The Football Faithful
By The Football Faithful
The Football FaithfulOct 15, 2020
The Fantasy Faithful #30: The must-have FPL players for the run-in
We're into the last nine gameweeks of the Fantasy Premier League campaign, a critical point of the season where mini-leagues are won and lost.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry discuss some of the most essential players to have in your FPL team for the run-in and which teams have the most favourable fixtures.
We once again stress how good Chelsea's defence has been under Thomas Tuchel, whether doubling up on West Ham defence is a good idea, the only Liverpool player worth considering, and wonder if Arsenal will let us down or not.
There's also transfer tips, captaincy picks, the rescheduled fixtures including Spurs double gameweek, and a tribute to Sergio Aguero after it was announced the FPL legend would be leaving after a decade at Man City.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #29: End of the line for Bruno and Salah in FPL
The international break means a week off for Fantasy Premier League managers, but we're still hard at work delivering the podcast for you ahead of the all-important run-in.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful, Ste and Harry discussed the tough decisions that will have to made about premium assets such as Bruno Fernandes, Mo Salah and perhaps even Man City players.
We also look at which Chelsea players to target with their great run of fixtures to come, why West Ham's Jesse Lingard could be a trap, whether Wolves' Pedro Neto is a good differential or not, and why Kelechi Iheanacho is our king.
Send on any questions or suggestions for the next episode, where we will pick our must-have players for the final nine gameweeks of FPL.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #28: Picking the best of a bad bunch in GW29
With so few teams playing in gameweek 29 of Fantasy Premier League, we look at how best to navigate the blank fixtures this weekend.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry discuss who they think are the best players to transfer in for GW29, with particular focus on Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham.
We also look back at our regrets from GW28, wonder what the hell has happened with Mo Salah at Liverpool, offer our FPL transfer tips and make our captaincy picks.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #27: Salah and Fernandes dilemmas ahead of FPL GW28
Following a mixed bag of a gameweek in Fantasy Premier League, we take stock of the big hitters and premium assets across the best teams in the game.
On the latest episode of the Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry take an in-depth look at the most talked-about sides in FPL right now, with particular focus on Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United, Spurs and West Ham.
We question the necessity of owning either Mo Salah or Bruno Fernandes, two highly expensive players whose form has dipped considerably recently. We also debate which of Bale, Kane or Son are the most important to transfer in, which Chelsea defenders are the best bets, and why Aaron Cresswell is pretty much essential at this stage.
We also reflect on our regrets from GW27, and give our essential FPL tips on transfers and captaincy picks for GW28.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
Articles mentioned in the podcast:
- The slow death of the selfish number 9
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Gray on Sunderland's new owner, playoff heartache, and his England career
Former Sunderland and England player Michael Gray joined us on The Football Faithful podcast to discuss the North East outfit's new owner, 23-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and why he thinks the French businessman has "the club at heart".
Ste and Harry also asked Michael about his fascinating career, during which he spent 12 years at his hometown club. At Sunderland, Gray won the first division with a record points total, suffered playoff heartache when he missed the decisive penalty in the most famous playoff final ever, and got called up for international duty while still a second tier player.
Read: When Peter Reid’s Sunderland were challenging for Europe
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #26: Previewing GW27 of FPL
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry talk about their regrets about DGW26 so far, even though it's gone pretty well for them with several games still to go!
The lads look back at their predictions for which players they thought would be essential for the month of February. Some did really well, others were disappointing, while one in particular was absolutely abysmal.
We also offer our tips and advice on the best captaincy picks for GW27 as well as our transfer targets in FPL, including some differential replacements for Harvey Barnes.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #25: Preparing for DGW26 with FPL's 9th-ranked manager
We've got Fantasy Premier League royalty on hand this week, as the 9th ranked manager in the world joined us on the line.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste interviews Kevin Rose, who is enjoying the fantasy season of his life as he sits inside the top ten. He spoke to us about his incredible form in recent weeks, the secrets behind his success, what players he is looking to bring in on his Free Hit for GW26, and his strategy for the double and blank gameweeks.
Ste and Harry also chatted about the Premier League's decision to withhold the fixture announcement until after the GW25 deadline, clubs potentially banning their players from partaking in FPL, and our tips for captaincy and transfers ahead of DGW26.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
Read: The best chip strategies in FPL for the double and blank gameweeks
The Fantasy Faithful #24: The best chip strategies for FPL GW25 and beyond
Fantasy Premier League has a massive double gameweek on the horizon, so it's vital to make a plan ahead of gameweek 25.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry get their strategic heads in gear to navigate the tricky waters of of a hectic Premier League schedule. We look at the best ways to tackle DGW26, how to get as many players with two games that week as possible, and what chips are most useful to do so while looking ahead to the blanks in GW29.
