basic truths are causing many fantasy managers to restructure their squads and move some cash to new areas of the fantasy pitch. Primarily, forwards continue to shine and present big, consistent value. We look at form strikers like Mitrovic and Toney and consider how they pair with the likes of Haaland, Kane, and Gabriel Jesus. Plus, we sift through all twenty Premier League clubs looking for players we like, dislike, or remain unsure of. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest Ed Gray joins us this week to preview the midweek fixtures in GW5 and get set for the FPL deadline. We tackle the current dilemma with Mo Salah—a fantasy phenom who is struggling at the moment to justify his hefty price. Is the Egyptian the first to go if managers are looking to bust the template picks? Plus, we consider our defensive strategies with "big at the back" versus "little-big at the back" where cheaper might actually be better. The captaincy discussion revolves around Erling Haaland, but with the Champions League kicking off in one week, the debate is how strictly the Nordic striker's minutes will be managed. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's matches proved to be the first big stress test on the FPL template of highly-owned, highly-agreed-upon assets. So what's next? Are we looking to offload some of the defenders or midfielders who disappointed in favor of some riskier, however in-form options? The Cheaters play another round of buy/sell/hold debating the "big at the back strategy," early wildcards, and other Premier League players that have either tested our patience or caught our eye. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's matches served up a lot of goals and a lot of banter—from Gabriel Jesus's fantasy explosion to Manchester United's continuing implosion, Erling Haaland's rare goalless appearance to Conte and Tuchel's budding bro-mance. With standout or unexpected performances from teams like Chelsea and Brentford, The Cheaters take this moment and reconsider some FPL assets that may have been wrongly overlooked in preseason. Plus, we plan ahead for the main GW3 dilemmas and captaincy decisions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This season's opening weekend presented a wide range of FPL outcomes, but some teams and players proved easier to predict than others. On this week's episode, the Cheaters discuss what stood out in GW1 and how it changes the fantasy calculus as we look ahead to GW2 and beyond. Most important of all could be the choice of gameweek captain between Mo Salah and Erling Haaland. And what should managers do if they have Kane instead—stick or twist? Plus, we talk Chelsea, Mitrovic, Darwin Núñez, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2022/23 Premier League season kicks off this Friday and we got our first taste of what's to come with Saturday's Community Shield clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. The Cheaters react to the result and give their impressions of performances from notable players like Mo Salah and Erling Haaland, Did anything from the match alter our thinking for GW1 and our early FPL drafts? Also in this episode, we offer some last-minute, macro-level fantasy advice and run through a handful of listener questions as we all hurtle toward the season's first gameweek deadline. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded live from Blue Wire Studios at Wynn Las Vegas, we present the second of our two-part preview of the 2022/23 preview. The Cheaters predict the ultimate table placement of all twenty Premier League clubs and then dig into their FPL potential—two things that do not always go hand-in-hand. Which clubs have we predicted to make the top four? And where is the best fantasy value? Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're previewing all twenty Premier League teams by predicting their ultimate table placement and then digging into their FPL potential—two things that do not always go hand-in-hand. Which clubs have we predicted to go down? And which ones might surprise us with fantasy value? This is the first of our two-part preview series looking at who we believe will comprise the bottom half of the table, spots 20 to 11. Tune in next week for part two and spots 10 to the champions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we're joined by special guest Jamie Pigott, the current Fantasy Premier League champion and the first American to finish in the top spot. We chat with Jamie about how he managed what many feel is impossible and what he learned during the chaotic 2021/22 season. We also look ahead with Jamie and apply his tactics to the new FPL season, discussing our thoughts on Haaland, Salah, Kane vs Son, Big at the Back, and sticking to your guns with wildcard and chip strategy. Hail Cheaters! Don't forget: Tickets are now available for Fest NYC, the inaugural Fantasy Football Fest in the United States. Join Josh and Brandon for an exclusive Premier League watch party with guests including Mark Sutherns and Gianni Buttice. We’ll have a live Always Cheating podcast recording, a Q&A with Mark, football quizzes, a kick-around on our venue’s indoor pitch, and so much more. Special thanks to sponsor FPL Gameweek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Always Cheating podcast is thrilled to announce tickets are now available for Fest NYC, the inaugural Fantasy Football Fest event in the United States. Join Josh and Brandon in Brooklyn, NY, on September 10th for an exclusive Premier League watch party with superstar FPL guests including Fantasy Football Scout founder Mark Sutherns and Premier League pundit Gianni Buttice. Enjoy a raucous live Always Cheating podcast recording, a Q&A with Mark, Gianni's halftime football quiz (with prizes), a kick-around on our venue’s indoor pitch, and so much more. Tickets will go fast, so visit Fest-NYC.com now for details and purchase information. Special thanks to our featured sponsor FPL Gameweek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week the Cheaters attempt to solve some of this pre-season's biggest unanswered fantasy questions: After nightmares last year with Ronaldo and Lukaku, is Erling Haaland about to spring another "big up front" trap? How worried should we be about highly-owned players going into GW1? What mid-table teams are set up for the best start? How many premium players can FPL managers afford to set up with? And what's the impact of the new goalkeeper pricing structure? Plus, a few more conundrums—join us for the discussion! We are also proud to announce Fest NYC, the inaugural Fantasy Football Fest event in the United States happening September 10th in Brooklyn, NY. Visit Fest-NYC.com for details and ticket information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At long last, the new site for the 2022/23 FPL season has officially launched! Josh and Brandon check in with their initial thoughts on the the games updated graphics, player prices, and accommodations for the Qatar World Cup. Do we like the look of things? Are there bargains immediately that immediately jump out? Or are some player simply too expensive. We talk Haaland, Salah, Jesus, Son, and so much more. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we patiently wait for the new FPL game to launch, Josh and Brandon couldn't resist an early summertime episode to check in on Premier League transfer dealings and other news that might impact the upcoming 2022/23 fantasy season. Of course, the winter World Cup in Qatar will be an outsized factor in our approaches, but just how early in the season will we weigh that? And what is our initial assessment of the three promoted clubs? Plus, we measure our own excitement over recent moves by Erling Haaland, Darwin Núñez, Fábio Vieira, Nick Pope, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this mid-summer episode, Brandon is joined by veteran FPL manager Pat Reilly to discuss his remarkable 2021/22 season in which he finished with an overall rank of 230. Pat explains his strategic methodology—that is to some degree rooted in his academic research practices—as well as his deep desire to take A LOT of transfer hits. We examine what worked best for Pat last season, what he could've done differently, and how we can apply our learnings to the upcoming 2022/23 season. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League drama was in full force for GW38 and it felt like a fitting way to bid farewell to another fantasy season. With the tumultuous campaign now behind us, it's time to reflect on what we did well and what we need to improve upon as FPL managers. We discuss the data revolution's complexity, the value (or lack thereof) of knowing effective ownership, and learning how to play your own game. A big thanks to everyone who has tuned in throughout this year. We're grateful for our place in this community and have enjoyed interacting with so many of you. Enjoy the summer and we'll see you all soon enough! Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking ahead to the final gameweek of the 2021/22 season, the Cheaters are analyzing all ten fixtures and sizing up the stakes for each team and key players—anything from league placement and golden boot to absolutely nothing at all. Who are the top fantasy targets? And who are the full-on punts who might help you catch your rivals? Best of luck to all for a strong finish to what has been a chaotic year in the Premier League. We'll see you on the other side for our end-of-season wrap-up episode. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now in the midst of the blockbuster double GW36, planning for doubles this FPL season has become commonplace. Next weekend brings us another step closer to the end with one final double. These teams with two fixtures aren't the sexiest in terms of fantasy options: Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Everton, and Burnley. But are any of them worth it? And do they make GW37 a compelling moment for a Free Hit chip? On this episode, the Cheaters weigh the chip options for both GW37 and 38 and debate the ultimate fate of Salah and Kane while Son continues to run riot. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twelve teams will double in GW36 and many of those doublers are—for a change—actually quite good. The opportunity for massive fantasy points is there, so how best to prepare for what might be this season's most important deadline? The Cheaters take stock of their own squads and review transfer targets, chip strategies, and a spectrum of captaincy options ranging from "sensible" and "bold" to "completely nuts." Plus, we debate Spurs assets, Manchester City attack, and other key questions for the FPL home stretch. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As GW34 winds down and we prepare for the next deadline, Josh and Brandon set themselves for the FPL season's final four gameweeks by reviewing what they like and dislike about all twenty Premier League clubs. We remind ourselves of which clubs have remaining doubles (good or bad) and which players still have potential to swing our fantasy fortunes. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The twists in the FPL season keep coming and Josh and Brandon jump into GW34 preparations with the newly announced doubles for Chelsea and Manchester United. Mason Mount stands out as the form attacking player in blue, but has Timo Werner done enough of late to win a spot in our fantasy teams? It's even more challenge to convince us the Manchester United form will carry them into the top four, so then what's the appeal of Bruno or Ronaldo? We also discuss the incredible run-in for Manchester City and debate where they currently rank in our chaotic list of FPL priorities. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Josh out sick, Brandon is joined this week by Dave Weigner-Lodahl to review the Premier League action of GW32. We of course discuss the dramatic draw at the Etihad—and the continuing saga of Mo Salah's fantasy form—as well as Spurs' purring attack, Arsenal's implosion, and Chelsea's potential bounce-back. Transfer plans for GW33 also need sorting, especially with certain doublers like Wout Weghorst firmly on the chopping block. Are there any FPL assets we truly fear for this coming weekend? And are our best captaincy options exclusively single-gameweekers? Plus, we look ahead to the other announced doubles in GW36 and consider the best chip strategies to capitalize. Hail Cheaters! Our sponsor Athletic Greens is going to give you a free one-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D plus five free travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/cheating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next Sunday Manchester City will host Liverpool in what will no doubt be the Premier League's biggest, most consequential fixture of the season. What will be the trick to navigating this match from an FPL perspective? On this episode we look at the recent history of this rivalry and key metrics that will inform what we expect from defense and attack: Is it time to bench our premium defenders? Is it crazy to captain Salah? Plus, we consider the form team in Spurs heading into GW32 and how to handle their fantasy assets down the stretch before we get to our "On the Beach" power rankings. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we come out of this season's final international break, plans must be put in place for the FPL home stretch. Firstly, the Cheaters offer up a refresher on what's new and upcoming with the fantasy schedule—which teams have doubles, blanks, and fixtures yet to be rescheduled—and how the fixtures should impact our strategy. Then we run through priority player and team targets, whether you're playing a wildcard together or simply plotting your next few free transfers. And finally we come to GW31 and what's immediately in front of us. Best of luck to everyone as we enter the End Game! Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Making fantasy fun has become a mantra on the Always Cheating podcast. But are Josh and Brandon actually having fun this season? GW30 was a test of patience for many FPL managers, which makes this the perfect time to check in on our mental approach to keeping the fantasy game in perspective. Plus, we discuss the newly confirmed doubles for GW33, giving us much to consider during this international break. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With only four fixtures and eight teams in play for GW30, it's going to be one of the season's more stressful deadlines. Whether you're on a Free Hit chip or weighing up the benefits of various transfer hits, the Cheaters are here to navigate this gameweek's many difficulties. We look at the best forwards to own, identify some under-the-radar midfield picks, and consider the likelihood of any clean sheets—like, will we see a single one in GW30? Plus we size up the captaincy options and run through plans for our own FPL squads. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We briefly check in on GW28—with the doubles still to be played—before moving on to still more doubles in GW29. What's the optimal game plan as we look ahead, especially with the numerous blank fixtures in GW30? Lots of different chip strategies are on the table as we debate bench boosts, triple captains, and wildcards, but there's also a viable path for fantasy managers with no more chips left as we focus on free transfer targets that can offer potential over the next two weeks and beyond. Liverpool is also at the front of our minds as we consider other attacking options apart from Salah. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The doubles in GW28 present another opportunity—in a cluster of big gameweeks—to build up your FPL points tally and boost your rank. So what's the optimal way to approach it? Who are the obvious or under-the-radar transfer targets? In this episode, Josh and Brandon reveal and debate their own strategies for the upcoming fixtures, which have a ripple effect on GW29–30. Plus we talk Bench Boost chips, wildcards, Bielsa, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are still four games to play in the major GW26 double, but FPL have since announced even more doubles coming in March. So what does this mean? And how can it help us? With Josh on vacation, Brandon is joined by guest Shiv Morjaria to run through the fixture changes and discuss how we can best use the new schedule to boost our fantasy rank. We look closely at GW27 to GW30, the teams that double within, and how the preferred chip strategy has evolved. If you're wondering when best to wildcard, bench boost, or free hit, we've got you covered. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Potentially one of the biggest gameweeks of the FPL season, eight teams will double in GW26. Josh and Brandon look at each club's squad and debate the assets to either target or avoid. The asset clearly at the front of every fantasy manager's mind is Mo Salah—but did his performance against Burnley shake our confidence in giving him the Triple Captaincy next week? The Cheaters also hunt around for some under-the-radar picks and revisit the ongoing debate over the game's lack of dependable forward options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's FA Cup results and subsequent Round 5 draw provided fresh clarity on what double and blank gameweeks are to come for FPL managers. And, of course, with double and blank gameweeks comes chip talk and strategies on how to optimize our fantasy returns. Given what we now know about the remaining Premier League schedule, Josh and Brandon use this episode to zero in on the state of this season's leading chip theories and what their plans are for the weeks ahead. Stick around for a quick GW24 preview with key transfer targets and captaincy picks—get set for the midweek kickoff. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we muddle through this extended winter break, the Cheaters review gameweeks 12–23 of this FPL season through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's once again time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's often overlooked feature? We also discuss the latest managerial changes—from Roy Hodgson to Frank Lampard—and other January transfer window dealings. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined this week by operations research specialist Sertalp B. Çay to discuss and demystify FPL's current data revolution. The sheer amount of data now available for fantasy managers can be intimidating. So, if you're inexperienced with analytics, where should you begin? What stats and tools will be most helpful is gaining a competitive edge on the millions of FPL players, or simply your closest mini league rivals? Join us for an engaging chat on applying data to your fantasy strategy and creating new statistical models for the future. Hail Cheaters! Read Sertalp's blog post "A Friendly Introduction to FPL Analytics": https://alpscode.com/blog/intro-to-fpl-analytics/ Visit Sertalp's website: https://fploptimized.com Follow Sertalp on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sertalpbilal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While superstars like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes owned this weekend's Premier League action, the FPL narrative belongs to new January transfers like Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne. Yeah, Chris Wood, too . . . sure. So, what do we actually make of the upcoming fantasy prospects for these new signings? Is one performance enough to cement our faith? We also pick the bones of GW22 and its mess of doubles, postponements, and hidden gems—like the weirdly under-the-fantasy-radar Andy Robertson. Then it's all eyes on GW23 and our transfer and captaincy plans, including a potential wildcard. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the magic of the FA Cup subsiding, we must now turn our attention to the impending doubles of GW22. Preparing our fantasy squads won't be easy, though, as injuries, COVID cases, and fixture postponements continue to complicate matters. Join Josh and Brandon as they discuss the teams and players who'll benefit most from a double gameweek, and then assess the pros and cons of certain chip strategies, including the Free Hit and Wildcard. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we emerge from the hectic festive period, it's a good time to assess exactly where we are and where we're headed in this FPL season. Fixture postponements, COVID-positive players, and the upcoming African Cup of Nations all present obstacles and uncertainty, but there is still opportunity to be had in the New Year. This week we're previewing the teams and players poised to benefit from double gameweeks and also discuss our strategy for the Egypt–bound Mohamed Salah. Plus, there's a debate on chip strategy with new wildcards and free hits at our disposal. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boxing Day delivered on exciting football and high-flying Free Hit squads, but also presented more of the same challenges for FPL managers with match postponements and unpredictable lineups. Alas, there's not much time to dwell as the festive fixtures continue on with the midweek round of GW20. Arsenal-Wolves and Aston Villa-Leeds are already off the menu, so in this episode Josh and Brandon are zeroing in on team and player priorities to get us through January. Are Spurs assets about to replace the diminishing fantasy returns of Chelsea? How big a priority is Manchester United at the moment? Plus, we rank our captaincy picks and discuss our own plans. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With nearly half the season now behind us, Always Cheating proudly presents our annual mid-season review of all twenty Premier League clubs. Yep, that's Arsenal to Wolves, and everyone in between. We discuss both FPL and real-life player and team performances—best and worst—and how those assessments might influence our fantasy decisions down the home stretch. We also rate clubs on the all-important Make Fantasy Fun Again (xMFFA) scale. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GW17 kicks off this Tuesday, so we have precious little time to preview the matches and sharpen our FPL strategy. On this episode we discuss our biggest dilemmas including: COVID-19 infections and rumors surging through the Premier League, an underperforming Chelsea defense, the allure of Ollie Watkins, the price tag of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the quickly developing pool of emerging midfielders. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As midfielders like Bernardo Silva, Mason Mount, and Son Heung-min emerge from GW15 with incredible fantasy returns, it's the perfect moment for us to wipe the slate clean and reconsider some assets who we've unjustly pushed aside. And is this refresh of midfield options going to push FPL managers from "big at the back" to five across the middle? The Cheaters also preview GW16 and the impact of intervening midweek Champions League matches before discussing the enticing fixture turn for Manchester United, now under Ralf Rangnick. Is it time to move back to Ronaldo or even bring in a United defender? Plus, we chat Chelsea defense, Ivan Toney's COVID-19 test, and the ongoing Harry Kane saga. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The GW14 deadline is just hours away, so there's precious little time to dwell on the ups and downs of this weekend's blizzard-filled events. Spurs assets? What Spurs assets? We're now looking ahead to the midweek fixtures and debating which budget-priced forwards between Teemu Pukki, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Emmanuel Dennis are most appealing. As it turns out, some of these players have better runs than others through the congested festive period. We also discuss the constantly revolving cast of midfield options, as well as the prospects of captaining someone other than Mohamed Salah. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we now hurtle toward the festive period, Premier League fixtures are about to start piling up. Rotation and fatigue are worries and its time to look seriously at the quality of our FPL benches. This week, we're attempting a commonsense approach in tackling some major fantasy dilemmas: We estimate the shelf-life of the current preferred "big at the back" defense—how long can fullbacks like Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and João Cancelo keep up this rate of return? Antonio Conte's project at Spurs is also up for debate as we look at the new manager's impact on Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. Are they transfers to watch or to avoid? Plus, we assess the state of our meager forward lines and look for new striker talent ahead of GW13. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who are the key FPL assets heading into GW12? And which players should we be avoiding? Josh and Brandon check in on all of the international break news—from Sadio Mané's possible injury with Senegal to Harry Kane's hat trick for England—and then make some bold predictions on how the matches will unfold this coming weekend. We also discuss the managerial changes at Aston Villa (Steven Gerrard), Newcastle (Eddie Howe), and Norwich City (Dean Smith) and wonder when the Antonio Conté's influence at Spurs will truly take hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of another international break, we review the first eleven gameweeks of this FPL season through the lens of each week's dream team. That's right—it's time for the Kings of the Gameweek. What lessons can we learn and what patterns can we discern from the teams, players, and positions that appear in the FPL site's often overlooked feature? We also discuss the ongoing points draught for fantasy forwards, the continued excellence of fantasy defenders, and an urge to try new fantasy formations. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined by special guest Eric Freeman to review the action from GW10 and give a pep talk to some FPL managers who have had a rough time of it. After cracking the world's top 10,000 rankings for the first time in his fantasy career, Eric also discusses how he thinks he has succeeded so far this season. What can others do to "make the leap" to that next level? Plus, we debate player differentials, Ivan Toney's usefulness (or lack thereof), and Ronaldo's potential FPL comeback, as well as our transfer and captaincy thoughts ahead of GW11. Hail Cheaters! A big thank-you to Always Cheating supporter John Reynolds for this week's outro music! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a GW9 full of hat tricks—from Mason Mount, Mohamed Salah, and Josh King (huh?)—the Always Cheating podcast is celebrating its own hat trick of centuries with our 300th episode. Join Josh and Brandon as they review the weekend's highs and lows, including a hugely disappointing Kai Havertz performance. How can FPL managers who put their faith in the German forward now shake off the Norwich blank? We also marvel at Salah's scorching hot form and wonder if we ever won't captain him for the rest of the season. Looking ahead to GW10, we consider the fallout of injuries to Raphinha, Jamie Vardy, and Bryan Mbeumo and debate the benefits of shifting yet more budget to our already big-at-the-back squads. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a turbulent return from the international break in GW8, we found that premium FPL forwards are still blanking, premium defenders are still being rotated, and points from mid-price midfielders are harder than ever to predict. In this week's episode, we seek to answer these key questions with a fun game of "Fill in the Blank." We talk Ronaldo and Lukaku, Chelsea fullbacks, and Mbeumo's prolific woodwork record. Plus, there's consideration given to under-the-radar premium assets like Mané, Kane, and De Bruyne. Stick around for our GW9 transfer targets and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This international break has given us some time to think ahead and in this episode we're planning not just for the upcoming GW8, but for the next four week through GW11. Whether you're on a wildcard or not, we help listeners identify both teams and players who look primed to benefit from the upcoming month's fixtures—and some who you might want to avoid. We also discuss news from around the Premier League, including injury news, Claudio Ranieri's appointment at Watford, and the new ownership at Newcastle United. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After seven weeks of Fantasy Premier League madness, we try to construct a cohesive narrative that accounts for what we've seen so far. We take a closer look at this season's top fantasy scores in all positions, from goalkeeper to defender, midfielder to forward. What are the trends that appear? Are certain patterns real, imagined, or simply the product of kind fixtures? As we head into another international break, many managers still with their wildcard in hand, it's a good time to look for the story that FPL is telling us. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Players like Jamie Vardy and Abdoulaye Doucouré have started this Premier League season in great form, yet they still haven't emerged as popular fantasy picks. Should they emerge, though? In this week's episode, we debate the merits of these rogue selections and predict whether their form might continue. We also consider the likes of Ederson, Neal Maupay, Emile Smith Rowe, and . . . Gabriel Jesus. Seriously. Stick around for our GW7 preview of key fixtures, transfer targets, and captain favorites. We consider what impact the Liverpool-Manchester City match will have on the weekend—and on wildcarders—and also attempt to pick the better armband option between Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio, and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wild GW5 taught many FPL managers about the importance of bench depth. But, hey, didn't we all know Tino Livramento would save the day? This weekend was also a useful mile-marker in assessing popular fantasy assets—players who we can now say with confidence that we should either buy, sell, or hold. We debate the pros and cons of playing hokey cokey with Ronaldo and Lukaku, assess the urgency of getting Michail Antonio back into our lineups, and give a stress test to under-performers like Diogo Jota and Mason Greenwood. We also evaluate defensive options at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City before looking ahead to our transfers and captain picks for GW6. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ronaldo's explosive GW4 debut was matched by a brace from Lukaku, making the choice of premium forwards that much more challenging for FPL managers. Josh enters this week's episode with an active wildcard and this question of Ronaldo vs Lukaku is key to his strategy as he and Brandon debate the merits of fitting both into one fantasy squad. Will it work? Or does it strain the budget too much? We also discuss standout mid-price forwards and look at the current crop of budget forwards that might help free up some cash before we preview the fixtures and captaincy options for GW5. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This international break has offered drama and intrigue of all sorts, but we at Always Cheating won't allow ourselves to be too distracted from the GW4 deadline that's quickly approaching. So, has any of the news from World Cup qualifying changed our views on what to do with our FPL teams? We dig into the listener mailbag to answer major concerns over Ronaldo hype, Bruno doubt, Lukaku thigh scans, and the relevance of the still-delivering mid-price forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michail Antonio, and Patrick Bamford. And what do we make of the impending Champions League schedule and its impact on Premier League squad rotation? Plus, we rank the current midfield options and take a long look at obvious and not-so-obvious captaincy choices for the weekend. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With GW3 behind us, and an international break ahead, is now the right time to play a wildcard and reset your FPL fortunes? Josh and Brandon look at the pros and cons of triggering the powerful wildcard button, debating whether it's too early in the season or conversely the perfect opportunity to get out ahead of the competition by bringing in exciting new options in Lukaku and Ronaldo. Manchester United looms large with Bruno coming off of two drab performances, while Mason Greenwood shows he could be a season-keeper. Will their fortunes—along with ours—change with the arrival of the Portuguese superstar? Thanks for tuning in, enjoy the break, and we'll return next week with a proper GW4 preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So early into a new FPL season, it's very difficult to say what any of us know for sure. What we can identify, though, are things that we think—or at least think we think—about certain clubs, players, and fantasy strategies. This week, we're debating the options among cheap defenders and Tsimikas replacements. We also wax lyrical about Chelsea's deep squad and the awe-inducing reintroduction of Romelu Lukaku to the Premier League. How quickly will we be ripping up our teams to squeeze the Belgian striker in? Plus, we break down Manchester City's predictable hammering of Norwich City, the renewed influence of home supporters on numerous recent results, and the curious choice of an FPL captain ahead of GW3. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This season's opening fantasy gameweek saw some standout performances and big scores, especially from popular picks Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes. What does this mean for those maverick FPL managers who attempted to go against the grain? Looking ahead to our GW2 squad selections and captaincy picks, we review last weekend's notable over-performers, under-performers, and players and clubs that simply left us scratching our heads. Were Aston Villa and Arsenal really that bad? Were Spurs and Everton really that good? Is it already time to consider dumping Jack Grealish or Ivan Toney? Plus, we debate the bandwagons now building around Paul Pogba, Saïd Benrahma, and Watford stars Ismaïla Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's less than one week to prepare for the start of the new FPL season and we still have a number of unanswered questions. Join Josh and Brandon as they discuss their final team selection dilemmas—which positions and players are locks and where will there be some last-minute GW1 deadline decisions? We also look at how recent transfers—like Grealish to Manchester City, Ings to Aston Villa, and Lukaku to Chelsea—impact our fantasy drafts and if we've pinpointed any assets flying under the radar. Thank you for joining Always Cheating during our pre-season coverage and we're wishing all of our listeners the best of luck for the 2021/22 campaign. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trickiest position to fill at the start of this FPL season could very well be the forwards, mostly due to the large pool of very qualified candidates. So, before a ball is kicked, what's the best way for us to determine which strikers have the best potential? This week, Josh and Brandon break all of the options into three categories, based on price, and then compare the data and statistics for each player against various intangible qualities. Will we go big with the premium-priced Harry Kane? Or is it more appealing to field three forwards in the lower price brackets? Regardless of the approach, we have some serious decisions to make. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Join Always Cheating at the Wynn Las Vegas for Fútbolfest 2021 happening August 20–22. This three-day event will include live football content in the Wynn's podcast studio, club quizzes, cocktail hours, FIFA tournaments, watch parties for the weekend's GW2 fixtures, and a whole lot more. For information visit: futbolfest2021.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instead of the usual team-by-team previews in alphabetical order, this season we're trying something new by predicting the Premier League table and discussing each team's FPL prospects as we go. Which clubs have we predicted to finish in the Champions League positions? And which ones have those "must own" fantasy assets? In part two of two, we look at who we believe will comprise the top half of the table, spots 10 to 1. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Join Always Cheating at the Wynn Las Vegas for Fútbolfest 2021 happening August 20–22. This three-day event will include live football content in the Wynn's podcast studio, club quizzes, cocktail hours, FIFA tournaments, watch parties for the weekend's GW2 fixtures, and a whole lot more. For information visit: futbolfest2021.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instead of the usual team-by-team previews in alphabetical order, this season we're trying something new by predicting the Premier League table and discussing each team's FPL prospects as we go. Which clubs have we predicted to go down? And which ones might surprise us with marginal fantasy value? In part one of two, we look at who we believe will comprise the bottom half of the table, spots 20 to 11. Tune in next week for part two and spots 10 to the champions. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Join Always Cheating at the Wynn Las Vegas for Fútbolfest 2021 happening August 20–22. This three-day event will include live football content in the Wynn's podcast studio, club quizzes, cocktail hours, FIFA tournaments, watch parties for the weekend's GW2 fixtures, and a whole lot more. For information visit: futbolfest2021.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What will it take to win the Fantasy Premier League this season? How can you more easily hit your goals or beat your mini league rivals? And, perhaps most importantly, what does it mean to simply enjoy the upcoming 38 gameweeks? In this pre-season episode, we welcome friend-of-the-podcast Eric Freeman to outline our best tips for FPL success and making the fantasy experience more fun and rewarding. We recognize that doing well in the fantasy game can mean different things to different people, often depending on your style of play and level of competitiveness, so these 31 key principles offer something for every type of manager at every level of engagement. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each season, three new clubs join the top division and they can often be the hardest to predict in terms of FPL value. So, in this week's show, Josh and Brandon are taking a closer look at Norwich City, Watford, and Brentford and discuss their potential impact on the 2021–22 Premier League season. Who are the standout attacking players? Are there any intriguing new signings? How do we expect each team to set up? We tackle all of this and hit upon recent transfer headlines and new managerial appointments across the league. Hail Cheaters! Special thanks to Gaffr.io for supplying EFL Championship data used in this episode. Learn more about the Gaffr.io fantasy football game here: https://www.gaffr.io Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And, just like that, a new fantasy season has arrived. The FPL site relaunched for 2021/22 on Tuesday of this week, amidst the noise of the European Championship, but it didn't go unnoticed among the fantasy faithful. Josh and Brandon return to their podcasting chairs to discuss the new player prices, position reclassifications, and fixture difficulty ratings, as well as their own strategies for the opening few gameweeks. Hail Cheaters! Receive a 25% discount on your Fantasy Football Hub membership: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon hop on Spotify Greenroom this week to chat with listeners about this weekend's sudden FPL player price reveals, from Kane and Son to the entire rosters of Liverpool and Leeds. Of course, some key teams and players—notably Manchester City and Chelsea—are yet to be revealed, but there is still much to discuss as the new FPL season is seemingly already underway. So which player prices caught our eye? Is Raphinha at £6.5 a lock for everyone's GW1 squad? Is Bamford's increase to £8.0 simply too rich? And is the slight £0.5 difference between Salah and Mané at all justified or even tempting? All eyes could be on Jota, as the Portuguese midfielder lands at a very appealing £7.5. Join us each week on the Spotify Greenroom app for real-time conversations Follow @hailcheaters for exact dates/times and download the Spotify Greenroom app here: https://www.spotify.com/greenroom/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon hop on Locker Room this week to chat with listeners about the European Championship and debate key takeaways from the tournament's first weekend. We discuss the horrifying scenes surrounding Christian Eriksen and the intensity of athletes living out the such nightmares on a globally televised stage. We also get into performance ratings of of standout teams including England, Italy, and Belgium. Join us each week on the Locker Room app for real-time conversations Follow @hailcheaters for exact dates/times and download the Locker Room app for iOS here: https://joinlockerroom.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon hop on Locker Room this week to chat with listeners about the CONCACAF Nations League Final between the U.S. and Mexico. How are we feeling at the moment about Gregg Berhalter's talented young squad now with a fair amount of European experience? Plus, we get into some of the Premier League off-season gossip, including transfer rumors and promoted club prospects. Join us each week on the Locker Room app for real-time conversations Follow @hailcheaters for exact dates/times and download the Locker Room app for iOS here: https://joinlockerroom.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chelsea are crowned European champions after Thomas Tuchel again out-smarts Pep Guardiola. The Cheaters Josh and Brandon take to the Locker Room app to discuss their thoughts on an engaging Champions League final and also get reactions from listeners. Did Pep predictably overthink his tactics? Just how good was Mason Mount's assist on Kai Havertz's match-winning goal? And what does this final tell us about next season's Premier League title race? Join us each week on the Locker Room app for real-time conversations with Josh, Brandon, and other Always Cheating listeners. Follow us on Twitter at @hailcheaters for exact times each week and download the Locker Room app at joinlockerroom.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2020–21 season was difficult for many reasons, but it was also filled with moments that reflected the Always Cheating mantra of 'Make Fantasy Fun Again.' Now that this campaign is finally behind us, this episode is dedicated to reflecting on what went right, what went wrong, and what takeaways there out that can help us once the next Premier League race kicks off. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in throughout this strange year. We're grateful for our place in this community and have enjoyed interacting with so many of you—from Twitter threads and rate-my-teams to hundreds of therapeutic GIFs. Enjoy the summer and we'll see you all soon enough! Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're nearly at the end of one of the wildest FPL seasons in recent memory, but the job isn't done yet. This episode, Josh and Brandon are looking ahead to the final two gameweeks and debating the strategies for either holding your ground or moving up the ranks. We try to make sense of squad rotation for Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea ahead of their major European finals—if, indeed, there's any sense to make. Plus, we look at mid-priced midfielders to replace the injured Diogo Jota, scrutinize the form of some top forward picks, and identify our favorite captaincy options. Good luck this week, finish strong, and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're only just midway through the massive GW35, so this week we check in on how our FPL squads have faired and if any performances have caught our eye. The Cheaters then look ahead to a tricky GW36 in which four key teams have blanks fixtures. Namely among Liverpool and Spurs, we debate the standout transfer strategies and captaincy options. Finally, in our continuing mission this season to "Make Fantasy Fun Again," we look through all twenty Premier League clubs and draft a roster for the MFFA All Stars for 2020/21. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we take in the dramatic scenes from Old Trafford and then consider the implications on the upcoming Fantasy Premier League calendar. It looks possible that Liverpool could end up with a double gameweek in GW35, which opens up a new world of possibilities with our FPL squad management. So, as we strategize for the coming weekend, we weigh the benefits of loading up on more Manchester United or Liverpool players or sticking with an earlier plan of targeting mid-tier assets at Everton. How does Lucas Digne actually stack up against Luke Shaw or Trent Alexander-Arnold for the run-in? We also debate the optimal captain picks as Salah, Bruno, and Leicester strikers all boast an enticing double. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As news of the European Super League dries up, Josh and Brandon have to refocus on their FPL goals for the remainder of the season. First up, what have the hosts learned from their respective GW33 wildcards? There were some definite ups and downs this week with wildcard darlings like Alexander-Arnold and Romain Saïss, while Chris Wood ran away with all the glory. How can fantasy managers legislate for these kinds of seemingly random swings? Or are we simply too blindly devoted to marquee players like Bruno Fernandes? Now that we're preparing for the season's home stretch, let's consider a clean slate of FPL options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's football offered a mix of Premier League and FA Cup action, but all of the sports oxygen was immediately consumed by the surprise announcement of the new European Super League, which will potently involve (or fully absorb) six English clubs. We devote this entire episode to a sprawling discussion and debate of the implications of the new league and what it means for both FPL and domestic football in England and around Europe. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In FPL, sometimes you get it right. Other weeks, well, you simply get it all wrong—from your transfers, to your captains, and then your bench spots. If getting your fantasy decisions wrong is an inevitability, what's the most productive way of shaking it off? Josh and Brandon discuss where their GW31 went wrong (and, in some places, went right) and what that means for their next moves. Is a wildcard decision any closer for either host? Plus, as we head into the Spurs double in GW32, there's some worry about team form and rotation ahead of their EFL Cup final against Manchester City. Is a Tottenham triple-up off the table? There's much to discuss this week, so please join us! Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heading into GW31, many FPL managers are wondering whether it's too early to wildcard, too late to make a maverick move, or just too confusing to navigate around the maze of fixture blanks and doubles. So, what do the Cheaters think? Josh and Brandon touch upon their own plans for an end-of-season wildcard and which teams and players will be key in triggering that decision. Is Chelsea's defense worth the headache? Can Liverpool turn the corner with their form and make players like Alexander-Arnold relevant again? And what about teams like Leicester City and Leeds who present a complex combination of pros and cons? Amidst our wildcard ramblings, we also cover more immediate GW31 dilemmas and preview our transfer targets for the upcoming matches. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nine gameweeks remain, so in this episode we're tackling nine key questions on preparing for the FPL season's final stretch. Among those dilemmas are: Which teams have the easiest or most difficult fixture run-ins? What do we know about the remaining blank and double gameweeks? Which premium assets most demand our attention? Will Liverpool and Mo Salah reemerge as options? And which players have we overlooked until now? And, of course, how can we continue to make fantasy fun? Best of luck this weekend and Hail Cheaters! Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final international break of this Premier League season is here to provide some much-needed distance from what has been a brutal and exhausting run of gameweeks. So, as we briefly step away from the nonstop strategizing and transfer planning, this episode is the perfect moment to reassess what we actually know to be true about the 2020–2021 fantasy season, and how we can use that knowledge to approach (or simply enjoy) the final stretch. We consider the diminished importance of premium FPL assets, the greater variety of mid-priced options, and the relentless pursuit of form players over merely chasing last week's points. Just how abnormal has this season been? Plus, we gauge how successful our "Make Fantasy Fun Again" approach has been during an otherwise chaotic year around the world. The Cheaters will return next week with a full GW30 preview, complete with injury news, transfer targets, and captaincy favorites. Poku Forever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some FPL gameweeks are defined by players who blank points, but GW29 is defined by teams that blank fixtures. The upcoming slate features just eight teams and four matches, which will make it incredibly difficult to put together both a competitive and a full squad. In this week's episode, Josh and Brandon prepare their own teams and debate strategies for managers who are in various other situations, whether on a Free Hit chip or simply struggling to decide how may transfer hits to take. Have the performances and results in GW28 changed previous assumptions? Injuries to key players like Son Heung-min and Patrick Bamford also present an unexpected challenge, so the Cheaters consider some overlooked options from Arsenal, West Ham, Brighton, and Fulham. Good luck and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With all of the chaos surrounding recent double gameweeks, and a blank-riddled GW29 on the horizon, relatively little attention has been paid to next weekend's GW28. In this episode, we seek to correct that oversight and zero in on key transfer and captaincy strategies for the round of FPL fixtures that's right in front of us. We also discuss Gareth Bale's exploding form, the worrying decline of Mo Salah, and key takeaways from the Manchester Derby. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're checking in on the action—or lack there of, in many cases—from GW26 as the massive double gameweek rolls on. Then, we open up the Always Cheating listener mailbag and answer some of your questions regarding big-picture FPL strategy, preferred fantasy news sources, and how hosting an FPL podcast impacts the managing of our own squads. Plus, even though it may feel lightyears away, we look ahead to GW27, which is yet another double gameweek for in-form Manchester City, and debate captain picks and replacements for the injured Harvey Barnes. Hail Cheaters! Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you thought the GW25 doubles were tricky, just wait until you get a look at the epic fixtures list for GW26. Fourteen Premier League teams will double next gameweek, presenting near limitless possibilities for transfers, points hits, chip (nay, favor) usage, and captaincy picks. To help managers sort through and simplify the numerous complications, Josh and Brandon are using their favorite "true or false" methodology and clarifying their own strategies for the upcoming week. Hail Cheaters! Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With a few GW24 matches still to play, Josh and Brandon check in on their scores and the state of their squads. Have the injuries, team rotation, and unexpected results been kind to us? Then we shift our focus to the Leeds and Southampton double in GW25 and debate giving the captaincy to either Bamford or Ings. Who looks better? Or could Raphinha be a curveball differential for the armband? We also discuss our plans for the lead-up to a pivotal blank GW29, with other major doubles popping up between now and then. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dodgy VAR decisions and a widely-benched 12-pointer from Dominic Calvert-Lewin were the big stories from GW23. But that's nothing compared to the excitement in store for FPL managers in GW24 after double fixtures were announced for Manchester City (TOT, eve), Everton (FUL, MCI), Burnley (cpl, FUL), and Fulham (eve, bur). So, how are we setting up to best take advantage of the doubles? We look at the main transfer targets and then debate the captaincy favorites and whether a single-gameweeker like Bruno Fernandes could challenge for the armband. We also touch upon the doubles in GW25 for Leeds (wol, SOT) and Southampton (CHE, lee). Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Positives performances from the likes of Mo Salah, Patrick Bamford, and Emi Martinez gave GW21 a magical shine. The results have us reflecting on our favorite FPL moments and the role of luck in a particularly good fantasy run. Then, it's over to the midweek fixtures of GW22, and a discussion of our current dilemmas: How badly do we regret investing in mid-season Dominic Calvert-Lewin? What are the latest odds on Manchester City defensive roulette? And are Spurs really that bad without Harry Kane? Plus, we debate an unconventional captaincy pick and reveal our own transfer plans. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the pivotal GW19 now behind us, let's take a moment to survey to pros and cons of the double gameweek that was. Did anything during the last few days change our thinking about this Premier League season or how we're approaching the FPL game? Then it's over to Tuesday's GW20 deadline as we preview the key fixtures, transfer targets, and captaincy options—it's Bruno time! Key injuries to Kevin de Bruyne and Jamie Vardy present a few dilemmas, but, with so many premium fantasy assets out of form, we discuss what's missing from our typical sword/shield approach. Plus, we chat about Mohammed Salah, Manchester City defense, and the optimal forward line. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was an American prodigy. The next Pelé. The savior of U.S. soccer. But he wasn’t even old enough to drive. In 2004, Freddy Adu joined MLS at 14 years old becoming the youngest pro athlete in America in 100 years. His story is a tale of talent, money, fame, and football. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl retraces the legend of Freddy as he went from superstar to one of the biggest "what ifs," asking, what determines who "makes it," who "doesn't," and what does all of it say about us? American Prodigy is now available. Listen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With nearly half the season now behind us, Always Cheating proudly presents our annual mid-season report card on all twenty Premier League clubs. Yep, that's Arsenal to Wolves, and everyone in between. We discuss both FPL and real-life player and team performances and how each of those assessments might influence our fantasy decisions down the home stretch. We also check in our our GW19 scores, including a regrettable transfer and successful Bench Boost chip. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we're joined by fantasy veteran and YouTube legend FPL Nymfria to preview a tricky GW18. First, we have to catch up on this weekend's FA Cup action and any happenings relevant to our FPL plans. Then, it's on to the myriad decisions that managers must make ahead of Tuesday's deadline: Are we ready for a Manchester City triple-up? How seriously do we have to take Arsenal now that they've strung together some decent results? Do we know what to expect from the Wolves-Everton fixture? And who will the captaincy debate between Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes? We're also forced to consider the possibility that Aston Villa-Spurs will be canceled due to Villa's ongoing COVID-19 concerns. What then? Whether or not you're using your Free Hit chip, this week's strategy discussion is one you won't want to miss. Hail Cheaters! Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The intense run of festive fixtures is finally in the rearview mirror, but there's precious little time to dwell on what lessons were learned along the way. We quickly turn our attention to the tricky GW18, which features only six fixtures and notable blanks from fantasy staples Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, West Ham, and Chelsea. Is it time to trigger our Free Hit chips? And how many players is too few, or just enough, to tip those Free Hit scales? Regardless of your strategy, we take a look at each GW18 match-up and examine the obvious hits and misses and not-so-obvious differentials that will form the perfect FPL squad. Hail Cheaters! Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With this week's cancelation of Everton-Man City and the threat of more fixture postponements on the horizon, we start off this week's episode with a discussion of COVID-19's impact on the fantasy game—both our strategy in handling such uncertainty and the emotional toll of following the news. Have recent events caused us to alter our chip and transfer plans for GW18–19? Then, it's back to normality with GW17 chat (assuming there is one) and the fixture and captaincy dilemmas therein. We consider Leeds players—like Stuart Dallas—who are on the ascendency, as well as other budget options such as Aston Villa's Anwar El Ghazi and Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. Which bandwagons are worth jumping on? Plus, we take a moment to look ahead to 2021 and our hopes and expectations for the New Year. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The festive fixture pile-up is upon us with FPL gameweeks coming fast and furious. In this episode, we're previewing GW15–16 and looking at our preferred captains and transfers targets. Is there any other standout option aside from Mo Salah? Is Kevin de Bruyne doing enough to keep himself in our teams? We also take a closer look at this week's news about the blank fixtures in GW18 and doubles in GW19, discussing our own strategies for maximizing points in these unique moments while being careful to not corrupt our squads and season-long plans. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take quick stock of our GW12 scores before moving ahead to transfer targets and captaincy options for the looming midweek GW13 fixtures. Brandon and Josh tackle such questions as: Is it a blessing or a curse that so many of us moved for Mo Salah last gameweek? Can we separate the value of Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes after a rather dull Manchester Derby? And, with injuries to the likes of Diogo Jota, who are the best mid-priced midfield options for the upcoming fixtures? Good luck this week and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between Salah, De Bruyne, Bruno, Kane, and Son, at the moment it seems there are almost too many premium FPL assets who are delivering big points. So, considering most fantasy managers can't afford them all, how do we fit the right players in and still maintain a balanced squad? We discuss who our biggest premium priorities should be and look at the upcoming fixtures to determine how some managers might rotate their dream lineup. Plus, we run through the short list of standout cheap attackers and then focus on GW12 transfer and captaincy dilemmas. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend has brought our FPL focus back to the midfield with premium players like Bruno Fernandes and Kevin de Bruyne leaving their mark. And, with Mo Salah back from his COVID-19 infection, the list of must-have attackers is growing longer and longer. Ahead of GW11, we're looking at our preferred transfer targets and captaincy options, as well as some traps worth avoiding. We're then joined by eight-year-old Tilly Webb—and her father Mark—to discuss Tilly's sensational start to the 2020–21 fantasy season. After GW9, Tilly was ranked second in the Always Cheating Super League and 183 overall in the world. So what's her secret? Mark assures us that he has nothing to do with his daughter's success and talks to us about Making Fantasy Fun Again through sharing the game with your family. Hail Cheaters! Join the Always Cheating Super League with code 5g18et or click here: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/5g18et Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With some impressive scores amongst some highly-owned players, was GW9 a big bounce-back week for FPL managers? Josh and Brandon take a look at how their squads are doing, and then discuss the most pressing fantasy dilemmas ahead of GW10: Is it possible to consider selling Spurs assets, even when their amazing form continues? If Spurs are that good, are Fulham really that bad? Is it time to hop aboard the Diogo Jota bandwagon? And will Manchester City ever get its mojo back? Plus, we review next weekend's fixtures and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was an American prodigy. The next Pelé. The savior of U.S. soccer. But he wasn’t even old enough to drive. In 2004, Freddy Adu joined MLS at 14 years old becoming the youngest pro athlete in America in 100 years. His story is a tale of talent, money, fame and futbol. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl retraces the legend of Freddy as he went from superstar to one of the biggest "what ifs," asking, what determines who "makes it," who "doesn't," and what does all of it say about us? American Prodigy is now available. Listen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This recent international break is wreaking havoc on fantasy managers with so many key FPL assets suffering injuries and COVID-19 infections. Do these events make GW9 a good moment to start fresh and reinvigorate our squads with new names and new strategies? Is a player like Mo Salah worth selling, even if he could miss just one gameweek? We consider a number of recently-overlooked players whom we can call upon as reinforcements and we also debate the usefulness of multiple transfer hits when faced with a sea of yellow and red flags. Plus, we discuss De Bruyne, Vardy, Kane, and Bruno Fernandes, as well as our top picks for GW9 transfers and captaincy. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another international break is upon us, so we're taking this pause in fantasy action to present our first-ever Early-Season FPL Awards. First, we check in on scores and highlights from GW8, and then it's on to the presentation of FPL's most (and least) valuable players and teams, along with the best newcomers and most improved players during the start of this 2020–21 Premier League season. We'll return next week with news from the international break and a preview of GW9. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some recent Premier League results have been harder to predict than Graham Potter's next starting eleven. Speaking of, is Brighton actually going to sputter into relegation while still be one of the sharpest teams in the division? And, how can we explain the anemic attack of typically high-flying teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United? Are we being impatient? As FPL managers, we're still waiting for massive fantasy points from the game's premium players—but it looks like the wait might soon be over with Chelsea's new recruits, who put in one of the surest displays of GW7. Hosts Josh and Brandon consider these fantasy dilemmas and look ahead to next weekend's GW8 with transfer targets and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While normal service threatens to resume with this weekend's relatively (and that's a heavily qualified "relatively") predictable score-lines, fantasy managers are seeing some shockingly low points tallies. Is GW6 just another one of those flukey weeks? Or is there something we can learn? Josh and Brandon look at the increasing FPL influence of the forward slot and discuss some key questions ahead of GW7: Can Bamford or Zaha actually be trusted? Which players are in our ideal defensive line? Will Chelsea turn the corner soon? And is a Salah/Mané double-up worth the price? Plus, we dig into some macro fantasy strategy before focusing on transfer targets and captaincy picks for the upcoming game week. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a Premier League weekend featuring bizarre results and controversial moments, we also saw some massive fantasy returns. Josh and Brandon consider how a new FPL template might be forming and examine some key questions heading into GW6: Should we stick with Liverpool defense after Van Dijk's season-ending injury? How badly do we need Harry Kane? And do we still want any players from Manchester City? Plus, we update our watchlist of budget strikers and defenders before focusing on transfer targets and captaincy picks for the upcoming game week. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While FPL managers wait out what remains of the International Break, we take a closer at Josh's active wildcard and discuss what it means to trigger a chip from a position of strength versus out of necessity. This week's other dilemmas center on Aston Villa's surprising form, Manchester City's worrying results, and the chaos that the Spurs attack threatens to rain down upon us. All of this, plus listener questions and a preview of GW5 fixtures, transfer targets, and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League insanity continues with outrageous shorelines and results occurring throughout GW4. But, with still so much volatility within the league and FPL, who's fantasy stock is up as we head into the international break? And whose stock is actually going down? We discuss all twenty teams and attempt to pinpoint which of them are currently worthy of our time and investment. Always Cheating will return next week with a full preview of the GW5 fixtures and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 15% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A wildly unpredictable weekend in the Premier League has provided fantasy managers with far more questions than answers as this new season lurches forward. What are we meant to take away from Leicester's demolition of Manchester City? Or Chelsea's disorganized draw at the Hawthorns? Or Wolves' capitulation to West Ham? We discuss what the GW3 results could mean for wildcard teams (including Brandon's) before turning our attention to GW4 transfer targets and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 15% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a wild goal-filled weekend, it's become even more difficult for FPL managers to gauge where they stand. It's easy to get caught between two minds—one that's patient, and another that's passive. So where does the early wildcard option come in? Well, let Brandon tell you, as he's already activated his own wildcard and is frisking the teams and fixtures for the best options for the future. Josh and Brandon also discuss the startling emergence of Everton, the curiously lopsided result for Spurs, and Manchester United's false start. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 15% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just one weekend of Premier League fixtures under our belt, there's already plenty to discuss. We're talking in this episode about team and player performances and what we may have gotten right or wrong in our initial FPL planning. But what do we know for certain, as opposed to just knee-jerk reactions? Has Willian already cemented himself in the Arsenal attack? Is this rebuilt Everton squad actually fo real? And is there cause for concern after Southampton's underwhelming showing at Selhurst Park? We then look ahead to GW2 and reveal our transfer and captaincy strategies for the weeks ahead. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first deadline of the new FPL season is less than a week away and it's time to get serious about our GW1 squads. Josh and Brandon discuss the strategy behind each of their current fantasy drafts and pinpoint which players remain locked into their lineup versus those who may not make the final cut. Plus, we preview this weekend's eight fixtures, weigh the favorite captaincy options, and plan ahead for September's subsequent gameweeks. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special bonus episode of the show, we’re joined by writer and podcaster Joe Lepper of Fantasy Football Scout. Joe is a fixture in the fantasy community, but he’s also known for his incredible FPL record, which features six top 10K overall rank finishes (including one top 1K finish), having never finished outside the top 100K during his twelve-year career. We asked Joe about his winning FPL strategy and how it has evolved through the years, along with the challenges he’s anticipating for next season. We also chat with Joe about his experiences as an FPL content creator, having worked with some of the best minds in the fantasy arena, and his excellent “Meet the Manager” interview series for the Scout. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next in our series of 2020–21 season preview episodes, we outline our Ten Tips for FPL Success. This is the fifth installment of our regular pre-season feature, so this year we’re applying a healthy amount of hindsight and experience to the chat. Of course, “success” in FPL can mean different things to different people, whether it’s achieving a great score or beating your mini-league rival or simply succeeding at having more fun. Here, we discuss the common player traps to avoid, ways to stay ahead of the dreaded FPL squad “template,” what fantasy tools and resources to utilize, and the importance of setting up that Bus Team at the start of each new gameweek. We also touch upon strategies for being more patient, less stubborn, and generally getting more enjoyment out of your FPL experience. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our pre-season content continues with part two of our team-by-team FPL previews, featuring Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham, and Wolverhampton. What can we expect from each team's opening fixtures and how do we assess their key players and new and rumored signings? While this concludes our team-by-team coverage, stay tuned for much more preview coverage in the coming weeks. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our pre-season content continues with part one of our team-by-team FPL previews, featuring Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, and Leicester City. What can we expect from each team's opening fixtures and how do we assess their key players and new and rumored signings? Stay tuned for part two of our team-by-team previews coming in just a few days. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oh my! The new FPL site has just launched for the 2020–21 season! While we still await the fixture announcements, on this episode, we offer up our first impressions and hot takes on the player prices, reclassified positions, and more. What team formation is immediately looking good? Is "big in the midfield" the new "big at the back?" Who are the heavy hitters, new players, and value picks that look best? Stay tuned to this feed for much more FPL preview content as we roll out team-by-team analysis and tips for fantasy success. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 25% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we wait for the Fantasy Premier League site to relaunch, we take this moment to predict a handful of key player prices. From Ziyech and Werner to Mitrovic and Jiménez, along with the likes of Alexander-Arnold and De Bruyne, we discuss new signings, returning favorites, and those players who are ready to make that leap into the elite echelon of fantasy price tags. Stay tuned for much more pre-season podcast content in the coming weeks. Hail Cheaters! Always Cheating listeners can now enjoy a 30% discount on memberships at Fantasy Football Hub. To learn all about the Hub's powerful FPL tools and features, and to secure your membership, visit: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always30/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you find yourself with more time on your hands during the Premier League off-season, then let us present to you "Golden Goal: Stories of Soccer Legends," the new podcast narrated by Always Cheating's own Brandon Kelley. Blue Wire Studios has crafted this wholly original show that devotes each episode to one soccer/football legend and the moment that made them. From Messi to Zidane to Maradona to Marta to Zlatan, along with Pelé's film career, the Dortmund Finishing School, and Megan Rapinoe's on- and off-the-field heroics, each compact Golden Goal delivers a custom soundtrack, archival match commentary, and player interviews. Subscribe to Golden Goal wherever you get your podcasts. And, if you like what you hear, please consider rating and reviewing the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heartbreak! Triumph! Chaos! The 2019–20 Premier League season has finally reached its conclusion, and with it one of the longest and most challenging FPL campaigns in memory. So, what lessons did we learn that might help fantasy mangers in the future? What did we make of all of the recent controversy surrounding leaked team sheets? And, looking ahead to next season, which players will be nailed in our squads or flagged as rising stars, exciting new signings, and worthy punts? Thanks to all of our listeners for yet another amazing year of podcasts. The show will be back, as usual, in a few weeks, ahead of the launch of the new FPL game. We'll talk to you then! Hail Cheaters! This week's episode of the Always Cheating Podcast is presented by Manscaped. For precision-engineered male grooming tools, visit Manscaped.com and use the code CHEATING for 20% off plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At last, the final gameweek of this long, strange Premier League season is upon us. So, what can we expect from GW38? We know that some teams will have nothing to play for, while others will have European football on the line. Will matches between Chelsea & Wolves and Leicester & Manchester United be tight, cagey affairs, or wide-open goal fests? With Brandon using his Free Hit chip, we also discuss the best strategies for building a full fifteen-man roster and where players from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal should fall in your list of priorities. Good luck to all and Hail Cheaters! This week's episode of the Always Cheating Podcast is presented by Manscaped. For precision-engineered male grooming tools, visit Manscaped.com and use the code CHEATING for 20% off plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're joined this week by the FPL Mayor, Tom Campbell, to discuss the season's remaining big questions. Who are the top captain picks for the final three gameweeks? Is there an optimal time to activate your Free Hit chip? How are we recalibrating our personal fantasy goals as this season finally comes to an end? Plus, we take a closer look at GW36+ and the optimal Free Hit squad and captaincy favorites for the upcoming deadline. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's Premier League fixtures wrap up with a Monday night match-up between Spurs and Everton, but then GW34+ immediately kicks off with three games on Tuesday. To help get FPL managers prepared for yet more fantasy football, we're taking a day-by-day look—from Tuesday to Wednesday to Thursday—at this midweek slate, debating all of the best transfer targets and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we make our way through the rest of GW32+, we take some time to look at the remaining fixtures for all twenty Premier League clubs. Based on what we've learned thus far from the league's restart, which teams are likely to be the best fantasy prospects? That is, which teams have players that FPL managers should to look to buy, sell, or hold? Plus, we preview the GW33+ match-ups and discuss our preferred captain picks. Hail Cheaters! Please complete this audience survey to help us learn about the podcast content that most interests you and for your chance to win a Blue Wire t-shirt, hoodie, or a pair of AirPods:https://bit.ly/2Ybr18V Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We rejoice this week—it's the return of Premier League action! Nearing the end of GW30+ and this first round of fixtures, what have been the key FPL takeaways? Which teams and players impressed? Which were clearly abject and fantasy stay-aways? Tune in as we preview GW31+ and discuss some specific team issues, as well as highlights across each player position, from forward and midfielder to defender and goalkeeper. Hail Cheaters! Please complete this audience survey to help us learn about the podcast content that most interests you and for your chance to win a Blue Wire t-shirt, hoodie, or a pair of AirPods: https://bit.ly/2Ybr18V Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League restart is only a few days away and this episode focuses on the opening FPL fixtures, which happen to be a double gameweek. So, what are the best approaches for playing the double? Just how good, from the jump, do we expect Manchester City to be? Are Arsenal even worth the trouble? And in what ways can we mitigate the risk of inevitable team rotation? We delve into some chip theory with free hit and bench boost discussions, and also touch upon single-gameweek players that are worth transferring in. Plus, stay tuned for some bold predictions from our listeners on how they envision the next nine fantasy gameweeks shaking out. Good luck this week! Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In anticipation of the June 17 restart, this week we're checking in on all twenty Premier League clubs. Among them, who has the most to play for? How do their remaining fixtures look? Have any of their key players recently returned from injury? As we discuss the teams, we zero in on the top performers and differentials that will fit into our updated fantasy line-ups. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League is returning to action on June 17, and it's also been confirmed that FPL is along for the ride! To help get us back into the fantasy mindset, this week we're asking ten unique questions about what we can expect from a rebooted season: How do the opening fixtures look and what are the implications of a double game-week kicking things off? Have we given more thought to the prospect of a round of unlimited transfers? And will line-up rotation and five in-game substitutions upset the norms of building a reliable fantasy squad? We discuss these issues and more and look at what our recent experiences with Fantasy Bundesliga have taught us fantasy in an uncertain era. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the German Bundesliga entered its second match-week back from quarantine, the big news this week was Premier League clubs finally returning to small team training. What does this mean for FPL? And what are our expectations for how the rest of this season, behind closed doors, will unfold? Plus, we check in on our Fantasy Bundesliga scores and answer listener questions on Virtual FPL and sports in America. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Germany’s Bundesliga returned to action this weekend, spurring many football fans around the world to tune in for their first glimpse of live sports in months. So, did Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04 or Eintracht Frankfurt vs Mönchengladbach deliver on the excitement we craved? Was it strange watching football broadcast from empty stadiums? And how was our first experience with Germany's fantasy game? This week, we are joined by guest Ronan Murphy (social producer and journalist for Goal) to discuss the Bundesliga's narrative threads, notable clubs, and key players that novice fans like us are missing. Hail Cheaters! Please consider supporting our beloved Black Horse Pub in Brooklyn: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-black-horse-staff Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It looks as though Germany’s Bundesliga will be the first major European league to return to action when their 2019–20 season resumes on May 16. In anticipation of next weekend’s action, we’re dedicating this episode to getting to know some of the teams, players, and stories currently dominating the German top division. We discuss everything from Robert Lewandowski and the modern Bayern Munich dynasty to Timo Werner and RB Leipzig’s divisive business practices, along with hipster club Borussia Dortmund’s young phenoms Jadon Sancho and Erling Håland. Plus, we spell Mönchengladbach. Hail Cheaters! Please consider supporting our beloved Black Horse Pub in Brooklyn: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-black-horse-staff Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Without any concrete news to report from the Premier League and FPL, we’ve turned to our listeners for topics. In this week’s “mailbag” episode, we answer questions about the state of football in quarantine. How can this season be salvaged? Will FPL ever come back? And, well, here’s an easy one: How do we define money and measure the cost of late-stage capitalism? Plus, in the most cheerful way possible, we reveal which clubs we’d most like to buy and/or destroy. Hail Cheaters! Please consider supporting our beloved Black Horse Pub in Brooklyn: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-black-horse-staff Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sure, the Premier League and FPL have all but vanished. But what else do we miss? From the solitude of a morning commute and the taste of movie theater popcorn to that tactile, emotional feeling of hugging your friends, in this episode of Always Cheating we're drafting our favorite little things that we never knew we'd struggle to live without. Hail Cheaters! Please consider supporting our beloved Black Horse Pub in Brooklyn: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-black-horse-staff Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the midst of a global crisis, there's a lot to get stressed about. So, this week, we set out to record a "feel good" (or "feel less bad") episode filled with ideas on how to get by during the coming weeks and possibly months. From virtual FPL and analog board games to bread baking and binging sci-fi novels, we and our listeners have come up with some great hacks for passing the time. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a welcome bonus. You can sign up for the Virtual FPL game at LiveFPL.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League and the fantasy game have very particular places in our weekly and daily lives. But, given our current crisis, virtually every aspect of sport has vanished. So we at Always Cheating decided to have an old fashioned draft to call out and draw in those specific players and teams, cherished moments of the average sports week, and other elements of following the league and our clubs that we truly miss the most. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 100% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports are still on hiatus, but while everyone's in social isolation, movies have become a pretty good way to get our sports fix. So, while we're all looking for content to stream at home, we thought it was a good week to reflect our favorite sports movies of all time. From 'The Damned United' and 'Rocky IV,' to 'Major League' and 'Hoop Dreams,' our discussion hits on virtually every sport, every genre, and every mood. Let us know which of your favorite films we might have missed. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 100% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen, we love the Fantasy Premier League game. We truly do. We love it so much that we dedicated a weekly podcast to it. But, as a thought experiment during this surreal down-time, we at Always Cheating decided to take a shot and inventing some new rules for FPL. What does the fantasy game already have that can be improved? What does it not have that can be introduced? From chips and team formations to transfer deadlines and bonus point systems, we're tweaking and perfecting virtually every aspect of FPL for its eventual and triumphant return. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 100% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no new Premier League action or fantasy happenings, Josh and Brandon set their sights on the past and list their favorite FPL assets from recent history. And as we run through the best goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, we find that "favorite" doesn't always mean what you think it means. Along the way, we reminisce about our own greatest moments playing the FPL game since we began back in 2011. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 100% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the coronavirus continues to upend life as we know it, Josh and Brandon assess what this means for Premier League fans and FPL managers. Is there a chance that the season might eventually resume? Or is it over? And, if it's truly over, what are our thoughts on approaching mini-league winner payouts for a season that never truly ended? Plus, we offer up a detailed travel diary for our recent tour of England, including GW29 visits to the Emirates, Old Trafford, and the King Power, as well as appearances on the Official FPL Show with Jules Breach and James Richardson. A quick programming note during this uncertain time: Despite a lack of FPL, we'll continue to produce the Always Cheating podcast on a weekly basis with the hope of preserving a bit of joy and normalcy for our listeners. Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon are in the UK this week, enjoying some live match day experiences. But we're finding time in this episode to highlight key FPL issues facing managers ahead of the big blank GW31, as well as the "Forgotten Gameweek" GW30. Join us for player picks, captaincy favorites, and a few stories from our recent travels to the Emirates, Old Trafford, and King Power. Hail Cheaters! As mentioned, look for us on this week's FPL Show and FPL FYI. Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The action from GW28 was chaotic, to say the least, but players like Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin continue to rack up FPL points. We're digesting all of this in the context of Brandon's wildcard, which is active during this transfer window. So, who will make the cut? And who are the differentials that will help this wildcard really climb the ranks? Plus we preview GW29 fixtures and captaincy options, along with our upcoming trip to the UK. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 50% welcome bonus. A reminder that our London, UK, listener meet-up is set for Friday, March 6, 7:00 PM until close at Coin Laundry. We hope to see you there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it true that you can close a gap of 100 points in your FPL mini league with just eleven weeks to go? Is it false that form trumps fixtures? Is it true that Manchester United now have to be taken seriously by fantasy managers? Is it false that Kevin de Bruyne is the only Manchester City asset worth owning? Is it true that underlying stats are overrated? Is it false that there are no worthwhile midfielders priced below £6.0? We answer these questions and more, along with a preview of GW28 transfer and captaincy conundrums. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 50% welcome bonus. A reminder that our London, UK, listener meet-up is set for Friday, March 6, 7:00 PM until close at Coin Laundry. We hope to see you there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As GW26 and our first Premier League winter break come to their eventual conclusions, we're turning our attention to emerging and under-the-radar transfer targets from clubs like Wolverhampton, Spurs, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Leicester City. Which players who have hit recent form are actually knee-jerk fantasy moves versus those savvy picks who will actually help you make headway in the FPL ranks? Plus, we discuss the current situation with Manchester City's potential Champions League ban and how that might impact our fantasy seasons. Stick around for our preview of GW27 captaincy favorites and transfers plans. Hail Cheaters! Presented by BetOnline.ag. Set up an account today and use promo code BLUEWIRE for a 50% welcome bonus. A reminder that our London, UK, listener meet-up is set for Friday, March 6, 7:00 PM until close at Coin Laundry. We hope to see you there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's not much in the way of FPL news as we find ourselves only three-tenths of the way through a long GW26. So, we thought, what the heck? Let's just ask our listeners to send in a bunch of random fantasy and non-fantasy questions for us to answer. Listen in as Josh and Brandon critique each other's FPL tactics, talk about how they first met, and debate who of the duo would win in a penalty shootout. Hail Cheaters! Presented by: BetOnline.AG A reminder that our London, UK, listener meet-up is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 7:00 PM until close at Coin Laundry in Farringdon. We hope to see you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's face it: Sometimes, FPL questions can be difficult, or even downright impossible to answer. This week, we are honestly and confidently tackling all of our listeners' toughest conundrums, from premium striker woes to Championship rotation threat, Leicester City's concerning form, and the prospects of the biggest January signings. Plus, we take a closer look at the GW26 fixture list, which has been spread out due to the Winter Break, and how the staggered schedule might impact our transfers, wildcards, and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're still waiting for the final—and extremely fateful—GW24 match to be played. While we wait, Josh and Brandon discuss the possibility, and weigh the pros and cons, of triggering a wildcard ahead of GW25. And, if they were to activate a wildcard now, which players would be in their refreshed fifteen-men squad? Both Josh and Brandon run through their current selections, from goalkeepers and defenders, to midfielders and forwards. Stay tuned for a full GW25 fixtures and captaincy preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Gameweek 24 kicking off in less than 48 hours, Josh and guest co-host Eric Freeman go all in on Liverpool's (and, er, West Ham's) double-gameweek: who to target, who to triple captain, and if there's really any definitive way to pick between Mané, Salah, Trent and more with your (C) pick. We also discuss Greenwood, Martinelli, and other emerging forwards, what to do with Jiménez and Tammy, and players we may be overlooking who could also do well during the midweek fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Danny Ings continues his scoring rampage, and after Manchester City's masterclass at Villa Park, many FPL managers are reckoning with key players they've recently overlooked. In this episode, we discuss the likes of Mahrez, Agüero, Richarlison, Sarr, and Lacazette and whether their time in our FPL lineups has come. We also take another look at double GW24 planning and debate the idea of "points chasing" before previewing the GW23 fixtures, along with our captaincy favorites and transfer targets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With more than half the season now behind us, Always Cheating proudly presents our annual mid-season report card on all twenty Premier League clubs. Yep, that's Arsenal to Wolves, and everyone in between. We discuss both FPL and real-life player and team performances and how each of those assessments might influence our fantasy decisions down the home stretch. Stick around until the end for our preview of captaincy favorites for the upcoming GW22, which kicks off this Friday. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the festive fixtures nearly behind us, we're taking a moment to review the last few FPL gameweeks and consider what lessons, if any, were learned. We discuss the Chelsea bubble bursting, the mere existence of a Spurs bubble, and the potential of new Arsenal and Everton managers generating anything even close to resembling a bubble with players worth punting on. Plus, Mané versus Salah remains an contentious debate, and what's with the glut of viable and in-form strikers? Stick around for our GW21 preview highlighting captaincy favorites and transfer targets. Happy New Year and Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're going match-by-match through the big Boxing Day fixture list, highlighting rest and rotation worries, captaincy favorites, and transfer targets. How big of a factor will Liverpool play as they return from their exploits abroad? Is Lundstram an legitimate candidate for the armband? And where are the truly reliable clean sheets? Hail Cheaters and Happy Holidays from the Always Cheating Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We often take the longview when discussing the FPL season, but next weekend's tricky GW18 requires focused attention. Liverpool will be abroad at the FIFA Club World Cup, resulting in a blank gameweek for both the league leaders and West Ham United. What does this mean for your Liverpool assets? Should FPL managers be benching the likes of Mané, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold, or is there any strategic way of transferring them out and back in again? Josh and Brandon interrogate the options, including differential transfers and captaincy candidates who might give you the advantage. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's that point in the FPL season when everyone is looking for an opportunity to rise up in the rankings. This week, Brandon and Josh discuss a few strategies for attacking the holiday fixtures, as well as players who might give you a boost. Stars like Marcus Rashford and Dele Alli stand out, but should managers be dropping marque assets like Kevin De Bruyne and Raul Jiménez to make space? We also look at yellow card suspension concerns and how Liverpool's blank GW18 impacts our transfer planning before getting to the GW17 fixture and captaincy preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a quick turnaround from this weekend's round of Premier League matches to Tuesday's GW15 kickoff. What does this holiday fixture onslaught mean for player rest and rotation? We're taking a closer look at newly emerging fantasy assets that might help us navigate the trickiest part of the league calendar, including those less likely to be benched. Plus, from Mourinho's appointment at Spurs to Emery's sacking at Arsenal, we touch upon how recent managerial managerial changes are shifting our FPL strategies. Stick around for a full frisking of the GW15 match-ups, transfer targets, and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between Raheem Sterling's goal drought and Liverpool's clean sheet drought, this FPL season has presented more problems than solutions when it comes to premium assets. Will José Mourinho's invigorated Spurs be the answer to these woes? This week, we discuss the upside of Kane, Son, Dele, and Lucas, and whether they might displace template assets like Mo Salah or Kevin de Bruyne. Plus we preview the GW14 fixtures, along with our planned transfers and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this mailbag episode of the podcast, Josh and Brandon answer a wide range of listener questions. First, we focus our attention on key players and fixtures from GW13 through the end of the festive period. Who's is the future template? Who's out of the current one? How does Livepool's GW18 blank factor into our planning? And, of course, what's the current enthusiasm level on Raheem Sterling and other Manchester City assets? Later, we field some broader strategic questions addressing emotional biases, transfer hits, and team value. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool's victory over Manchester City was one of the defining events of GW12, but how will it impact our FPL lineups going forward? Is Alexander-Arnold still a better pick than Robertson? Is Salah making a case that managers should pick him over Mané? And exactly how committed should you be to either Sterling or De Bruyne? Plus, we discuss the "sword and shield" approach to balancing defensive and aggressive FPL play styles, which could include Pulisic and Martial as the newest swords in the armory. Tune in next week for our full GW13 preview amidst 2019's final international break. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the Always Cheating hosts get positive! Coming off of amazing GW11 performances, we're inducting players like John Lundstram, Andrew Robertson, and Jamie Vardy into our official Appreciation Society—a proper home for beloved FPL assets through the years. We also discuss prioritizing premium midfield assets, considering the current states of Salah, De Bruyne, and Sterling. Which could be ready for a downgrade, if any? Stick around for a preview of GW12 transfer targets and captaincy picks, including our assessment of the massive Liverpool vs Manchester City fixture. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With ten game weeks now behind us in this FPL season, we have a few things to discuss. Mainly, we need to talk about Agüero. But we also need to talk about Sterling. And Salah. And Aubameyang, Pukki, Wilson, Vardy, and more. How do these players stack up when relying upon the 'eye test' method? Which players are we ready to drop from our squads, and which are will still invested in? Josh and Brandon also preview the GW11 fixtures, along with their transfer targets and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the very minuscule returns from GW9 continue to trickle in, Josh and Brandon take some time to discuss exactly how an FPL season can go as poorly as this one has. Points have been hard to come by during the last month or so, but are we being too patient with premium assets? Are we expecting greatness where there is none? Is there anything we can do about FPL other than yell and complain? Listeners chime in with their thoughts and experiences, and we tackle more listener questions in our lightning round before previewing the GW10 fixtures, captaincy favorites, and transfer targets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we welcome guest co-host Ian Stimson, from the Miles Offside Podcast, who sits in with Brandon to prepare for Gameweek 9. With the Premier League's marque fixture of Liverpool vs Manchester City coming up in Gameweek 12, we take this moment to discuss short-term FPL planning and how we can best calibrate our strategy for a brief four-week window, which will feature great fixtures for Chelsea, Leicester, and Bournemouth, to name a few. How do transfer hits and player punts factor into these small timeframes? We also touch upon current worries over Liverpool and Manchester City premium assets and then rank the current plethora of high-priced striker options. Tune in for all of that plus listener questions and a Gameweek 9 preview with bus teams, transfer targets, and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Blue Wire thanks our partners for this week: Shipstation and Roman. Try Shipstation free for sixty days by going to shipstation.com and entering promo code Blue and visit roman.com/bluewire to receive a free online visit and free two-day shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Entering another international break, we take time this week to discuss, in an FPL sense, what we like and dislike about all twenty Premier League teams. Along the way, we touch upon our biggest priorities going into GW9, from the urgency of transferring in Aubameyang to the urgency of transferring out Teemu Pukki. Plus, we dig into struggling premium attackers on Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as the high-flying Chelsea duo of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham. Tune in next week for a full preview of GW9 fixtures, captaincy favorites, and transfer targets. Hail Cheaters! Thanks to our partners Axios and Harrys. Sign-up at Sports.Axios.com for your daily newsletter and Harrys.com/bluewire for a free trial on a delivery razor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're now seven weeks into the FPL season and some of our widely-held assumptions are being challenged. For example, are out-of-form midfield powerhouses like Mohammed Salah and Raheem Sterling becoming legitimately dispensable? Is Manchester City rotation and playing time finally too much to anticipate? And have the lights officially gone out on the Pukki party? It seems as though we're heading into the next "phase" of the season—we'll call it Phase Two—so, this week, we evaluate what (if anything) is actually changing and how FPL managers can plan to address it. Will players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Andriy Yarmolenko, or Callum Wilson be important factors in Phase Two? Plus, we answer listener questions in our patented Lightning Round and preview transfer targets and captaincy favorites for Game Week 8. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six weeks into the Premier League season, is anything certain when it comes to FPL? Are we sure we know what to do with Manchester City? Are we sure we know who the best forwards and defenders are? Are we sure we know who to captain week to week? We tackle these questions, look back on a frantic and oddly explosive Game Week 6, and define some short-term overall ranking goals, before previewing the fixtures and captaincy favorites ahead of this weekend's GW7. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming out of Game Week 5, it seems like everything is going wrong for FPL managers. So, this week, we put the call out to those who have actually had a good start to their season, asking them what exactly is working so well. Are managers finding success in certain players or formations? The answers may surprise you. We also review the highlights of this weekend's matches before setting our sights on Game Week 6, which kicks off on Friday. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As FPL managers continue to wait out this international break, Brandon gives an update on his wildcard team and the current dilemmas in its selection. Does Mohammed Salah get the nod over Sadio Mané? Will Raheem Sterling be paired with Kevin De Bruyne or Sergio Agüero? And which budget strikers are the best bet for the next month? Josh and Brandon also tackle listener questions on Manchester City' defense, Roberto Firmino's form, and Watford's managerial change. Plus, we preview the fixtures, captain picks, and transfer targets for Game Week 5. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first international break of the season is suddenly here, so we're using the lull to take stock, asking one important FPL question of each of the Premier League's twenty clubs. We also recap our own team performances from GW4 and address concerns over Harry Kane, the most-likely-overblown feud between Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mané, and the push and pull between Manchester City's soaring attack and hobbled defense. Plus, Brandon reveals that he's now on his wildcard! Tune in early next week for our full GW5 preview with captaincy talk, transfer targets, and fixture assessments. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FPL results from GW3 provided an early-season gut-check: wildcard strategies are foundering, Harry Kane is blanking, and defensive fantasy returns have all but disappeared. In this week's episode, Josh and Brandon examine a misfired wildcard and then dig deeper into the Premier League's current clean sheet crisis. Plus, in a game of buy-sell-hold featuring a raft of attacking players, the hosts consider what to do with emerging stars like Sebastien Haller, steady performers like Ashley Barnes, young upstarts like Daniel James and Mason Mount, and disappointments like Ayoze Pérez. Stay tuned for for the GW4 preview, highlighting key fixtures, captaincy favorites, and transfer targets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki stole the show in GW2 with his hat trick against Newcastle. Is the Finnish phenom suddenly a must-own for everyone's fantasy team? Plus, we discuss our list of players that were overlooked in FPL pre-season coverage, but are now exciting prospects—strikers like Ashley Barnes, midfielders like Daniel Ceballos, and defenders like Çaglar Söyüncü. Which of these emerging assets will be key in breaking away from the current template? Other topics include Mané versus Salah and the inevitable early wildcard temptation. Stay tuned for our GW3 fixture preview, along with prime transfer targets and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first FPL game week of the 2019-20 season is over and there's a lot of information to digest. Don't panic! Before you commit to any knee-jerk moves, why not give this episode a listen? Josh and Brandon take listener questions and give our thoughts on key issues, including Alisson's injury (and the ongoing saga of double Liverpool defense), Manchester United's unexpected demolition of Chelsea, Bournemouth's worrying start, and the infallibility of premium assets like Sterling, Salah, and Kane. In preparation for GW2, we line up transfers for emerging budget attackers (on such teams as Aston Villa, Burnley, and Brighton) and consider the captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new FPL season is less than a week away, and Josh and Brandon are here to explore a handful of this pre-season's great unanswered questions. We debate the opposing viewpoints of the "big at the back" defensive strategy versus a more balanced approach, share our thoughts on Everton's strange summer, run through the updated list of budget forward options, and talk one more time about Harry Kane. Plus, we consider the performances of Manchester City and Liverpool in Sunday's Community Shield and how both Salah and Sterling have strengthened their potential heading into this weekend's GW1 fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hail Cheaters and welcome to the 4th Edition of our “10 Tips for FPL Success.” Completely revised and updated for the 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League season, topics discussed by Brandon and Josh include: Avoiding the common player traps Fantasy sources to read (and possibly avoid) Making your mini-league fun for all 38 GWs Why you always set your “bus team” And much more, including time-tested tips for being more patient, avoiding the trap of being too stubborn about certain players, and more. Join our mini-league with code dtz277 at: fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/join/private Become a Patreon supporter: www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Twitter: twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: zachcurd.bandcamp.com This episode is sponsored by Fantasy Football Hub, a one-stop-shop for every Fantasy Premier League need. Receive a 10% discount on new memberships by visiting: fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hail Cheaters and welcome to the final episode of our three-part FPL team-by-team previews. In this week's podcast we discuss Norwich City, Sheffield United, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, West Ham, and Wolves. It's an odd group of teams - with probably only one Champions League contender among them in Spurs - but finding the gems are on tricky-to-evaluate teams like these is often where a fantasy mini-league is won and lost. We guide you through the players to buy, monitor and avoid. Join our mini-league with code dtz277 at: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/join/private Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com This episode is sponsored by Fantasy Football Hub, a one-stop-shop for every Fantasy Premier League need. Receive a 10% discount on new memberships by visiting: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second of our three-part series previewing all twenty teams for the 2019–20 Fantasy Premier League season, we discuss Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle. Considerations include the viability of each team’s opening five or six fixtures; key players, new players, and new managers on those teams; and which players might be poised to out-perform their FPL price (based upon what we know in the pre-season). And, sure, we also point out players that FPL managers should simply avoid altogether. Stay tuned for our continuing team-by-team preview episodes, along with other exciting pre-season content. Hail Cheaters! Join our mini-league with code dtz277 at: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/join/private Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com This episode is sponsored by Fantasy Football Hub, a one-stop-shop for every Fantasy Premier League need. Receive a 10% discount on new memberships by visiting: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first of our three-part series previewing all twenty teams for the 2019–20 Fantasy Premier League season, we discuss Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace. Considerations include the viability of each team’s opening five or six fixtures; key players, new players, and new managers on those teams; and which players might be poised to out-perform their FPL price (based upon what we know in the pre-season). And, sure, we also point out players that FPL managers should simply avoid altogether. Stay tuned for our continuing team-by-team preview episodes, along with other exciting pre-season content. Hail Cheaters! Join our mini-league with code dtz277 at: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/join/private Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com This episode is sponsored by Fantasy Football Hub, a one-stop-shop for every Fantasy Premier League need. Receive a 10% discount on new memberships by visiting: https://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/always/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FPL site for the 2019-20 season has officially launched and fantasy managers everywhere are already tinkering with their gameweek 1 lineups. At the outset, a new FPL season always presents unexpected challenges, so Always Cheating is here to confront the biggest questions: Given their prices, which players are most likely to present the best and worst value? How many premium strikers should we budget for? Is this the year to go for four at the back? Why are goalkeepers so expensive? Which players or teams are poised to break out? And so much more. Josh & Brandon will be with you throughout the pre-season, with team-by-team previews and tips for general FPL success still to come. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league with code dtz277 at: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/join/private Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are kicking off Always Cheating's 2019-20 season preview coverage with an episode devoted entirely to player price predictions. From Andrew Robertson and Raheem Sterling to James Maddison, Christian Pulisic, and even Sheffield United's Billy Sharp, these are our best guesses as to what some of the FPL game's biggest and newest players will be valued at once the new site officially launches. Stay tuned for more pre-season podcast content, including team-by-team previews and our annual tips for FPL success. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Website: http://www.alwayscheating.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Excitement reigns as the FIFA 2019 Women's World Cup kicks off in France this Friday, June 7. For a preview of the action, we're joined by Jeff Kassouf, author of the new book The Making of the Women's World Cup and founder of https://equalizersoccer.com. Our conversation runs from tournament favorites and dark horses to the general state of play with women's football around the world. Jeff also fill us in on specific players to watch and which match this weekend might be a great place to start for fans who are new to the women's game. Hail Cheaters! For more information on Jeff Kassouf's new book: Amazon U.S. - https://www.amazon.com/Making-Womens-World-Cup-Defining/dp/1472143329/ref=sr_1_5 Amazon U.K. - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Womens-World-Cup-Defining/dp/1472143329/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J50G8EEXJGOW&keywords=the+making+of+the+womens+world+cup&qid=1559623175&s=gateway&sprefix=the+making+of+the+wome%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1 Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another season is now behind us. This week, we take some time to reflect on our own FPL finishes and to celebrate the winners of the numerous Always Cheating mini leagues. We also debate fantasy MVP picks from all twenty clubs, revisit this season's highs and lows, and discuss the key lessons we learned throughout the last 38 gameweeks. The podcast will be taking a few weeks off, but, rest assured, Josh and Brandon will return in July to start previewing the 2019-20 season. Until then, enjoy the summer and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're so excited to announce that the Always Cheating FPL Podcast has won the Football Blogging Awards 2019 Judges Choice for Best Fantasy Football Content Creator. This is a quick bonus pod to celebrate and thank our listeners who have supported us through the years. Whether you're a Patreon supporter, a social media follower, a fellow content creator, a real-life friend, or an FPL player who simply pushes play during their morning commute: Thank you, sincerely, for making our podcast truly special. More great things to come. Hail Cheaters! For a full list of the 2019 Football Blogging Awards visit: https://www.footballbloggingawards.co.uk/blog/2019-winners-football-blogging-awards/ Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just one gameweek remaining before we close this FPL season, big questions still remain: Who's the best replacement for the suspended Heung-min Son? Which teams are likely to rotate in their final fixture? What do we make of Manchester United and Arsenal's woeful form? And, perhaps most importantly, where are we looking for that last-ditch differential punt? Plus, we discuss GW38 captaincy favorites and start thinking about this season's big lessons learned. Good luck to everyone for a strong finish and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The upcoming GW37 brings us plenty of FPL form-over-fixtures debates. Can Manchester United overcome their woeful recent performances and capitalize on an enticing run-in? Is Jamie Vardy still valuable with Manchester City up next? And what, if anything, can we take from Fulham's recent post-relegation results? Plus, we're recapping our GW36 scores (including Brandon's blockbuster Triple Captain maneuver), picking GW37 captaincy favorites, and discussing macro strategies for defending or chasing mini-league positions at the end of the season. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're checking in on GW35 to see how things are going with the Bench Boost and this season's biggest double gameweek. Gerard Deulofeu's miracle brace and Duffy's masterful troll job are the stories so far, but the Manchester Derby and other key fixtures are yet to come. Later, we set our sights on GW36 and the make-or-break decisions between Liverpool and Manchester City attacking assets. Plus, we go in depth on our strategies for playing the Triple Captain chip at some point during the remaining three weeks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend was meant to be the triumphant debut of so many FPL wildcard teams, but instead it's been a strange and polarizing handful of match days. The Brighton defense was woeful, Lacazette was benched, and Deeney was red carded, all while old stalwarts Pogba, Wilson, and Fraser were having a points party. So, where do we focus our efforts ahead of the massive GW35 doubles? Josh and Brandon discuss budget striker replacements, the viability of Liverpool's single gameweek players, and what could be the toughest captaincy decision of the season. Hail Cheaters! Vote for Always Cheating in the Football Blogging Awards! We're finalists in the "Best Fantasy Football Content Creator" category: https://footballbloggingawards.co.uk/vote-now/ Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After recapping our scores from GW33, and celebrating Josh's dizzying new overall rank, we turn our attention to active FPL wildcards, running through all eight teams with a double in GW35. (And, yeah, we didn't forget about Cardiff, who have a double GW34, along with Brighton.) Are there any truly essential players for your wildcard? Should you consider teams without a double? Will squad rotation amidst European competitions spoil the party? Plus, we answer listener questions in our lightning round before a closer look at the fixtures and captaincy options for GW34. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we find ourselves in media res with six GW32 fixtures yet to play. We quickly assess the status of our Free Hit squads, each with their high and low points. Then we move our attention to this season's remaining unanswered questions, examining the status of the golden boot race, top four, and relegation places. We touch upon some Triple Captain chip strategy and then it's our GW33 preview, looking at transfer targets and captaincy picks ahead of yet another big blank game week. Plus, stay tuned near the end for our new xG illustration contest! Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we're full-on tinkering with the Free Hit chip ahead of the massive double GW32 fixtures. While not every manager is on a Free Hit this week, it's an interesting way to frame a gameweek that holds so much attacking appeal. So, who are the essential FPL assets going to be? Is Hazard getting yet another opportunity to prove his value? Are there any other Manchester City players to consider beyond Sterling and Agüero? Which goalkeepers stand out? Will Kane explode at Spurs new stadium? Josh and Brandon also try to pinpoint the cheaper differentials and answer some listener questions before revealing their own active Free Hit squads. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to take stock after a challenging GW31, which saw some unexpected results and extremely unlikely FPL heroes. Looking ahead to GW32 and beyond, we're creating an Always Cheating Power Ranking for all twenty Premier League clubs: Which clubs have upcoming double or blank gameweeks? From the Champions League to the FA Cup, who is still fighting on multiple fronts, and how might that impact squad rotation? And we try to identify those clubs with appealing run-ins versus those that are already dreaming of the beach. We'll return next week with a deep dive into the GW32 doubles, along with our Free Hit strategies. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raheem Sterling gets most of the GW30 headlines with his lightning-fast hat trick against Watford, but who will be the hero in next weekend's blank bonanza? Josh and Brandon examine the available fixtures and construct an ideal GW31 squad, discussing the benefits of attack versus defense with the two biggest sides in Liverpool and Chelsea. Can Hazard be trusted? Has Mané's form finally placed him above Salah in the FPL pecking order? Is Callum Wilson a viable captaincy pick? And where do all of the intriguing Leicester City, Newcastle, Burnley, West Ham, and Everton assets fit in? We also answer a few listener questions and touch upon GW32 and GW33 in the process. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Campbell (https://twitter.com/UtterlyTC) joins the podcast this week as our special guest co-host. Tom and Brandon recap the action of GW29, including the numerous captaincy fails that have further frayed FPL managers' edges. Then we get into an extensive discussion on GW31 transfer targets as we approach GW30 with the upcoming blanks weighing heavily on our minds. Plus, a lightning round with listener questions and a look at our bus teams for this coming weekend. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We quickly recap a relatively low-scoring GW27 before moving on to more strategizing for the upcoming blank game weeks. Among the handful of teams who play in GW31, which have affordable or overlooked players worth targeting in the coming transfer windows? Plus, we discuss Sarri's League Cup meltdown, Liverpool's sluggish form, and where we currently stand with each Manchester club. Stick around for a preview of GW28's midweek fixtures, including our bus team lineups, transfers, and captaincy picks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chip season on Always Cheating is officially kicking off! With the fifth round of the FA Cup now complete, Josh and Brandon discuss the various emerging strategies for playing your Free Hit, Bench Boost, Triple Captain, and Wildcard chips. We focus most acutely on the blank GW31 and double GW32, but there's much more theorizing to come on GW33 and GW35. Stay tuned for our interview with Pierre Moossa, the Coordinating Producer for NBC Sports Group's Premier League coverage in the United States, recorded at this month's Yale Soccer Conference. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Agüero scored his third hat trick of the season in GW26, adding insult to injury for Aubameyang owners. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows at Manchester City, as Leroy Sané blanked yet again. How do these narratives impact our GW27 planning? With City, Chelsea, Everton, and Brighton all to blank next weekend, some tricky FPL decision will need to be made. Plus, we chat about in-form Liverpool and Manchester United assets, as well as differential picks popping up at Newcastle, Leicester, and Burnley. We'll return next week, after the FA Cup fifth round, with more GW27 discussion, including our transfer targets and captaincy favorites. And stay tuned until the end of this episode for a special beer tasting of Stephen Toumi's (https://twitter.com/6thGoal) "Two Cheaters Ale," brewed exclusively for our podcast. