Podcast

Meet the Manager #9 – Marc Rubinstein

Fantasy Premier League managers can learn a lot from the financial sector, according to our latest Meet the Manager guest Marc Rubinstein.

With three top 5,000 finishes in his FPL career, he has a strong track record of success. This is something he attributes in part to his 20 years of experience in the financial sector, including a stint as a partner for one of Europe’s largest hedge fund firms.

In our chat, Marc looks at how key financial services issues around diversification, risk management and data analysis can be applied to Fantasy Football management.

He reveals how Richarlison will help him not to lose, but not necessarily win, and why Newcastle-era Andy Carroll may well have been one of the greatest FPL investments of all time.

The battle between luck and skill is also explored and why the proliferation of expert managers and information is making it harder each year to achieve the number one spot. This theme is explored further via this Twitter thread from Marc.

But his approach is not based purely on analysis, theory and data. Marc also reveals how his emotional ties with Liverpool has a direct impact on each of his campaigns.

The chat with Marc is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager interviews:

Kenneth Tang

Jay Egersdorff

Adam Hopcroft

Matthew Jones

Richard Clarke

Will Thomas

Philman

Triggerlips

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1,193 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The 12th Man
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Wilson and Fraser too much?
    Thinking about Wilson > Jimenez or give him this week?
    Want to push funds into midfield.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldn't move Wilson this week, perhaps next GW but then it's HUD the following week.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        It’s probably an agonising keep them until after Huddersfield. Benching one or both for the City game inbetween. Duffy on my bench plays Huddersfield so 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 that week.
        Thanks.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Duffy (hud) is a good player to bring him. Hold on to your cherries.

          1. The 12th Man
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Just been looking at fixtures. I could even bench Wilson and Fraser for City and play 5-3-2.
            With AWB against Burnley as well.

    2. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I’d keep Wilson I think he’s got points in every home game so far including utd

    3. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I think Jiménez is a good shout but if you think score expectation is 1/2-0 then it’s the defence you want. Bmouth Arsenal could be 3-3!

      1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Absolutely this

      2. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        True. I have Doherty.

  2. Park the bus
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Doherty or Digne? Have Bennett already but would just play 3 atb

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Doherty

    2. AlissonBecker fell alone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Dignyay

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        You mean Dignn’?

        1. AlissonBecker fell alone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          No. Dig"nyay"

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Oh. Must be some guy who doesnt play in the Premier League then, dont know him.

            1. AlissonBecker fell alone
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Bloody Damn english commentators call him dignn' should be pronounced as Dignyay

              1. BigBarn
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 11 months ago

                Phillipe Auclaire told me it's pronounced "Luca Dean". Please don't tell me a French football journalist from actual France is wrong?!

                1. AlissonBecker fell alone
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 11 months ago

                  She is wrong. It is Luca Dinyay. g- silent ne-nyay.

          2. Old Man
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Surely it's Dinyay?

            1. AlissonBecker fell alone
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Absolutely.

    3. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Doherty (of 100% fit)

  3. Riders of Yohan
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Contemplating Anderson out for: martial, richarlison, d.silva, siggy, shaq? Any ideas?

    0FT £1.9ITB

    Patricio / Foster
    Alonso / robbo / Digne / bennet / AWB
    Salah / Hazard / Anderson / Fraser / hoijberg
    Aguero / arnie / jiminez

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Or G2G?

    2. Haggis
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Hold transfer, but bench him this week for Bennet and play 4-3-3

  4. Brosstan
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Can someone explain wilson - > Jimenez to me? Wilson has good fixtures for a striker and plays for a high scoring and very attacking team while wolves seldom score more than 1.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I personally wouldn't do it, not unless you REALLY need the money or plan to rotate him with a 5th MID/4th DEF.

    2. Fitzy.
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Jimenez got 6 points last GW, and Wilson only got 2. They'll swap back if that gets reversed this week I guess.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      For me it’s about pushing funds into midfield to maybe upgrade Barkley > Martial or Dilva.
      There’s nothing wrong with Wilson. Just having both Fraser and Wilson have tough fixtures. Plus I have more value tied up in Fraser.

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Yup same can't understand it.

  5. FPLAdmiral
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    What’s the consensus with Diangana?

    Jumped on the hype train that derailed within 45 minutes with his half time substitution.

    Likely to be dropped or still a potential bargain?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Both.

      1. feedpony
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I also fell for that one... i'm holding onto him for now and assessing his minutes as I want all starters for the Xmas fixtures

  6. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Which forward for next 3 weeks?

    A) Murray - LEI, hud, CRY
    B) Jimenez - HUD, car, CHE
    C) Mitro - SOU, che, LEI
    D) Rondon - bur, WHU, eve

    1. JBG
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I have Murray, but regret not picking Jimenez...

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah Jimenez is now popular pick

        1. feedpony
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Never choose a Benitez striker

    2. Zladan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Jimenez.

  7. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    I sincerely hope you all soon realise that Jiminez can't hit a barn door.

    Sincerely, triggered ex-owner who dropped him before Tottenham.

    😀

    1. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      LOL

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Captain choice 😉

  8. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Some massive ground to make up/lose this week with this Richarlison(c) madness.

    1. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Stick with Richie, Salah could blank

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Or score a brace

        1. Fitzy.
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah, ridiculous logic.

      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Nah.

      3. altan8797
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        or another 8 points

      4. FPL_352
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Rich blanked against Palace and Fulham at home...

    2. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Salah has averaged 4.15 points in away games so far it’s not that good. But yes he does seem in much better form than at the start of the season

      1. Expected Toulouse
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        3 of those games were against Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs.

        1. Ynwalfc
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Watford have won 4 of there 6 games at home and conceded 8 goals at home. That’s 1.3goals game on average. They ain’t no push over at home. They had a bad game against Bournemouth but that been it

    3. AlissonBecker fell alone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      He (mé) ness for me.

      1. Fitzy.
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        🙄

        1. AlissonBecker fell alone
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Lol. What's wrong? because he is 5.8m? or because he plays for wolves?

          1. Ynwalfc
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            It’s a good shout with form and fixture, if he did it against Spurs and utd surely he can score against Huddersfield!!!

            1. AlissonBecker fell alone
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 11 months ago

              Yeah.Expecting him to take a hot piss on huddersfield town.

          2. Fitzy.
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            Because of the way you wrote his name.

    4. Zladan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Cardiff are just so poor.

  9. Delhidynamo
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Jonny replacement needed

    A) Vinagre

    B) Yedlin

    C) Balbuena

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. Delhidynamo
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        a little worried about Nuno getting someone else in for Jonny

        Yedlin seems a safer bet

  10. Ynwalfc
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Just something to think about if ur captaining Salah, he’s averaged 4.15 points a game in away games so far

    1. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      None of the “big players” have done great away from home.

    2. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Exactly, it could all change. I’m still not convinced to put Salah in my team at the price. My team looks much better with him out and Mane as cover.

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Mate old see the fixtures for godsake.Same with aguero

    4. Jealous Viper
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      And the games in which he has blanked in are Leicester, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal. With the exception of Leicester, he really wasn't a good cap shout any of those weeks and those were all tough away matches. Underlying stats are still the same as last year. Context is needed

    5. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      He still doesn’t look like he’s worth all that extra Money when you can have Mane who is only 7 points behind and could overtake him this weekend.

      1. captainjilflex
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Mane has about 1 return in 6 or 7 gws i think. inconsistent and unreliable, Salah is the opposite. That said im thinking of moving Mo on when the fixtures turn to free up funds.

        1. Ynwalfc
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          I still prefer Mane and think the points are on there way. meanwhile knowing my team is much better all round without Salah. That could easily change tho

    6. Arteta
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      It's Salah we're talking about. He could play bad and still score a hat-trick.

  11. n-doggg
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Going to upgrade Barkley with my mendy cash. Who would you pick:

    A. Felipe Anderson
    B. Martial
    C. Bsilva
    D. Other

    Current team

    Rui
    Alonso, Robertson, Digne, bennet, awb
    Salah, hazard, richarlison, Fraser, BARKLEY
    Aguero, arnie, success

    1FT, 1.8 itb

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Martial.

      1. n-doggg
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Not at risk to be benched with Lukaku potentially back?

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Hope not, the way he has been playing.

          If you want a guy guaranteed to start every single game, just go for Anderson

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Bilva's good

    3. SirT83
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Why upgrade Barkley when Kovacic is out with injury?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Coach said if was only a little injury.

      2. n-doggg
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Already got hazard and was a punt to begin with

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      It osins me to say, but B.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Pains*

    5. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      B

  12. SirT83
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    A podcast made in Norway by Tv2 stated that Gylfi Sigurdsson most likely is out with injury.
    Has this been confirmed?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      would feel bad if he is out, have been so long since I had him in my team... 😮

    2. A.T
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      No, he was pictured in training yesterday fwiw. Not that that means he’s fit.

      1. SirT83
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks.
        Found the article, says he was training fully. So he can't be too badly injured.

  13. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    If siggy is out whom should i bring in for a hit 2.5ITB
    1.Richa
    2.Martial
    3.Bsilva
    3.Play arnie

    1. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Play Arnie, avoid hit.

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      David Silva?

  14. Miguel Sanchez
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Can i get a GTG? - will sort Mendy and the bench next GW

    Ryan
    Alonso Robertson Doherty
    Salah (c) Hazard Sterling Richarlison Fraser
    Arnautovic Wilson

    Hamer Kamara AWB Mendy* 0.3ITB 0FT

    1. n-doggg
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      An Aguero sized hole but other than that gtg

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks - am trying to go with Sterling over Aguero as a differential to crack into the top 10k

  15. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    All set (probably) How does this look like.

    Team :

    Ederson
    Alonso robertson TAA Bennet
    Mane Hazard Fraser
    Jiminez Aguero Arnautovic

    Hamer FAnderson Hojbjerg Awb

    Have exact funds to do mane to silva , but it'll be for -8 . So thhink it can wait

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Mane to Salah*

  16. City 'til I Cry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Would you do Mane & Mahrez > Sterling & Martial for a hit?

    1. Halmari Tea
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Wait till after this GW and CL

    2. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Good GW for it...

  17. AD2110
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Who would you bench out of this lot?

    A) Pereyra
    B) Chilwell
    C) Bennett
    D) Arni

    1. feedpony
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Chilwell, Leicester have been awful the last few weeks

  18. A.T
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    What constitutes being a top considered a top manager?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      OR1

      1. A.T
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        *lucky manager

    2. A.T
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Good grammar and the ability to string sentences together propbably helps. 😀

    3. Jealous Viper
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Demanding money for advice given

    4. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      couple of top 1 finish, otherwise all are in same boat...

    5. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      being able to bullshit people into paying for fpl advice

      1. A.T
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        There goes my hot topic 😆

    6. Nascimento
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Proven track record.

      It’s what the likes of Ville Ronke, Poseidon, Numb - all those considered elite round here - have in common

  19. Halmari Tea
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Guys

    who should i play
    1. Arnie Against city
    2. Willian mostly cameo against bench
    3. AWB against weak united

    Ryan
    Doherty | Bennet| Rudiger | Perera
    Hazard | Salah | Sterling | Richarlison
    Mitrovic

  20. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Fraser has two tough fixtures, should I get...

    A) Sane (-4)

    B) Silva (-4)

    C) Keep Fraser

  21. goonchamp
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Really need some help here no idea who to pick....
    Providing siggy is fit siggy or david silva for xmas own keane and kun feom there respective teams. 4.4 itb upgrading billing to one of these players

    1. A.T
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy,

  22. aircraft1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Morning

    Aubamuyang stick or twist

    ??????

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Stick, reckon there’s goals in that Bournemouth game.

      1. aircraft1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        That's what I'm hoping. I'm tempted to captain him for the differential if I keep. Showing as a doubt tho.

        1. Gregor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 11 months ago

          Pictured back in training so should be fine.

          1. A.T
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 11 months ago

            *could

    2. Arteta
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Stick with Auba. He's gonna come good soon.

  23. Jealous Viper
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ings on 50%. Bummer. Have to play Cedric instead. That cant end well. Initially wanted to do Doherty and martial for trip and Fraser for a hit. Now just want to do Doherty and Jimenez in for Trip and Ings for a hit? How's that?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds good.

      1. Jealous Viper
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        And bench Cedric right?

  24. Gt1996
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Whats the latest/is there any info on Siggy? Stepped away from all this over IB so im pretty out the loop

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Has been pictured in training.

    2. fr3d
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Why ask this just before pressers...

      1. Klein
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        Coz many dont know when presser is

  25. HVT
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Best def for under 4.7?
    Balbuena
    Yedlin
    Dunk
    Vinegar
    Other?

    Thanks

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Think I’d go Balbuena, so long as you don’t need him this week.

      1. HVT
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 11 months ago

        I don’t as I can bench him but he enables Martial.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Yedlin

  26. amplifiedAnt
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Ederson (Hamer)
    Alonso, Robertson, Mendy, Doherty (AWB)
    Hazard, Mané, Richarlison, Fraser (Cairney)
    Aguero, Jiminez (Arnautovic)

    1FT, 1.3m ITB, WC remaining.

    A. Mendy > Chilwell (rotates with Doherty)
    B. Mendy > Digne (potential but dodgy defence)
    C. Mendy > Duffy/Dunk (short term)

    Either way it would free a City slot and allow me to get another of their attackers soon.

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      I’d be all over Lucas Digne.

  27. New Post
  28. skodaole2
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Any ARS fans around? On WC and thinking of getting Mustafi but dont know if he ll keep his place during Dec consecutive games. Or get Sokratis instead? Any help appreciated.

  29. Old Man
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    Just a little thought (my brain only does little thoughts):
    both Liverpool (Wed) and Man City (Tue) have absolutely vital Champions League matches next week. I would think that it's quite possible that their primary assets might have reduced minutes at the weekend. Could be part of the captaincy decision?

    1. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Very good point, if either team is in a comfortable lead there’s a good chance they’ll be getting subbed off especially Kun it’s been the same all season

  30. waterboy
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 11 months ago

    With the 2019 Asia Cup starting in the beginning of January and going on until Feb 1st, I thought I would check my team for likely candidates that may be affected.

    Hopefully the research is useful to other Managers, as they may be away from GW 20 to GW26 and I had a couple that I will have to sort out in the upcoming weeks.

    I know some of the players are injured and some may not be picked for their National team, but if I have missed any others it would be great if someone can add them in the comments.

    Goalkeeper
    Etheridge - Cardif - Phillipines
    Ryan – Brighton – Australia

    Defender
    Mooy – Huddersfield – Australia
    Yoshida – Southampton - Japan

    Midfielder
    Ki Sung-Yueng – Newcastle – South Korea
    Son – Tottenham – South Korea
    Kayal – Brighton – Israel
    Jahanbakhsh – Brighton - Israel

    Forward
    Muto – Newcastle United – Japan
    Okazaki – Leicester City - Japan

    Good Luck

    1. Evanlution
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks for sharing!