We consider each FPL chip - wildcard, bench boost, triple captain and free hit - to see which ones are most suitable depending on your team's needs, look at what to do if you have already used some of your chips, and pray for you if you don't have any left.
With Leeds Utd and Southampton playing twice in GW25, we pore over the best options from the two teams and show a lot of love for the cheap but phenomenal Raphinha. We also give our tips for potential transfers and captaincy picks in GW25.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #23: The best double gameweek players in GW24
With the fixture schedule about to get extremely hectic in the coming weeks, the opportunities to get ahead in Fantasy Premier League grow.
With another double gameweek this weekend, Ste and Harry on the four teams with two matches in GW24 on The Fantasy Faithful podcast.
We looked at which FPL players are on form, what their underlying stats are telling us, and which ones have the best set of fixtures ahead of Saturday's deadline.
We also get some major regrets off our chests, including ignoring Leeds and James Justin for too long, as well as revealing our captaincy and transfer picks for the weekend.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #22: The must-have FPL players in February
Fantasy Premier League has returned to being an unpredictable beast, so naturally we try to pick who's going to bang in February well ahead of time.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry each pick five players they think are going to impress over the next five gameweeks this month. We look at recent form, the underlying statistics, and which Premier League teams have the kindest fixtures to help us make our choices.
We also wonder if there's a Fantasy Faithful curse, lament falling into the Everton trap, and give our FPL tips for the weeks ahead.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful / @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #21: Super Stones, DGW pain and gain, GW20 preview
Fantasy Premier League brought incredible highs and devastating lows in Double Gameweek 19.
On the latest episode of the Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry assess what they got right in the past two gameweeks since we last spoke, whether it was a good idea to activate chips, and why Ugandan FPL players were left to rue GW20.
We laud Sir John Stones after his massive haul, send some love Manchester United's way, look at what makes Leicester City assets attractive, and pick out the bad teams that should be targeted in the coming weeks. We also provide our picks for GW20, including captaincy, transfers and a differential.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ / @FPLFaithful
90's Football Hall of Fame: Fabrizio Ravanelli
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is legendary Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli!
Poetically known as the White Feather, Ravanelli joined Middlesbrough in 1996 in a sensational transfer that sent shockwaves through English football. After all this was one of the finest strikers in Serie A who had just scored in Juventus' Champions League final victory that same year, and now he was moving to the freezing North East for a whopping £7 million.
How did his time at the Riverside go? In the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, Ste and Peter were once again joined by football writer Ste Tudor to discuss his goal-laden spell in the Premier League, that iconic celebration, and one of the craziest seasons ever experienced by a club in 1996/97.
We also delve into Ravanelli's notorious temperament, his infamous fight with teammate Neil Cox, and why he cursed every British football club he joined.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
90's Football Hall of Fame: Temur Ketsbaia
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Newcastle United cult hero Temur Ketsbaia.
Known for his infamous meltdown when he repeatedly kicked the advertising hoardings, the 'Mad Monk' spent three years at St. James' Park in which he only scored eight goals, but left long lasting memories.
Ste and Peter were joined by football writer Stephen Tudor on the podcast to discuss the time he threw a mobile phone at Bobby Robson, his paintballing antics, and his knack of scoring sensational goals.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
The Fantasy Faithful #20: The must-have FPL players in GW19
Can you feel it? It's finally upon us: the highly anticipated double gameweek 19 in Fantasy Premier League.
It's a massively important week in FPL, so on the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry pore over the fixture list and pick out the absolute must-have players for GW19.
The two lads discuss Manchester City's newfound attacking threat and why Kevin De Bruyne might be the most essential player to own right now, the stirring form of Manchester United and their forward options, and drool over the best picks for West Ham United's excellent set of fixtures.
We also give our tips for using chips and making transfers in GW19, pick which players with just one game are still worth owning, put Chelsea in the dustbin, and finally admit we were wrong about Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ / @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
- Best chip strategies for FPL GW19
- Five essential players to consider for ‘blank’ gameweek 18
The Fantasy Faithful #19: Planning for the Double Gameweek in GW19
After months of anticipation and planning, the blank and double gameweeks in Fantasy Premier League are almost here.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste is joined by Surya, co-owner of the "9th best fantasy football website in the world", to discuss the blank week in GW18 and the double in GW19 to see what the best options are.
We discuss what chips to use and the best way to use them, as well which players and teams to target for DGW19. We also talk about the chaotic nature of this year's fixture list due to Covid-19, why Leeds United are our favourite team in FPL right now, and the DGW team to avoid (even though they've performed well lately).
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Surya
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #18: Sensational Salah, Man Utd positivity, and DGW thoughts
A pair of masterclass performances from Mo Salah and Bruno Fernandes made it a fruitful gameweek 14 for Fantasy Premier League managers.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry extol Liverpool following their thrashing of Crystal Palace and wonder if Roberto Firmino has emerged as an attractive differential, while we salivate over the possibility of Manchester United's assets returning to red hot form.
We also discuss our frustrations with Chelsea and Aston Villa strikers, Spurs' underlying numbers catching up with them after Son Heung-min and Harry Kane both blanked, and come up with some replacements for the injured Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
We also give our picks for best captaincy and transfers in gameweek 15 of FPL.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #17: Chilwell vs James, doubling up on Spurs, and big game borefests
Fantasy Premier League took another swerve in GW12 when none of the Big Six won on the same weekend for the first time in 12 years.
On the latest episode of the The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste and Harry discussed whether Chelsea are the real deal or not, debated which of Ben Chilwell or Reece James is the better option to own, and wondered whether Liverpool's performance against Fulham was just a once-off or something more than that.
We couldn't help but bring up the dynamic duo yet again, asking whether it's possible to get away with owning one of Harry Kane or Son Heung-min, before looking at the numbers behind Arsenal's atrocious campaign. And after a dour, boring Manchester Derby, we worry about the potential for every big game in the Premier League this season going the same way - are the bigger teams too afraid to lose to each other?
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
90's Football Hall of Fame: Ruel Fox
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is former Norwich City and Tottenham winger Ruel Fox.
Fox was a traditional English winger who bombed down the flank with the ball at feet and swung in crosses for the target man in the box, but he also had a knack for scoring sensational goals from outside the box.
A key cog of that brilliant Norwich team that almost won the inaugural Premier League title, Fox is most closely associated with the Canaries for some incredible moments he experienced while at the club, which included once scoring a winning goal against Liverpool at Anfield and beating Bayern Munich in the Uefa Cup.
On the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, Ste and Peter were joined by footballer writer Ste Tudor to discuss Fox's qualities as a footballer, being an early member of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' at Newcastle United, and why he joined Spurs at the wrong time.
We also chat about the early 90's Merlin sticker controversy involving Fox, his international career with the world's worst team Montserrat, and the fact that he cannot be mentioned without uttering his full name.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
The Fantasy Faithful #16: Salah at all costs, Giroud love and FPL Gameweek 12
Our two hosts were left feeling flat after suffering red arrows despite having a 'good' week in Fantasy Premier League.
On the latest episode of the The Fantasy Faithful podcast, we debated whether it's at all possible to get away without having Mo Salah in your team this weekend, bemoaned Timo Werner's inaccuracy (again), showed some love for yet another Olivier Giroud Renaissance at Chelsea, and lamented Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's sharp decline.
We also give our gameweek 12 picks for captaincy, transfers, differentials, and Lock of the Week in FPL.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #15: Navigating Villa-Newcastle postponement, Man City assets & FPL Gameweek 11
A low-scoring gameweek 10 meant frustration for Fantasy Premier League managers across the board, and there might be more pain on the way due to recent events.
On the latest episode of the The Fantasy Faithful podcast, we look at what to do with Aston Villa and Newcastle United players now that their match is postponed this weekend - is it worth taking a hit to get those players out?
We debate whether it's worth getting Manchester City assets yet following their 5-0 win over Burnley, question Southampton's 'solidity', look at Bruno Fernandes' supremacy in away games, and decide that Fulham are better than Arsenal and City.
We also give our gameweek 11 picks for captaincy, transfers, differentials, One Week Punt and Lock of the Week.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #14: King Kane, lacklustre City, Bam-fraud and FPL gameweek 10
There were mixed emotions on the show this week as the two lads experienced wildly differing fortunes with their fantasy teams.
On the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste McGovern and Dara Curran look back at a week that featured no Mo Salah but plenty of other high-scoring midfielders in Fantasy Premier League, namely Bruno Fernandes and Heung-min Son.
There’s a few regrets to recount from FPL gameweek 9, Dara finally changes his mind on Patrick Bamford, we drag Manchester City’s lacklustre attack over the hot coals and fawn over Harry Kane, despite the fact he didn’t have a shot on Saturday.
We also give our captain’s picks, potential transfers, differentials going under the radar, the statistics that caught our eye, and our guaranteed Lock of the Week for gameweek 10 (spoiler: they’re playing Fulham this weekend).
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #13: What to do with Mo Salah, keep or sell Son & Kane?
The international break can finally be put behind us and we can look forward to Fantasy Premier League once again with Gameweek 9 on the horizon.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste was joined by Dara and Harry to survey the wreckage of a disastrous international window which has turned up so many injuries and coronavirus positives over the last week.
We look at who impressed us while on international duty, what we should do with Liverpool's Mo Salah now that he has Covid-19, and debate whether we should keep or sell Harry Kane and Son Heung-min ahead of a trick run of fixtures.
We also discuss Harry's wildcard, and give our captain's picks, differentials, and guaranteed Lock of the Week for Gameweek 9 of FPL.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL), Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
- 15 tips to help you succeed at FPL
- Latest unnecessary international break has been an omnishambles for football
90's Football Hall of Fame: Muzzy Izzet
The latest inductee into the prestigious and totally legitimate 90's Football Hall of Fame is Leicester City legend Muzzy Izzet.
Possessing one of the all-time great footballer names in Premier League history, Izzet was a key member of that romantic Leicester team of the nineties that won two League Cups and punched well above their weight in the top-flight.
Long before the Foxes won the Premier League title, this was a true golden age for the East Midlands outfit and Izzet was their star midfielder. The London-born Turkish international was a hard-working number 10 with a penchant for wonder goals. As Stephen Tudor remarks on the podcast, Izzet was "a fucking brilliant footballer", but he was also "a right little bastard".
On the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, Ste McGovern is joined by Peter Henry and the other Ste to chat about why we loved watching Izzet so much, his finest goals for Leicester, and why he never moved to a bigger club.
We also discuss his unusual initiation with the Turkish national team, the most stylish managers in the Premier League, and reminisce on managers who used to smoke in the dugout.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
Links:
- Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
- Every Premier League manager's touchline fashion sense ranked
- How an Italian cult hero became the Premier League’s youngest ever manager
The Fantasy Faithful #12: Which Premier League teams are actually good?
The Premier League is away for a week to make room for an international break no one asked for, but we are still here to talk everything fantasy football.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste was joined by regular guest Dara Curran and debutant Srini to take a broad look at FPL. We debate over which teams are genuinely good and bad, and discuss the players that have particularly impressed us.
We also try to figure out what is going on with the underwhelming Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, why Bruno Fernandes is the only Manchester United option to consider, and look at which teams have the best fixtures leading up to Christmas.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL), Srini (AllAboutFPL)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
- 15 tips to help you succeed at FPL
- Fantasy Premier League team of the week for Gameweek 8: Eze pickings
The Fantasy Faithful #11: The best Danny Ings replacements & GW8 preview
Mixed fortunes for the respective Fantasy Premier League teams of our two hosts this past week, but one thing is almost always guaranteed: Ste's captain doing absolutely nothing.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste was joined by Harry to discuss the best forwards to replace the injured Danny Ings, Arsenal's surprisingly solid defence, and why Manchester United continue to confound and confuse us.
We also give our captain's picks, potential transfers, differentials going under the radar, the statistics that caught our eye, and our guaranteed Lock of the Week for Gameweek 8 of FPL.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #10: The best budget midfielders & GW7 preview
After a frustrating week in which very few of the big hitters got any points, The Fantasy Faithful is back to pick over the bones of the previous week's action and look ahead to the next one.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Ste was joined by Harry to discuss the best budget midfielders in FPL right now, why Trent Alexander-Arnold is on thin ice, and the attractiveness of West Ham United, whose players are looking more viable by the week.
We also give our captain's picks, potential transfers, differentials going under the radar, the statistics that caught our eye, and our guaranteed Lock of the Week.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Harry Diamond
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
90's Football Hall of Fame: Attilio Lombardo
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Crystal Palace cult hero Attilio Lombardo.
The Italian was one of a number of exotic big name signings that middling and lower Premier League teams managed to attract to English football with the promise of money, but his arrival still confounds to this day.
Lombardo was a serial winner with Sampdoria and Juventus before arriving in south London in 1997, having won multiple league titles, the Champions League and played in seven European finals. A player clearly still with much to offer at 31 years of age, he wowed the Selhurst Park faithful with his majestic skill and effortless style for a bizarre 18 month spell with the Eagles.
Football writer Ste Tudor joined host Ste McGovern and Peter Henry on the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast to discuss Lombardo's fascinating career, why he made such a weird tangent in his career, and the strange circumstances behind him becoming Palace's caretaker manager in the middle of the season.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
Outro Clip: Glad All Over
The Fantasy Faithful #9: Gameweek 6 preview & the best budget defenders
There is just no slowing down the Premier League this season, as the goals and mad results continue to flow, but have we gotten a better handle on our fantasy teams?
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Surya joined Dara and Ste to make his debut on the show and discuss a high-scoring Gameweek 5, the amazing stat that shows why Bruno Fernandes is essential in FPL, and why we're so in love with Brighton.
We also chat about the players who caught our eye, the statistics turning our heads, the differentials going under the radar, and debate whether Harry Kane or Mo Salah is the best captaincy option in Gameweek 6.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL), Surya (AllAboutFPL)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #8: Gameweek 5 preview & how FPL has infiltrated football coverage
The international break has concluded, which means we can get back to what really matters: Fantasy Premier League.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, presenter Ste McGovern was joined by Mark Farrelly of Balls.ie to talk about captain's picks, differentials, and potential transfers for gameweek 5.
We also discussed how FPL has seeped into football coverage, why fantasy football can feel all-consuming at times, and pore over Mark's biggest regrets in the 2020/21.
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
- 15 tips to help you succeed at FPL
- Balls.ie
90's Football Hall of Fame: Dennis Wise (w/Ste Tudor)
Ex-Chelsea midfielder and notorious scrapper Dennis Wise is the latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame.
The pint-sized Englishman spent the entirety of the decade at Stamford Bridge, where he won multiple honours including the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup, the FA Cup and the League Cup, making him the club's second most successful captain behind John Terry.
The Kensington native, who was also a member of the infamous 'Crazy Gang' at Wimbledon in the late eighties, had a reputation for being a shithouse as well, however, for his willingness to lunge into tackles and get involved in fights.
On the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, Ste McGovern and Peter Henry are once again joined by Ste Tudor to discuss Wise's penchant for violence, pinching Nicky Butt's crown jewels, grabbing John Terry by the neck and attacking Vinnie Jones while driving.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used: Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme); Virtua Striker 2 theme.
Outro Clip: Theo Paphitis blasts player-manager's crazy debut
The Fantasy Faithful #7: What we've learned after four gameweeks of FPL
We are a month into the 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League campaign and we're left with more questions than answers.
Which teams are actually good? Why have Chelsea, Man City and Man United been so disappointing so far? How in God's name did Liverpool lose 7-2 to Aston Villa? Does any of it even matter anymore?
To try and answer some of these conundrums and more during the international break, we drafted in a very special guest in the form of FPL expert Andrew Ferguson, writer and podcast presenter over at Fantasy Football Hub.
Giving a broad overview of the first four matchdays of the Premier League, we looked at the madness of gameweek four, tried to make sense of the season up to now, and admitted our biggest regrets and mistakes. We also chatted about the things we were most wrong about in preseason, the deadline day transfers that might affect FPL, and how we can possibly strategize for the future in this weird world of fantasy football.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Andrew Ferguson (Fantasy Football Hub)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Relevant Links:
The Fantasy Faithful #6: Wildcard woes and Gameweek 4 preview
In a week where very few Fantasy Premier League managers did well, Ste and Dara lick their wounds after a fairly disastrous wildcard and discuss what went wrong.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, Harry re-joined us after his call-up to the senior squad last week to look back on a weird Gameweek 3, consider what impact the handball rule will have on FPL, and if it's a good idea to load up on penalty takers.
We also discuss what to do about Timo Werner, Sadio Mané vs Mo Salah, targeting Fulham and West Brom matches,Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL), Harry Diamond (The Football Faithful)
Join our fa the differentials going under the radar, and who are the best captaincy options in Gameweek 4.
ntasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
- 15 tips to help you succeed at FPL
- FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 3
- Why Frank Lampard needs to take responsibility for Chelsea's problems
You'd Have to be a Subbutteo Man
Sam, Peter and Harry look back a completely ridiculous round of Premier League games. Mad handball decisions, penalties after the final whistle, City's title ambitions end already, Chelsea fall flat, Liverpool put one had on the trophy and Fulham pack their bags. We're only three games in to the season! What's going on? We try to make some sense of it all.
90's Football Hall of Fame: Duncan Ferguson (w/Ste Tudor)
The latest entrant in to the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Duncan Ferguson, the former Everton striker who was infamous for his physicality and penchant for violence on the pitch.
An FA Cup winner in 1995, the Scot got into many scrapes and fights in the years, and is one of very few footballers to have been jailed for an incident on the field. But he was a quality footballer too who was as lethal in the air as he was with his fists, and scored a few crackers with his feet as well.
Freelance football writer Ste Tudor joined Ste McGovern and Peter Henry on the latest episode to discuss Ferguson's career, what made him so terrifying to play against, our favourite violent flashes of his, and why his identity is so intertwined with Everton.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme
The Fantasy Faithful #5: Hit that wildcard button, baby
After another week of pain and mediocrity for Stephen and Dara, the two lads have decided its high time they smashed that wildcard button and reinvigorated their Fantasy Premier League teams with wholesale surgery.
In the latest episode of The Fantasy Faithful podcast, we look back on a crazy gameweek 2 in FPL that featured a record 44 goals, the decisions we regretted the most, and contemplate who are the essential picks in our wildcard teams.
We also discuss the dilemma surrounding Manchester United assets following their defeat to Crystal Palace, why we still don't trust Jose Mourinho's Spurs, the differentials going under the radar, and who are the best captaincy options in gameweek 3.
Hosts: Ste McGovern, Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
Other Relevant Links:
- 15 tips to help you succeed at FPL
- The best value players in FPL this season
- Our exclusive interview with Everton legend Neville Southall
Running List:
Captain Hindsight - 2.10
The Eye Test - 4.40
Stats Watch - 13.11
Bandwagons - 20.10
Man United dilemma - 25.08
Under the radar differentials - 28.47
Lock of the Week - 31.36
One Week Punt - 33.13
Team Surgery - 34.30
Captaincy - 41.52
Victor, Drink Some Milk or Something!
Any early writing off of Liverpool may have been a bit premature but what about that Chelsea hype train? Which version of Gareth Bale have Spurs signed? Which teams are the best of the rest in the league? What do City need to reclaim their title and strap in folks, it's an early season rant on Manchester United.
Sam. Peter, Dec and Harry look back a goal filled week of action.
The Fantasy Faithful #4: Gameweek 2, electric boogaloo
Was the first Fantasy Premier League gameweek of the season a bust for you? Did you foolishly not captain Mo Salah? Tempted to hit that wildcard button already?
Well The Fantasy Faithful lads are here to guide you through the myriad dilemmas and choices facing FPL managers ahead of gameweek 2. We agonise over our mistakes, pick apart the early bandwagons, and make our choices for transfers and captaincy.
Host: Ste McGovern
Guests: Dara Curran (Fulhamish, Planet FPL), Harry Diamond (The Football Faithful)
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
The Premier League Is Back!! Did it ever leave?
The Premier League is back and so is the Football Faithful Podcast! Normal service resumes as Sam is joined by Peter & Ant to discuss the opening round of fixtures. We got a first look at defending Champions, Liverpool as they took on a newly promoted and much heralded Leeds United. Chelsea got off to a winning start but Lampard may be under some pressure this season, Arsenal look the real deal, Everton might actually live up to the preseason hype for once but Spurs? Just one game in and we may be about to witness a classic Mourinho meltdown.
All that and much more, it's not the same but it's good to be back.
The Fantasy Faithful #3: Gameweek 1 preview
With the Premier League returning this week The Fantasy Faithful presents our big preview of gameweek 1 for FPL managers.
Ste McGovern was joined by Will Thomas of Fantasy Football Hub to pore over the must-have players heading into the new season, the best value players in the game, and which ones are flying under the radar.
We also discuss which teams have the best early fixtures, who is the best captain to pick for GW1, and how to work around Man City and Man United not playing in the first round of games.
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow Fantasy Football Hub on Twitter: @FFH_HQ
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #2: Transfers and captaincy
In the second of our two-part interview with Fantasy Premier League expert Abubakar Siddiq, The Fantasy Faithful takes a close look at how make the most of transfers and captaincy picks.
We discuss the best time to make your transfer during a gameweek, whether it's a good idea to take hits, how to keep track of price changes, and why looking to the long-term is the best strategy for picking players.
Bakar also talks us through his strategy for picking a captain every week, arguably the most important aspect of FPL, and how analytics help him with his weekly pick.
Join our fantasy league: qcey3l
Follow Bakar on Twitter: @BigManBakar
Follow us on Twitter: @footyfaithful_ & @FPLFaithful
The Fantasy Faithful #1: How to build your FPL squad
The Football Faithful is proud to present the latest addition to our podcast stable ahead of the 2020/21 season: The Fantasy Faithful!
In our first two episodes Ste McGovern is joined by Abubakar Siddiq (@bigmanbakar), who finished fourth overall in 2015, to give you tips on how to master FPL. In episode one we discuss building the ideal FPL squad, how to get the best value for money from players, which pitfalls to avoid, and what to look out for in differentials.
Well known for his weekly analytical threads on Twitter, Bakar also tells us why using statistics can give an edge in FPL, what stats to keep an eye on, and gives us his take on the stats versus eye test debate.
Episode two, which will cover transfers and captaincy, drops on Thursday.
90's Football Hall of Fame: Tony Adams
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Arsenal and England legend Tony Adams.
One of the greatest centre-backs of his era, Adams enjoyed a glittering 19-year career with the Gunners, winning multiple major honours, but he also dealt with personal demons, battling alcoholism for over a decade.
On the latest episode of our nineties podcast, we are joined by Colm Boohig of Off The Ball to discuss what made Tony Adams such a natural leader, some of his most famous goals, his infamous trip to Singapore after crashing his car, and the times he played football while drunk.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme
- Ooh ooh Tony Adams
90's Football Hall of Fame: Ugo Ehiogu
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Aston Villa and Middlesbrough legend Ugo Ehiogu.
We're joined by podcaster and Villa supporter Stevie Green to discuss Ehiogu's career, the role he played in Villa's success during the nineties, and his untimely passing in 2017.
We also ask why his England career never took off the ground, whether Villa sold him too soon, and chat about the music record label he had a hand in establishing.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme
Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
90's Football Hall of Fame: Neville Southall (w/Daniel Storey)
Everton and Wales legend Neville Southall is the latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame.
Southall enjoyed a successful 17-year spell with the Toffees, winning two league titles, two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, becoming a club hero in the process thanks to his world-class performances during the eighties.
The Welshman is the last goalkeeper to win the FWA Player of the Year award and for a period during the mid-eighties he was considered the very best in the world in his position. Although the nineties were not as successful, he was still a key player for the Merseyside outfit, particularly when they won the FA Cup in 1995.
Since retiring Southall has been making as big an impact off the field as much as he did on it, becoming a popular figure online for his tweets about Tory skeletons, being an LGBTQ+ ally and a passionate mental health advocate.
In the latest episode of the 90’s Football Hall of Fame show, we are joined by football writer Daniel Storey, author Southall’s latest autobiography Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football, to discuss his amazing Everton career, how studying other sports helped him excel in goals, and how he never forget his working-class roots.
We also chat to Daniel about what it was like to work on the book with Neville, the infamous “sulking session” against Leeds United, coming out of retirement to play for Bradford City in the Premier League at age 40, and the strange reasoning behind Alex Ferguson’s decision not to put in a bid for him in the early nineties.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- All Together Now Everton
90's Football Hall of Fame: Brian 'Choccy' McClair (w/David Sneyd)
Former Celtic striker and Manchester United cult hero Brian McClair is the latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame.
Nicknamed "Choccy" by his teammates because his surname is reminiscent of a chocolate eclair, the Scot enjoyed a trophy-laden decade at Old Trafford where he scored 127 goals and provided 49 assists.
McClair joined United after shining for Celtic, where he scored a phenomenal 126 goals in 204 appearances, before going on to win nine major trophies, including four Premier Leagues and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
On the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame show, we were joined by football writer David Sneyd to discuss Brian McClair's prolific scoring record, his dry sense of humour, and the famous Choccy's Diaries in which he often made stuff up about his teammates.
We also chat about his seamless evolution from star forward to shadow striker to midfielder, why he had an underwhelming international career, and the "rave going on in his head".
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
90's Football Hall of Fame: Andy Cole
Former Newcastle United, Man United and England striker Andy Cole is the latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame.
The striker quickly became a star at Newcastle, scoring 34 goals in his first top flight campaign. So good were his performances that he attracted the interest of a certain Alex Ferguson, who paid £6m for his services in a shock transfer midway through the 1994/95 season.
Although Manchester United did not win the title that year, Cole would go on to great success at club, winning the Premier League in five of the next six seasons, which included denying his former club the top spot twice.
Cole most famously developed a telepathic strike partnership with Dwight Yorke at United and together the two men shot the team to treble glory, scoring 53 goals in competitions between them. In 2001 Cole left Old Trafford for Blackburn Rovers, where he rekindled the link-up with Yorke and won the League Cup alongside another old teammate, Mark Hughes.
The third all-time goal scorer in Premier League history, the striker famously rarely took penalties, with just one of his 187 top flight goals coming from the spot. He was also a supreme creator, making 127 assists in all competitions in his career.
In the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, we discuss Andy Cole's prolific career, why he's more than the 'fox in the box' type he's been pigeonholed as, and his best moments in the Premier League.
We also chat about his strained relationships with Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham, the time he had both his legs broken by Neil Ruddock, and his recent battles with ill health.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
- Outstanding - Andy Cole
90's Football Hall of Fame: Robbie Fowler
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is Liverpool legend and former England striker Robbie Fowler.
Known fondly as "God" among the Anfield faithful, the Toxteth lad burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old, scoring on his debut against Fulham in the League Cup in 1993 before scoring five against them in the second leg.
Fowler clearly started as he meant to go on, scoring 12 goals in his first 13 games for the club and quickly garnered a reputation as one of the league's most natural finishers.
The striker would go on to score 183 times for Liverpool, becoming a beloved figure on the Kop as his goals led the team to glory in the Uefa Cup, FA Cup and twice in the League Cup.
On the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, we discuss some of Fowler's most spectacular finishes, his controversial sniffing the line celebration against Everton, and what made him so exciting to watch.
We also chat about his underwhelming England career, his surprise move to Leeds United in 2001, and why his career petered out after such an incredible start.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
- The Anfield Rap - John Barnes
90's Football Hall of Fame: Marc Overmars
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is former Arsenal and Netherlands winger Marc Overmars.
The Dutch speedster grew up in modest surroundings, helping his grandad pick potatoes on his farm, but went on to become one of the country's most talented and exciting players of his generation.
Overmars' career began at Ajax, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and was part of the famous 1995 Champions League-winning team that shocked Europe.
After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, he joined Arsenal in 1997, where he played a huge role in the Gunners winning the double. His memorable goal against Manchester United essentially turned the tide in the Premier League title race, while he opened the scoring in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United.
In the latest episode of 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, we discuss his amazing velocity, his terrific scoring record for a wide player, and why it was the right time to sell him to Barcelona in 2000.
We also discuss some memorable moments from his international career, the time he got cut in half by Roy Keane, and pay tribute to the late, great Jack Charlton.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
- Put 'em under pressure
90's Football Hall of Fame: Darren 'Sicknote' Anderton
Former Tottenham Hotspur and England wide man Darren Anderton is the latest inductee into the 90’s Football Hall of Fame.
Anderton’s big break came as a 20-year-old when he scored a brilliant goal for Portsmouth against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals in 1992, which earned him a £1.75m move to Spurs that summer.
Lining out for the north London outfit for 12 years, Anderton became a firm fan favourite among the Lilywhite faithful. After starting out as a striker, he developed into a winger and attacking midfielder, entertaining the White Hart Lane crowd with his stunning long range goals, superb crossing and intelligent play.
The Southampton native, who also played for Birmingham, Wolves and Bournemouth in his career, possessed terrific ability and talent, but there was always a sense that his career never took off in the way that it should have due to recurring injuries.
Anderton only won one trophy in his career – the 1999 League Cup – and should have had more than the 30 caps he won for England, although he was a key part of the Euro 96 team that reached the semi-finals of the tournament.
In this episode of the 90’s Football Hall of Fame podcast, Ste is joined by Peter and Ant to discuss Anderton’s career, his penchant for thrilling goals, and debate whether he was underrated or not.
We also chat about his long-lasting reputation as ‘Sicknote’ and the agonising miss against Germany that could have made him an England legend forevermore.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
- Three Lions on a shirt - Baddiel & Skinner
90's Football Hall of Fame: Frank Leboeuf
The latest inductee into the 90's Football Hall of Fame is former Chelsea and France libero Frank Leboeuf.
Leboeuf was a key member of the exciting and cosmopolitan Blues team that enjoyed great success in the mid to late nineties, winning the League Cup, two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup during his five year stint in west London.
The centre-back also won the World Cup, European Championship and Confederations Cup with his national team during a golden era for the French team, putting in a fine performance against Brazil in the final in 1998 where he kept Ronaldo quiet.
In the latest episode of the 90's Football Hall of Fame podcast, we discuss the former Chelsea defender's career, his rise at Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg, and why he was so different to the typical English centre-back of the time.
We also discuss his penchant for set piece magic, his post-football career in acting, and why his appearance on A Question Of Sport rubbed people up the wrong way.
You can avail of a £20 bonus when opening an account with Football Index by using the code “FF20”.
Music used:
- Union - Let's Do It (ITV Football theme)
- Virtua Striker 2 theme song
- Les Marseilles at France 98