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday's Manchester City team sheet was a massive disappointment for many FPL managers. But some others profited from Sergio Agüero's tenth Premier League hat trick. With Wednesday's match at Goodison Park yet to come, there's a small glimmer of hope for Leroy Sané captainers, but this episode was always primed for rants, rage, and despair. We attempt to let off some of that steam, but also get back to business with listener questions: Is Aubameyang straight back into our teams ahead of the Huddersfield match? Is Heung-Min Son essential? And what are the plans for moving or benching Chelsea and Manchester City assets ahead of the GW27 blank? Plus, we preview the fixtures and captaincy favorites for GW26. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend's FA Cup results were a mixed bag for Premier League sides, but they've also generated a massive opportunity for FPL managers: a newly-announced double gameweek in GW25. Manchester City and Everton will both play twice, but what's the best way to approach it? Can we pinpoint the less rotation-prone City players? Are Everton worthy of investment regardless of the double? Much of the episode's discussion and strategy feeds into the GW24 midweek fixtures, which will be quickly upon us. Later, we're joined by the president and founder of the Yale Soccer Conference, Thairo Arruda, who explains the origins of this first-ever gathering of global football experts. If you'd like to attend the Yale Soccer Conference in New Haven on February 9-10, we're giving away some free passes. Email Always Cheating at hailcheaters@gmail.com for details or visit http://www.soccerconference.org to learn more about the event. Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mid-season FPL template is undeniably taking hold. But how locked-in is it, really? Are certain players like Salah, Robertson, Pogba, Rashford, Digne, Doherty, or even Jimenez simply unavoidable? This week, we discuss how to use the template to your advantage and to anticipate the changes that are always just around the corner. Plus, we evaluate Hazard's recent blanks and whether Gonzalo Higuain's imminent arrival alters our thinking. We'll return with a new episode prior to GW24, including transfer talk and captaincy picks for the upcoming midweek fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a quick break for FA Cup action, our attention has returned to FPL. The big questions for the moment revolve around major attacking assets, and the inevitable budget headaches that come with high-priced watch lists. So how many premium strikers do we need? Rather, are Kane and Aubameyang both essential? After a blip of bad form, have we moved away from Manchester City's midfield too quickly? And is it time for an attacking double-up with Liverpool, or is their defense still the main attraction? Plus, we answer more listener questions on Everton and budget strikers before getting to a preview of GW22 captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're popping up in your podcast feed to check in on all of the festive Premier League madness that's happened since our GW19 preview. And, well, a lot has happened. Liverpool are cruising, Manchester City are wobbling, Kane is firing, and Manchester United are suddenly the new FPL darlings. In other fantasy news, the second wildcard chip is now available to all managers. Surely it's too early to trigger it? Surely? Plus, we discuss ways to handle rage resulting from bad game weeks and obsessive behavior before, finally, we get to our big GW21 preview with key fixtures, captaincy options, and transfer targets. Happy New Year and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The current heavy hitters in Kane, Aubameyang, Sterling, Salah, and Sané have all been identified. But GW17 has seen the emergence of a ragtag group of misfits who can hardly be identified by underlying stats or historical FPL returns. What do we make of the likes of Shaqiri, Deulofeu, Rondon, Ings, or Snodgrass? Who has longterm prospects or even just the likelihood of points during the festive period? Plus we have an extensive preview GW18 and GW19 fixtures, including captaincy options and transfer targets. Happy Holidays and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mo Salah's GW16 hat-trick was either a sweet reward to patient FPL managers or a bitter punishment to those who recently sold him for scrap. The Egyptian's resurgence puts him in the company of other premium attacking assets that we're now frantically trying to fit into our teams: from Kane and Aubameyang to Sterling and Hazard. So how many of these players should we have? And how many can we afford to have? Plus, we take your listener questions in a Q&A lightning round and then preview GW17 captains, cleans sheets, and transfers. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This past Sunday offered a uniquely thrilling Derby Day, but the FPL results were mixed and now we're left with a major dilemma choosing our premium strikers. We must decide between Agüero, Kane, and Aubameyang, or face major team surgery to fit two of the three. Comparing form and fixtures, who's actually worth the trouble amidst the festive fixtures? Plus, we discuss Liverpool's attack versus its defense, West Ham's brilliant schedule, and the turmoil suddenly surrounding Wolves. The episode finishes with a preview of the midweek GW15 fixtures, as well as GW16, and our thoughts on captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off of this calendar year's final international break, GW13 landed with a bit of a thud. And, with that, the epic festive period is suddenly upon us! We're devoting this episode to five key questions ahead of the holiday fixture glut: Can we rank the Manchester City midfielders? Do we finally trust Spurs attacking assets? Where are the bargain clean sheets? Who are the in-form strikers? And how might we best play the captaincy for the next eight weeks? Plus, we preview GW14 and the exciting Derby Sunday. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

France may have failed to qualify for the UEFA Nations League semifinal, but Frenchmen still dominate this international break's FPL chat: Mendy's injury could mean a sideways move to Laporte, or downgrading to Everton's Lucas Digne. And nervous excitement surrounds Martial as he looks to continue his scoring form this weekend at home to Crystal Palace. We also cover some longer-term strategy questions ahead of the holiday fixture pile-up and discuss when top managers should consider breaking the template. Stay tuned for our GW13 preview with bus teams, captaincy favorites, and standout matches. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First off, in this episode, we recap our scores and the main events from GW12. Second, we focus our attention on the FPL assets from the Premier League's "big six" clubs: Are we going all-out-attack with three Manchester City players? Who's feeling hot, cold, or simply anxious with Mo Salah and/or Hazard? Is anyone still considering a move for Kane in the next few weeks? Have Arsenal officially gone off the boil? And, well, it would seem we always have to talk about Anthony Martial these days. Tune in next week for our full GW13 preview. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailcheaters/ Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some transfer choices require more courage than others and can lead to big season-defining differentials. But what does it really mean for an FPL asset to be classed as a differential? Where do we find them? And where in our standard lineups do they fit best? This week's podcast is devoted entirely to those low-ownership, high-upside players, including the likes of Sterling, Martial, Eriksen, Murray, Felipe Anderson, and more. Plus we preview GW12 fixtures, bus teams, and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The carnage of GW10 included numerous FPL absentees in Hazard, Robertson, and Arnautovic. But, in their place, players like Ross Barkley and Anthony Martial emerged. Are they for real? Or, if they aren't, who are the other mid-priced midfielders to consider buying, selling, and holding as the current template starts to wobble? We also examine Mitrovic's difficult situation on a team in free-fall, Agüero's managed minutes, and the tricky turning point for Arsenal. Plus, we preview GW11 fixtures and captaincy favorites. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we look to put the excruciatingly average GW9 behind us, it's time for another edition of the FPL world's favorite game: "Buy! Sell! Hold!" Among the biggest players under our microscope this week are the defensive holy trinity of Robertson, Alonso, and Mendy. We consider Klopp's recent rotation and if there's a cheaper way into Liverpool's back line. It's probably time to sell Kane, if you still have him, but are Agüero's managed minutes a reason to also look at dropping the Argentinian striker? Plus, Josh does a pretty good British accent and Brandon throws quite a bit of shade at Fulham before we get into our GW10 preview and captaincy discussion. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dark forces are at work during this international break, with concerns over a possible Mohamed Salah injury and other mysterious FPL questions emerging. How believable is Arsenal's form and that of Lacazette? Will Kevin de Bruyne's return immediately upend the midfield template? And how far into this season can mid-priced players like Maddison, Mitro, Fraser, and Doherty actually take us? Josh and Brandon also share thoughts on their recent UK trip where they took in four matches in four days, from Stamford Bridge and the Amex to Wembley and Craven Cottage. Finally, there is a quick preview of the GW9 fixtures and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavy hitters are the main FPL talking point this week, with Hazard, Kane, Agüero, Salah, and Sterling all vying for our attention in different ways. Which of these players do we really need, and who can we live without? Plus, we review Josh's successful "surprise" wildcard from GW7, along with Brandon's first big blunder of the season. Attention U.K. friends: Get ready for an American invasion! Josh and Brandon will be in London for GW8. Check out our social channels for more details. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's big theme: Strikers. We're looking through the majority of FPL forward options and determining who is overrated, underrated, and perhaps properly rated. Is Aguero essential, or is it viable to swap him for a premium differential like Kane or Lukaku? Are Vardy and Lacazette worth fitting into your side at such an awkward price point? And what to do about all of these really compelling budget options? Plus we review our GW6 scores and preview the fixtures and captaincy choices for GW7. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week is all about the midfield. Salah, the most expensive player in the FPL game, is testing the patience of many managers, while Hazard continues to explode into peak form under Maurizio Sarri's new regime. So what do we do? Are cheaper bandwagon midfielders like Fraser, Maddison, and Richarlison the key to unlocking more funds for those heavy-hitters? If so, who's the best bet? We also prep for Tuesday's start of UEFA Champions League group play, run through some lightning round questions from listeners, and preview the fixtures and captaincy options for GW6. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the international break winds down, we take an opportunity to review the status of all twenty Premier League clubs. What do we really know ten percent of the way through the season? And, looking at key FPL assets and upcoming fixtures, where do we think each club will find itself in another month? We also check the status of Brandon's active wildcard (is Salah in or out?) and poll our listeners for bold FPL predictions for the next four game weeks. Stick around for a quick interview with Jeremiah Johnson, who finished 2017-18 with a world rank of 221 after sitting at around 1.6 million at this exact time last season. Maybe there's hope for us all yet. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh returns to the pod this week, just in time for this FPL season's first international break. We review the action from GW4 and then it's panic stations for Brandon as he's triggered his wildcard. We set the table for some serious tinkering over the break, running through our favorite options and potential must-haves for goalkeeper, defense, midfield, and forward. Stick around for a special interview with Thomas Braun, the co-founder of the Starting 11 Daily Fantasy app, at the tail end of the episode. We'll be back next week for a full preview of GW5 fixtures and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest co-host David Weigner-Lodahl (https://twitter.com/dweigner) joins us this week to sift through the nuclear fallout of GW3 - red cards, injuries, and bandwagons with Alonso and Lucas Moura. We also discuss what to do with the suspended Richarlison, how strictly to adhere to the emerging premium defensive template, and where to look for short and longterm attacking players. Hazard, anyone? Plus we respond to listener questions and preview the fixtures and captaincy debate ahead of GW4. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're into only the second game week of the season and there's already a massive season-defining talking point with Guardian-Gate: the hotly debated GW2 captaincy decision between Agüero and Salah. This episode drops just before the Crystal Place vs Liverpool fixture, but how did we fair with the armband? We also take a closer look at Manchester City's main FPL prospects moving forward and discuss expensive flops thus far, including Aubameyang and Eriksen. There are questions, too, on Chelsea's good form, the bargain bandwagon with Danny Ings, and a preview of the GW3 schedule. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first FPL game week of the 2018-19 season is over and there's a lot of information to digest. Before you commit to any knee-jerk moves, why not give this episode a listen? We take listener questions and give our thoughts on key issues: The potential of premium defenders (should we double-up anywhere?), emerging mid-priced midfielders (Neves or Jota?), striker dilemmas (no major returns up front), and the early return to action for some big Wold Cup stars (how urgently are we targeting Kane or Sterling?). In preparation for GW2, we also touch upon Liverpool's attacking firepower, the trouble with Alexis, and the miracle that is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's our last season preview episode before hitting the GW1 deadline. So how are we feeling? We run through our current FPL squads and tackle any unanswered questions that could impact our lineups ahead of Friday's kickoff at Old Trafford. Did the Charity Shield cement Agüero as a must-own? Is Man City's midfield still on the table? Are there legitimate alternatives to Aubameyang? Where are we looking for the real bargain players? Which defenses look good for investment? Is Alexis Sanchez a punt worth taking? The Always Cheating podcast will be here all season with banter, guidance, and general enthusiasm for FPL, so be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Music by Zach Curd: https://zachcurd.bandcamp.com The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we interview David Wardale, a contributor to Fantasy Football Scout and the author of Wasting Your Wildcard: The Method and Madness of Fantasy Football, which is on sale now in paperback and ebook. David spoke to us about the process of writing such an immense book about the game (IRL and FPL) that we all love so dearly, as well as what he learned about community, methodology, addiction, stats, Norwegians, mini-league punishments, and everything in between. We're confident that our listeners will enjoy this book as much as we did. Hail Cheaters! Buy your copy of Wasting Your Wildcard now: Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1787290166 Amason US: https://www.amazon.com/Wasting-Your-Wildcard-Madness-Football-ebook/dp/B076VXSWX1/ iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/wasting-your-wildcard/id1373055152?mt=11 Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/wasting-your-wildcard/david-wardale/9781787290167 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wasting-your-wildcard-david-wardale/1129202284?ean=9781473549753 Penguin UK: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1114612/wasting-your-wildcard/9781787290167/ Follow David Wardale on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Davvawavva And here are your customary Always Cheating links: Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new FPL season is just around the corner, which means that it's time for our annual "Ten Tips for FPL Success" extravaganza. This is a gut check to ensure we haven't forgotten the big picture lessons from last year. These tips are also a useful roadmap for any rookie fantasy manager looking to avoid typical pitfalls and traps. Thanks to all of our listeners who helped to shape this season's tips via their feedback on Slack, Twitter, and elsewhere. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing with Always Cheating's pre-season FPL coverage, Josh and Brandon are scouting all twenty Premier League clubs. This week features the second half of the alphabet, previewing Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Southampton, Spurs, Watford, West Ham, and Wolves. Be sure to check out Ep 132 for a discussion of the other ten teams. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing with Always Cheating's pre-season FPL coverage, Josh and Brandon are scouting all twenty Premier League clubs. This week features the first half of the alphabet, previewing Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Cardiff City, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, and Huddersfield. Stay tuned for our next episode in which we'll discuss the remaining teams. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The updated Fantasy Premier League site has officially (and suddenly) launched, so Josh and Brandon jump onto this emergency pod with their first impressions of the new player pricing and dynamics of the 2018-19 season. Who's too expensive? Who's undervalued? Who's position has been reclassified? Who's straight into our FPL lineups? And who's in danger missing the first few weeks of the season due to World Cup obligations? We're tackling these questions, and a few others, as sent in by you, the Always Cheating listener. Thanks for tuning in and please subscribe and keep and eye out for many more in-depth previews in the coming weeks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=513-448 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., Germany, and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World Cup 2018 continues to be great. But how are the Cheaters choosing to soak up all the excitement? Josh has ventured out to the pub to meet fellow fans and make new friends, while Brandon is still stuck in the office trying to explain Ronaldo to many of his coworkers. We give a quick rundown of key matchups and fantasy assets in the Round of 16 knockout stage, and also catch you up on the latest Premier League transfers in and out. Hail Cheaters! Playing World Cup fantasy? Join the Always Cheating FIFA McDonald's league here: t.co/L7xBY5WHyd Play daily World Cup fantasy on the Starting 11 app with cash games now available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany: https://starting11.io Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The World Cup is pretty great, right? Josh and Brandon highlight their favorite players and team performances from Round 1 of Russia 2018 and consider who might be fun to see playing in the Premier League next season. We also chat briefly about what we like or dislike about FIFA's approach to fantasy football gaming (click the link below to join our FIFA league) and how it might translate to FPL. Finally, we take a cursory look at the Premier League's just-announced fixture list, as well as some of the recent transfer news. Hail Cheaters! Playing World Cup fantasy? Join the Always Cheating FIFA McDonald's league: t.co/L7xBY5WHyd Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the second half of our 2018 FIFA World Cup preview. We're concluding with in-depth looks at each team in groups E through H, including such high-profile nations as Brazil, Germany, Belgium, and England. Check out episode #127 from last week for a preview of groups A through D. If you're looking for ways to play fantasy during the World Cup, consider these three great options: Keep things simple with the Always Cheating "Set & Forget" Patreon game: https://www.patreon.com/posts/always-cheating-18983691 Replicate the FPL experience and join Always Cheating's FIFA McDonald's league: t.co/L7xBY5WHyd Play daily World Cup fantasy on the Starting 11 app with cash games now available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany: https://starting11.io Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon are back from a brief Premier League hiatus and they're previewing Groups A through D for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. We'll return in a few days to preview the remaining groups and to answer more listener questions. If you're looking for ways to play fantasy during the World Cup, consider these three great options: Keep things simple with the Always Cheating "Set & Forget" Patreon game: https://www.patreon.com/posts/always-cheating-18983691 Replicate the FPL experience and join Always Cheating's FIFA McDonald's league: https://t.co/L7xBY5WHyd Play daily World Cup fantasy on the Starting 11 app with cash games now available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany: https://starting11.io Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most confounding FPL seasons in modern memory is now behind us. With the help of our listeners, Josh and Brandon discuss what important lessons were learned during the last 38 weeks, and how managers can apply those lessons next year. We're also debating the much-maligned bonus point system, evaluating the rules surrounding chips and wildcards, and suggesting other changes that might improve the FPL site or just make the game more fun. Before we head off for a quick little break from podding, thanks to everyone for a tremendous season - we are truly indebted to to the generous spirit of the FPL community. We'll be back next month for some World Cup episodes, and then back again when the new FPL game launches in late July/early August. Until then, Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're hoping for a big midweek turnaround with Kane, Jesus, and Sterling after having endured a GW37 opening salvo that tested most FPL managers' pain threshold. While we wait for a rescue, let's look ahead to GW38 and our final push for glory. With Aubameyang stepping up against Burnley, does he now enter into the realm of essential for Sunday, or does he remain a punt? Though woefully out of form, can Kane do anything at home to Newcastle, apart from getting another injury, that would make us drop him ahead of Leicester? And what about Salah, who looked tired and distant against Chelsea? Can he still be the standout captain choice for mini league chasers and leaders alike? Plus we're reading of some epic listener rants and answering your questions. Don't forget to come back next week for our special season recap. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No pressure, but we're heading into what could be, for many FPL managers, the season's most decisive gameweek. So, how are we setting up ahead of these big doubles? And, for the GW32/33 wildcard crowd, how are we magically turning so much dead weight into the best attacking assets from Manchester City and Spurs? Triple Captain and Bench Boost chips are still in play, plus we pinpoint which teams are now on the beach and solve a few of your listener dilemmas. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral) joins us to preview GW36 and discuss must-have players for the remaining three game weeks. Is Harry Kane a lock for our Triple Captain chips, even after a few questionable eye-tests? How stable is the Manchester City team sheet, given Pep's side overall looks to be the most steady supply for goals? And will Arsenal's Europa League adventures continue to leave Aubameyang out in the cold? Along the way, we hit upon budget defensive options, tackle an inevitable Chip Theory question, and maybe make a few good points along the way. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While there are still a handful of key matches to be played in GW34, the Always Cheating hosts are already on to GW35 planning. Brandon has triggered his Free Hit chip, while Josh just spent his during the doubles, so this episode features both perspectives on how to approach the blanks in GW35 and how transfers now will impact your FPL squad down the home stretch. From Jesus and Aubameyang to Zaha and Arnautovic, and even Ayoze Pérez, we cover essential players, differentials, and Free Hit punts. We also work through the inevitable rotation headaches for Liverpool, Arsenal, and newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cheaters are joined this week by special guest FPL Stag (https://twitter.com/FPLStag), writer at NBC's Rotoworld, to preview the upcoming doubles in GW34. We take a closer look at Manchester United attacking assets in light of their rousing second-half display at the Etihad. Could we possibly be tempted by Alexis or Pogba? We also discuss Chelsea and Spurs, Mahrez versus Vardy, cheap defenders, potential differentials, and ways to work around GW35 if you're without the Free Hit chip. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Salah kept up his blistering scoring pace against Crystal Palace, but, with Kane already back from his ankle injury, GW32 opened the door for a number of other FPL attacking threats. Entering the season's home stretch, how quickly are we thinking we need to fit Kane back into our squads? Can Alexis actually find some form that's worthy of his price? Are we holding Aubameyang for good, or is there a worthwhile "hokey cokey" strategy for bringing heavy-hitters in, out, and then in again? Amid all of the frantic longterm planning, we still make sure to preview GW33 fixtures and captain options, and Brandon explains how his new wildcard team came together. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K, U.S., and Canada. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The official announcement of GW34 rescheduled fixtures, which came late last week, was a bit of a curveball. Now we're reconsidering some of the FPL strategy we outlined in our last episode, especially how active wildcards are impacted by the new predicted season ticker. The Always Cheating hosts are answering a boatload of listener questions, like: Is the bench boost chip only viable in GW37? If so, who and when are we triple captaining? Where does Arsenal fall on the list of priorities? Who are the must-have strikers for the home stretch? Plus, miraculously, we find time to shoehorn in a GW32 preview with a tricky captaincy discussion. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wildcards are now activating across the FPL community. But before we delve into strategy going forward, we have a quick review of the crazy blank GW31 that just passed. Did Salah's incredible points haul devalue all of our careful planning? What lessons did we learn from the first major Free Hit appearance? Looking ahead, Josh lays out the chip options for managers who've already played their wildcard, while Brandon is wildcard-active and looking for must-haves and differentials to fill out his refreshed squad. We'll be back next week for a full GW32 preview. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a low-scoring, rant-heavy GW30 recap, Josh and Brandon look ahead to one of the weirdest game weeks in recent memory: four fixtures, with twelve teams blanking, and featuring some of the most underwhelming FPL assets of the season. So what's the plan? We consider who the must-have players and cheeky punts are for GW31, whether you're on a Free Hit chip or not. Are their any clean sheets? Is Salah the only captaincy choice? What will the GW32 fallout be? Stay tuned for a lightning round with listener questions and much more. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. Cash games are now available in the U.K. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An average scoring GW29 was disappointing for most managers, but also kind of befitting the calm before the FPL storm that kicks off in GW31. In this episode, we're previewing what could be the last "normal" game week of the season in GW30. Do we dare break away from a Salah captaincy as Liverpool head to Old Trafford? Can Kane finally manage to explode for points after a demanding midweek Champions League match? Is Sterling ripe for the transfer, freeing up some needed midfield funds and a GW31 slot? Plus we take on listener questions and work through some angst about the "pretentious" bonus points system. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While there's still one fixture left to go in GW28, we have little time to dwell. Josh and Brandon jump straight into a preview of GW29 fixtures, hunting for yet more differentials. Do oddball in-form players like Deeney and van La Parra stand a chance in our squads? Can Walcott and Wilson survive? And where do we stand with Arsenal after their Carabao Cup meltdown, given their enticing run of fixtures? Stay tuned for the inevitable digressions into blank game weeks and chip strategy. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After this weekend's round of FA Cup matches, we now have a pretty full picture of the blanks that await us in GW31, and it's not pretty. Sure, the planning for those blanks starts now, but in this episode Josh and Brandon first offer up a substantial preview for GW28 fixtures, clean sheets, and captaincy picks. Second, we feature a mega lightning round of listener questions to kick our FPL strategy gears into motion ahead of the blanks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goals, goals, goals, and more goals. GW27 was epic for Agüero owners, and it also brought with it substantial tallies for highly-owned players like Salah, Firmino, and Hazard. So what are the action items for FPL managers after a week like this when we are so close to the home stretch? Is Hazard still a troll? Is Agüero becoming a risk with the imminent return of Gabriel Jesus? Will we ever not put the armband on Salah? Josh and Brandon also discuss the disappearance of Manchester United attacking assets and the current state of cheap forwards and defenders. We'll be back next week, after the FA Cup fixtures, to preview GW28 transfers, captains, and clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A fairly disappointing GW26 will be remembered for captaincy fails, disappearing defenders, and a few crazy moments at Anfield. And based on his performance on Sunday, there's seriously no debating that Salah is this season's FPL Points King. (However, Brandon decides to debate that point anyway.) In their GW27 preview, Josh and Brandon discuss Arsenal's alluring new look, go in search of reliable defensive alternatives, and dive deeper into chip strategy as the GW31 blanks approach. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As GW25 comes to a close, so does the January transfer window. Josh and Brandon run down a fairly complete list of player moves (Aubameyang to Moura, Laporte to Kenedy, Walcott to Alexis, and...sure, we'll mention Sturridge) and how new setups might impact our FPL squads. We take a moment to review Josh's recent wildcard restructure, and then it's a match-by-match preview of GW26 along with our own captaincy picks and transfer targets. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live by Agüero. Die by Agüero. GW24 was a good week for those restoring faith in the City striker, along with those who kept faith in a particular Chelsea midfielder. So where does that leave us heading into the next round? Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon are joined by special guest Mike DePietro (winner of our Patreon Supporters Survivor League) to discuss Alexis Sanchez, whose move to Old Trafford could rip up the existing FPL template, as well as Henrikh Mkhitaryan's jump to North London. We're also lining up midfield replacements for an injured Arnautovic and a mercurial Lingard, hashing out Free Hit and Wildcard strategies, and walking through the GW25 fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you somehow feel like you missed out on points during the recent double game week, then we sure hope you held onto Arnautovic and Son for big hauls in GW23. The Always Cheating hosts recap the scores and highlights from this past weekend. Then it's a massive team-by-team status report, from Arsenal through to West Ham, as we search the league for new under-the-radar player picks. Stay tuned for a GW24 preview with transfer thoughts and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Always Cheating is back after a brief winter break to discuss the January transfer dealings and how they'll impact our FPL lineups. Will Coutinho's departure upset the attacking balance at Liverpool? Is the arrival of Virgil van Dijk finally going to make that defense an appealing option? And should we assume DCL is the odd man out with new Everton striker Cenk Tosun? We also talk about the currently hypothetical moves for Alexis Sanchez and Riyad Mahrez, then tackle a bunch of your listener questions, and preview captains and transfer targets for GW23. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Brandon emerge from their holiday hangovers to recap the key stories and players from GW19 and GW20. But, during this hectic festive period, there's little time for reflection, and this episode quickly turns to strategizing for the big GW22 double with Spurs and West Ham. How many players do we want? Or do we need? And do the free hit and triple captain chips enter into our thinking? Plus, we look more immediately to GW21 and answer listener questions on Coutinho, Lingard, Hazard, and Van Dijk. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Premium strikers, almost uniformly, aren't performing. All the more reason for us to discuss them on this episode of Always Cheating. Do we have the patience to hold onto Kane until his double in GW22? Is Lukaku making a strong enough case to return to our squads? How blood-thirsty is Morata? It's also time for a regular Hazard heat check, a comparison of Zaha and Richarlison, and assessing an Arsenal defense dilemma. Stay tuned for listener questions and our GW19 preview including captain and clean sheet picks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the big players at Chelsea struggled in GW16, Harry Kane finally delivered on a captaincy for many FPL managers. Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon review those and other key takeaways from the weekend as we quickly head into GW17. From defense to strikers, the burning questions in this episode revolve, for the most part, around budget players who we can use to plug holes: Quick-fix, nailed-on cheap defender? Replacing an injured Ramsey with Shaqiri? Choosing between Austin, Mounie, and Calvert-Lewin? There's a lot to consider with these midweek fixtures and then GW18 immediately following at the weekend. Good luck and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In GW15, it was certainly "No Hazard, No Party." So it's now looking more like a matter of when and not if we get Chelsea's Belgian midfielder into our FPL lineups. Will Harry Kane make way for the necessary transfer funds? Probably not, but Josh and Brandon are judging whether other expensive players like Jesus, Agüero, Morata, Sané, and de Gea are worth their price tags. Stay tuned for listener questions on emerging transfer targets like Aaron Ramsey, as well as our fixture previews for GW16. Plus, we have a very special announcement for our Patreon supporters. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter: http://www.alwayscheating.com/newsletter/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As weirdly fun and excruciating as GW13 was for many FPL managers, we have precious little time to dwell upon it - not with two more game weeks mere hours away. Always Cheating hosts, Josh and Brandon, are already sizing up almost every conceivable transfer option ahead of the GW14 midweek and GW15 weekend fixtures. How essential do Chelsea assets like Hazard and Morata look now? Is it time to part ways with big strikers like Lukaku and Jesus? And is Charlie Austin the budget forward that we've all been waiting for? Plus we answer your listener questions and outline our captain picks for the next two game weeks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League returned from its most recent international break with a massive GW12 filled with goals, clean sheets, and a single dark cloud in the shape of Harry Kane. In this episode, we're looking at the Spurs lineup in the aftermath of their loss to Arsenal, compounded by a frustrating run of FPL results for their star striker. We also discuss the awaited and long-awaited returns of Pogba and Ibra, Chelsea's scintillating team display at the Hawthorns, and, when it comes to mid-priced stars like Richarlison and Groß, what "essential" might really mean for FPL managers. Plus, we answer your listener questions before detailing GW13 transfer targets and captain picks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does it feel like this international break is going on forever? To help pass the time, we're looking ahead to the GW12 fixtures and reviewing captains and clean sheet options match by match. Is Salah a better bet against Southampton than a flat-track bully Lukaku at home to Newcastle? And might we overlook Kane who regularly delivers in the North London derby? We also take some listener questions on wildcarding, preferred formations, and must-have defenders. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're celebrating 100 episodes of Always Cheating! To commemorate this milestone, we invited some top FPL managers and influencers, along with a few of our favorite listeners through the years, to contribute a piece of their favorite solid fantasy advice. With their combined wisdom, we've ended up with a captivating hour of FPL higher education: from battle-tested rules of thumb and proven pitfalls, to that fine line between having fun and winning. Plus, we answer a few GW11 questions that will help inform our transfer planning heading into the international break. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Glenn Murray to Aaron Ramsey, we're devoting some time this week to recent FPL lucky streaks. Doucouré? Mahrez? Diouf? Who's just a flash in the pan? And who's a viable longterm asset for your squad? We're also talking about David De Gea and breaking typical FPL goalkeeper conventions, the theories behind banking two free transfers, and a ton of quick-fire questions from our listeners. Of course, there is obligatory Manchester City and Harry Kane chat, as well as our GW11 preview. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City giveth, and then they taketh away. This week we discuss Pep Guardiola's painful yet entirely predictable player rotation. And we're obliged to talk about Harry Kane's big #GW9 Wembley performance, right? Or the lack of any performance whatsoever from Manchester United? Then, for something completely different, we review top performing budget picks (£7.5M and under for midfielders and forwards, £5.0M and under for defenders) through the first quarter of the season and who among those picks is best suited for a late October wildcard. Stick around for our preview of #GW10 fixtures, including picks for captains and clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Undoubtedly, the biggest takeaway from #GW8 is that Manchester City is irresistible. Josh and Brandon examine the Sky Blues, from strikers to midfielders to defenders, and how best to approach their #FPL assets. We're also reassessing the recent fad of the "Power 3" up front and whether it still holds much interest amid the chaos of injuries and blanks with Lukaku, Kane, Agüero, and Morata, among others. Stay tuned for heat checks on Zaha, Gabbiadini, and Abraham, as well as a preview of #GW9 fixtures. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 The Always Cheating Podcast is sponsored by Starting 11, the newest way to play Daily Fantasy Premier League. The app for iOS and Android features a beautiful interface, no budget constraints, and live in-game substitutions. For more information visit: https://starting11.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emerging from another international break hibernation, Josh and Brandon are ready to get back to the business of #FPL. With injuries to both Agüero and Morata, there are lingering questions on how to best structure a robust front three lineup. There is also the matter the growing Raheem Sterling bandwagon and we compare his potential against the other Manchester City mids: Sané and David Silva. Later, we run team by team through the league table and give a status report on how each club has or hasn't impressed through these first seven weeks of the FPL season. Plus we preview captains and clean sheets for #GW8. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, heading into another international break, we're offering a sneak peek at our recent Patreon Supporters exclusive podcast featuring FPL stats analyst Peter Blake. The author of the Mathematically Safe blog joins us to discuss everything you wanted to know about FPL stats but were afraid to ask, including the data behind trending team formations, knowing how to interpret big chances, and the real justifications for a certain must-have Belgian striker. To hear the full episode featuring Peter Blake, head over to our Patreon page for more information on how you can help support the Always Cheating podcast and keep us running strong. Our special knockout "survivor" league kicks off in GW8, so now is as good a time as any to become a patron. Of course the main Always Cheating feed will remain free every week, so we ask that you only contribute your hard-earned cash if the spirit of Poku moves you to do so. We really appreciate any support - from a Patreon pledge to a friendly tweet. Visit our Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Always Cheating is back next week with a full #GW8 preview and a recap of all of the international break fallout. Hail Cheaters! Visit Peter Blake's blog "Mathematically Safe" here: https://mathematicallysafe.wordpress.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a weekend full of goals from the #FPL's most expensive strikers, Josh and Brandon step in to discuss how best to select and squeeze in three heavy-hitting forwards. Kane, Lukaku, Morata, Lukaku, and Lacazette all have compelling cases for inclusion, but first we'll need to inspect fixtures and form. We also take a closer look at a range of Chelsea and Liverpool players before getting to our #GW7 preview with transfer targets, captaincy options, and nailed clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To summarize: Agüero Good, Davies Bad. After a wild #GW5 in which Manchester City poured it on and Spurs pulled the rug out from under many #FPL managers, now is a good time to pause and reflect. Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon seek to find a way to capitalize on City's form, while still not giving up on the likes of Kane and Lukaku. Do we have some genuine flops on our hands, or are managers knee-jerking some of these big-name players out of their squads too quickly? We also look at the curious match-up between Chelsea and Arsenal and what that might teach us for the coming weeks. We conclude with a #GW6 preview including captaincy and clean sheet picks. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With #GW4 goals from Kane, Lukaku, Agüero, Jesus, Morata, and Lacazette, it's high time Josh and Brandon discuss the ideal heavy hitting strikers for our #FPL squads. How do we choose both the best players and the best formation to suit an abundance of forward talent, but perhaps a dearth of mid-price midfield selections? We also examine Liverpool's prospects following Mané's red card, buying into Tottenham's epic run of fixtures, and Abdoulaye Doucouré vs. Pascal Groß. Stay tuned for captains and clean sheet picks for #GW5. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we come out of the international break and prepare for the return of Premier League action, Josh and Brandon are discussing Deadline Day dealings and how those moves might impact your #FPL squad. From Bony, the Ox, and Renato Sanchez to Aurier, Zappacosta, and Gibbs, among others, who's straight in and who's a wait and see? And in preparation for #GW4, we debate the immediate potential of Hazard and Alexis, the standout mid-price midfielders, and other key questions from the listeners. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As #FPL heads into its first international break of the season, Always Cheating co-host Josh was also in need of a break. While he's on vacation, Brandon is joined by guest Luke Thunberg (@FPLThunshot) to recap a thrilling, if complex #GW3. We discuss the continuing August curse of Harry Kane and how he compares to emerging strikers like Firmino and Morata. Liverpool and Manchester United predictably dominate the midfield discussion, but we're also taking time to discuss the exploits of promoted Huddersfield Town (still yet to concede a league goal). And it's already that time to start triggering early wildcards, so sit tight for a quick chat on the pros and cons of playing your wildcard heading into the break. Josh and Brandon will return next week for a full #GW4 preview and international break recap, but, in the meantime, Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode, return guest David Weigner-Lodalh fills in for a Barbados-bound Brandon to discuss the week that was in FPL. What to do with Harry Kane and Manchester United's assets? When is too early to play your wildcard? We discuss those topics and everything else that happened in the Fantasy Premier League universe in this episode. We also look ahead to the Gameweek 3 fixtures, including captaincy options, score predictions, and a full slate of "pure watches" on Saturday. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-co…e=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new #FPL season has finally kicked off. So what did we learn from GW1 apart from the fact that it was a pretty insane game week? Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon take a look at the key players and events from the opening round and discuss where their teams went right and where they went completely pear-shaped. Are we knee-jerking anyone in or out of our squads? Which midfielders in the £5.0-7.0 range might work for an emergency team surgery? Plus we're looking ahead to the GW2 fixtures, including potential clean sheet picks and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special bonus episode, we welcome Thomas Braun, co-founder of the new Starting 11 daily fantasy app. Starting 11 offers a new mobile fantasy experience in which you can challenge your friends, fans at your local bar, or other managers around the world. Utilizing a unique scoring system and organic, real-time player substitutions, the app will change the way fantasy managers watch live Premier League matches. Download the Starting 11 app to your iOS or Android phone and then, starting this weekend, send Always Cheating a message via Twitter, Facebook, or email to challenge hosts Josh and Brandon to a duel. For more information and to download the app, visit: https://starting11.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are now a few short days away from the 2017/18 #FPL season kick-off and Always Cheating is here for one last preview episode. Josh and Brandon reveal their own team sheets, which will surely go through many more changes before the deadline. We tackle some big questions about must-have strikers and expensive wing backs, as well as some lingering feelings about recent pre-season results. Finally, we look at the clean sheet and captaincy potential in all #GW1 fixtures. Good luck to all of our listeners this season and Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing with Always Cheating's pre-season #FPL coverage, Josh and Brandon are scouting all twenty Premier League clubs. This week features the second half of the alphabet, previewing Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Southampton, Stoke City, Swansea, Tottenham, Watford, West Brom, and West Ham. Stay tuned for our next episode when we will be going in depth on #GW1 and our team lineups. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-co…e=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing with Always Cheating's pre-season #FPL coverage, Josh and Brandon are scouting all twenty Premier League clubs. This week features the first half of the alphabet, previewing Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Huddersfield, Leicester, and Liverpool. Stay tuned for our next episode in which we'll discuss the remaining teams. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special bonus episode of Always Cheating, Josh and Brandon are testing out the new #FPL draft game. In frenzied fashion, battling countdown clocks and each other's indulgent banter, the hosts draft their own 15-player squads live on the podcast and describe everything you need to know to conduct your own FPL draft session. Always Cheating will be back later this week with more 2017/18 season preview episodes focused on the regular FPL game—which, of course, will continue to be the primary focus of the podcast. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the new Fantasy Premier League season, there are some rookie managers that could use a road map. And, let's face it, many of us veteran #FPL managers are in need of a tune-up when it comes to broader strategies for the game. In this episode, Josh and Brandon outline ten baseline rules (from statistical awareness and the herd mentality to squad depth and the role of luck) to help guide you through a successful season. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The #FPL site for 2017/18 has officially launched and Always Cheating is jumping in with initial impressions, including some of our listeners' reactions. We discuss the new "Free Hit" chip, some overpriced and underpriced players, and provide a quick rundown of first thoughts on all 20 teams in the Premier League. Stay tuned for more preview podcasts and content in the weeks to come. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Always Cheating is back for a special mid-summer episode. With Premier League transfer news pouring in, we decided to review some of the key new arrivals (including Bernardo, Lindelof, Sandro, Salah, Lacazette, and more) and then predict what their starting #FPL prices could be. Josh and Brandon also look back at the top five players in each position from last season (the likes of Heaton, Alonso, Dele, and Lukaku) and guess the size of their price tags ahead of the new FPL site launch, which is meant to occur sometime next week. Send us your own price predictions and we'll check back to see how close we all were. Hail Cheaters! Become a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hailcheaters Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwayscheating/ Join our mini-league: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/?autojoin-code=12865-4358 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here's to another FPL season in the history books. Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon take a look back at personal highs and lows, our best transfers, the most frustrating players, and what valuable lessons were learned. Thanks to all of our listeners for sticking with us through an incredible year. We'll be back later in the summer to preview next season and do this all over again. Hail Cheaters! We're offering a special 25% discount on print subscriptions to Fantasy Football Magazine. Only a limited number of these discounts are available. To take advantage, and for more information, visit: http://fantasyfootballmag.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With fifteen fixtures played and a billion goals between Alexis, Kane, and Jesus, GW37 was truly one for the ages. Josh and Brandon recap the high scores and memorable moments before moving on to strategies for this season's final round. We look at differential budget picks and captain options, determining which approach will help you overtake your mini league leader in GW38 or, conversely, hold off the chasing competition. Good luck and Hail Cheaters! We're offering a special 25% discount on print subscriptions to Fantasy Football Magazine. Only ten of these discounts are available. To take advantage, and for more information, visit: http://fantasyfootballmag.com/alwayscheating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Goals change games and goals change gameweeks. So how did Alexis Sanchez's goal against Southampton change our outlook on GW37? Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon make their final preparations ahead of the biggest week of the season, discussing potential Chelsea rotation, the need for Manchester City players, and how Spurs might respond to their loss at West Ham. We also hunt around for worthwhile punts and talk about how your captaincy choice might be more crucial than ever. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heading into GW36, Brandon has an active wildcard and Josh is sweating the Showstoppers playoffs. The Always Cheating hosts are together this week to discuss late-season mini league strategies, priority players for managers without a wildcard, and what to do about Gabriel Jesus. And, yes, we do ponder triple captaining Alexis Sanchez and explore the alternatives. Special guest Dave Weigner-Lodahl joins to talk about winning the Always Cheating "knockout" league and how he's approaching the FPL home stretch. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With just the Manchester derby left to play, we're almost through another divisive double game week. The Always Cheating hosts recap some of GW34's action and argue a bit on whether it was a true or false binary between strikers Benteke and Negredo. Then it's quickly on to key questions ahead of this season's home stretch as Brandon starts tinkering with—but still hasn't triggered—his wildcard. We also run through captaincy options and clean sheet likelihoods for GW35 in a weekend that will soon be upon us. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just in case you didn't have enough to worry about heading into the double GW34, Jose Mourinho has gone and rotated the Big Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon are on hand to make sense of it all. We're breaking down Manchester United's decisive victory over Chelsea, another rampant win for Spurs, and the fact that a Premier League title race is officially back on! How does this impact your FPL squad? We take your listener questions, preview GW34's captains and clean sheets, and much more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon recap the events of GW32, leading us to two major questions: First, how quickly (if at all) should we get rid of Alexis Sanchez? And second, how quickly should we pick up Harry Kane? Other heavy hitters like Hazard, Ibrahimovic, and Lukaku are in contention as we prepare for GW33. Our preview of the weekend fixtures includes captains and clean sheet predictions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a lightning quick turnaround between GW30 and GW31, but the Always Cheating hosts are still here for you. Josh and Brandon recap this weekend's highlights and Josh describes how his freshly wild-carded team performed. Then we run through all ten midweek fixtures and pick out potential clean sheets and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season's final international break has had its fair share of casualties, most notably Seamus Coleman. Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon discuss how best to deal with these injuries, also with an eye toward the newly announced doubles in GW34. And we're talking about Josh's active wildcard and how to strategize your own wildcard, whether it's active now or in a few more game weeks. Plus we take your listener questions, preview GW30 fixtures, and debate what could be a very difficult captaincy decision. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the record, this episode of Always Cheating lasts approximately 02:42 longer than Coutinho did against Burnley. Josh and Brandon discuss the continually unpredictable Liverpool midfield and a GW28 dominated by Lukaku and Joshua King. There's talk of how Tottenham's FPL prospects could be impacted by Kane's ankle injury, the absolute necessity of Alexis Sanchez going forward, and what the stats can tell us about Chelsea's attack. Stay tuned for a preview of GW29 fixtures, clean sheets, and captaincy options. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the eve of Manchester City vs Stoke, the Always Cheating hosts reflect on their GW27 transfer decisions and the potential payoff of an Aguero triple captaincy. Josh and Brandon also touch upon Kane's unstoppable form and Ibra's disastrous Bournemouth encounter before they head into a preview of the anemic GW28 fixture list. Doubling up on Liverpool mids or Everton defenders? Burning points for Llorente or Carroll? Are we settling for Lanzini or King? Plus armband picks, clean sheet guesses, and your listener questions. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a Kane hat trick to a Liverpool clunker, Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon return to recap the highs and lows of GW26. But, let's be honest, we're here this week to talk about only one thing: the presumptive Manchester City double in GW27. Is there a way to field City assets without completely blowing up your GW28 squad? And which City players are the best bets, given Pep's penchant for rotation? We answer your listener questions and give a full preview of the GW27 fixtures with potential captains and clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Always Cheating hosts sort the FA Cup fallout and run team-by-team through the key clubs with no blanks, i.e. fixtures in all three upcoming game weeks. Which FPL assets will be key in both GW26 and GW28? Is a Liverpool midfielder essential? And, if so, who? Looking ahead to GW28, Josh and Brandon debate the degree to which managers should corrupt their FPL sides just to field as close to a full eleven as possible, and how soon after might we plan to wildcard out of this mayhem. Plus we respond to your listener questions and more. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heading into a weekend of FA Cup fixtures, with the specter of GW28 looming, there's not much to do with our FPL squads but sit back and wait. In the meantime, Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon recap the scores from GW25, including the ghost goal from Gareth McAuley. We also discuss what to do with heavy hitters like Alexis and Ibrahimovic who will blank in GW26 (if not GW28, as well) and what the longterm prospects are for new form players Sadio Mané and Manolo Gabbiadini. We take your listener questions and more. Stay tuned next week for a full GW26 preview. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still in the beautiful afterglow of Romelu Lukaku's four-goal bonanza, the Always Cheating hosts recap the results of GW24 and attempt to parse the worrying form of Arsenal and Alexis Sanchez. The question of Gabriel Jesus still lingers, and it's now a mad scramble to work Gylfi Sigurdsson back into our lineups. Josh and Brandon also discuss what is known about the blanks for GW26 and GW28 and which players might play key roles during the next month. We take your listeners questions and preview GW25's fixtures, captaincy options, and potential clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buckle up for some quick-fire FPL chat as Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon put the brutal midweek fixtures behind them and turn the attention to this weekend's GW24. We're talking about Man City's new weapon Gabriel Jesus, Tom Heaton's bonus point supremacy, and the Curious Case of Romelu Lukaku. Plus we begin preparing for the blanks in GW26 and GW28, take your listener questions, and predict captains and clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It feels like things this season are finally starting to heat up, which makes it hard to believe that we have just 16 game weeks left. (Yeah, we suppose 16 weeks is still quite a ways to go.) Josh and Brandon take a moment to evaluate midseason strategies and how to assess your longterm goals for mini leagues and overall rank. We also discuss must-have midfielders, appealing third strikers, and recent moves in the January transfer window. And then we preview clean sheets, captains, and key players for GW23. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This last weekend provided major point tallies through key Spurs and Chelsea assets (thank you very much, Mr. Alonso), among others. But big weeks like GW21 can often create more questions than answers: Kane on form or Lukaku with fixtures? Is Hazard worth the money? Wait, but where is Costa? Is it already time to bring Coutinho back in? And are we adjusting formations to accommodate the plethora of midfield and defensive options that are now, finally, showing some consistency? Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon respond to your tweets and emails and then preview GW22's key fixtures, captaincy options, and likely clean sheets. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buy? Sell? Hold? After surviving the onslaught of holiday fixtures, Josh and Brandon return to discuss the current crop of FPL standouts: from Giroud, Aguero, and Defore to Ake, Baines, and the entire Spurs lineup. Then it's a look at bulking up your midfield with in-form and low-price midfielders. Do those even exist? Plus we preview the possible clean sheets and captaincy options for GW21, along with taking many of your listener questions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We find ourselves right smack dab in the middle of this season's festive period, and in this episode of Always Cheating, Josh & Brandon are recapping GW18 and looking ahead to the twenty fixtures that'll be hitting us in quick succession. Match by match, we're discussing FPL transfers, captaincy options, and clean sheet potential through GW19 and GW20. Hail Cheaters and Happy New Year! (Always Cheating is nearing the end of its December pledge drive at www.patreon.com/alwayscheating - for a small reoccurring donation to help offset our costs of creating this weekly podcast, we're offering all sorts of exclusive content, including bonus podcast episodes and new mini leagues for the second half of the season. Thanks for your support!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we recap an FPL game week defined largely by the Diego Costa yellow card and Harry Kane 'crap-tain' fail. So with the former's one-match suspension and the latter's terrible form, where does that leave us with our already small pool of top strikers? We discuss how the imminent return of Aguero could change all of that. Plus we look at the current state of the 'third' striker category, 'fourth' midfielders, and general thoughts on rotation during the festive period. Our preview of captains, clean sheets, and transfers for GW18 starts at 1:06:13. Hail Cheaters. (Heads up, Cheaters: You can still donate to our Patreon page to gain access to exclusive new mini leagues and other cool stuff. Just visit https://www.patreon.com/alwayscheating to learn more about how you can help Josh and Brandon offset the cost of running this show. Thanks!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a week away from the FPL fold, the Always Cheating hosts return to recap the events of GW15. With the next two game weeks coming in quick succession, we're previewing both GW16 and GW17 in this one episode. Skip to 0:29:55 for GW16 predictions, clean sheets, and captain picks. For our GW17 preview, skip to 0:57:45. Also, listen up in this episode for a special opportunity to be a part of the Always Cheating community in a whole new way. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the Coutinho captaincy fail to Sergio Aguero's unrelenting relevance, we recap the key FPL takeaways of GW13. Brandon is coming off of a generally successful 8-point transfer hit, and it looks like burning points is contagious as Josh is already on a 4-point hit heading into next weekend. The Always Cheating hosts talk about those transfer strategies, plus they weigh the most compelling options for replacing an injured Coutinho and try to rationalize the height of Troll-kaku mania. Finally, we take a few more of your listener questions and run through our clean sheet and captain picks for GW14. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From West Ham's contest-winning impact sub to Yaya Toure's miracle brace, Josh and Brandon discuss the FPL's strange return from another international break. Pickford and Nyom are among the GW12 highlights, along with big goals from Costa and Kane. And, speaking of top goal scorers, the hosts compare five major prospects: Aguero, Costa, Lukaku, Kane, and Zlatan. Who will be a must-own player before the end of the year? This episode also delves into the rank Premier League sewers to seek out potential value among the three relegation-zone teams. (But did we find anything?) Plus your listener questions and a preview of GW13 with clean sheet and captain picks. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While we all wait for the international break to end and for Hazard's injury flag to disappear, let's consider something more productive. The Always Cheating hosts ask a big question: If you could change one thing about the FPL game or site, what would it be? From new chip ideas to rolling lineup deadlines, scoring improvements and faster league updates, we discuss a ton of your listener feedback. Plus Josh and Brandon preview the key fixtures for GW12, pick some choice clean sheet and captaincy options, and round up a few other news items. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's FPL midfield madness heading into the international break. With Liverpool's entire attacking arsenal wreaking havoc, and now Eden Hazard is back to his absolute best, how do we focus our energies so soon after GW11? Josh and Brandon weigh the options and also take listener questions on lower-priced mids, defensive injuries, and the fate of Troy Deeney. We'll be back next week with a full preview of GW12. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a glorious Premier League weekend filled with many goals, assists, and clean sheets. So why are the Always Cheating hosts totally bummed out? Really, what is the exact level of success that can ultimately satisfy an FPL manager? Speaking of success, Josh and Brandon examine all of the in-form assets at Chelsea and Liverpool. Then it's a preview of GW11 while weighing possible Champions League rotation risks, along with your listener questions, and more. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Always Cheating hosts recap an oddball GW9 and discuss the growing anxiety over FPL mainstay Sergio Aguero. Josh and Brandon then run through a special section of the podcast examining this season's bonus points system (from successful clearances and crosses to pass completion) and which players are benefiting the most thus far. We also talk about doubling, even tripling up in your midfield, along with clean sheets and captains ahead of GW10. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unlike all of those missed penalties in GW8, you simply can't afford to miss this episode of Always Cheating. Josh rejoins the podcast after his brief paternity leave and he and Brandon discuss whether to buy, sell, or hold onto such divisive fantasy assets as Capoue, Allen, Ibrahimovic, Costa, Antonio, and Alli. We also pull up the stats on cheap "third striker" options, including the in-form Charlie Austin and more mercurial players like Troy Deeney and Marcus Rashford. Stay tuned for some listener questions, a preview of the #GW9 fixture list, and much more. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Always Cheating, Brandon and special guest co-host Ben Mattison help catch you up on what's happened (so far) during the international break. Who scored? Who played the full ninety? Who has a minor calf complaint? And how does this all impact us heading into #GW8? We also mine the stats behind each Spurs and Arsenal defender, pull the data for top-tier striker options, and even give brief consideration to Joe Allen and Stoke City's intriguing run of fixtures ahead. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Battle of the Captains promised by #GW7 ended up a complete bust with both Aguero and Ibrahimovic blanking. Instead, it's a high-flying Spurs team that gets this week's ticker tape. Brandon and special guest co-host Stephen Schaller break down the essentials of Tottenham's must-have players, from defense to attack. And, speaking of defense, this episode continues what feels like an unending exploration into the Great Clean Sheet Shortage of 2016 (including West Brom's avant garde insistence that games should be played for only 80 minutes). Plus we discuss key investment strategies heading into the international break, assess value for out-of-form luxury players like Zlatan, and respond to your listener questions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Injuries, disappointments, and disappearing clean sheets. #GW6 presented some challenges for our #FPL squads, but Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon are determined to find the fun within this season's fiascos. First off, we look at the underlying Opta stats for the Liverpool and Arsenal midfielders (both teams with a run of enticing fixtures) and pick the best of the bunch. Then it's a discussion of how best to spend in your defense, choosing between budget and premium options. And finally we try to put sell-by dates on some of this week's flops: Zlatan to Hazard, Lamela to Payet. Plus a #GW7 preview and your listener questions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh's wildcard is active as we hurtle toward #GW6 and the imminent return of Sergio Aguero. Brandon, distinctly not on his wildcard, is left to parse the approximately one billion different ways he might be able to bring Brocktoon back into his squad. And, in light of everything we've learned from #GW5 performances, the Always Cheating hosts analyze Zlatan's questionable form, Lukaku's momentum, and alternate frontline options. We also debate the optimum FPL team spine, if there even is one, to build a wildcard around and respond to your questions about De Bruyne, Deeney, and the continuing saga of Etienne Capoue. Hail Cheaters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In recapping the Fantasy Premier League's #GW4, an epic Manchester Derby hardly bears mentioning after the exploits of Diego Costa, Romelu Lukaku, and, yup, you guessed it: Etienne Capoue. Hosts Brandon and Josh do touch upon the two Manchester sides, but the episode largely revolves around our biases toward low-to-mid-priced midfielders, including the likes of Leroy Fer and Robert Snodgrass, and whether you should give in to the hype. We also address the mysterious lack of clean sheets this season and answer listener questions ahead of this weekend's #GW5. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The transfer window has closed, the season's first international break is drawing to an end, and countless wildcards are suddenly active: now is the perfect time to assess late-addition key signings and loans that could help your #FPL team heading into #GW4. From Wilshere to Chadli, Bony to Perez, Mustafi to Luiz, Zaza to Slimani, and even the Great Mbokani himself! Always Cheating hosts Josh and Brandon also review the luxury options in Arsenal's midfield and how to strategize for life without (and for the imminent return of) Sergio Aguero. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A relatively average GW3 has not filled us with a great deal of confidence heading into the international break. But would Josh or Brandon consider triggering a wildcard this early in the season? In this episode of Always Cheating, we weigh the options, with a particular focus on established and emerging midfielders: from Hazard to Alexis, Antonio to Drinkwater, how do they all rank? We also take a moment to zero in on Manchester City's evolving squad and which of those players will fit into our FPL lineups in the coming weeks. All of that plus your listener questions. Hail Cheaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices