Alex Dakers

London

✍🏼 freelance @TheiPaper @TheiPaperSport @BBCSport @FFScout, prev @CayCompass @Stanford @RadioTimes • Got a story? 📧 [email protected] • own views

Featured in: Favicon

stanforddaily.com Favicon

swimmingworldmagazine.com Favicon

msn.com

inews.co.uk Favicon

nbcbayarea.com Favicon

radiotimes.com Favicon

fantasyfootballscout.co.uk Favicon

bbc.com

yahoo.com (+1)

Articles

Yes, 'three fine days' can mean a thunderstorm is coming - here’s why

4 days ago | inews.co.uk | Alex Dakers

“Three fine days and a thunderstorm” is a centuries-old saying, sometimes attributed to King George II, taken to define the British summertime. As simple as it sounds, it suggests that the UK weather tends to follow a bit of a pattern whereby three consecutive days of sunshine and settled conditions will be followed by a thunderstorm to jolt us all back to reality.
A tax cut could be coming for some second home owners - and it’s in Reform’s hands

6 days ago | inews.co.uk | Alex Dakers

Second homeowners in areas controlled by Reform UK-run councils could receive a tax cut after a newly implemented Tory-era policy was labelled “madness” by Nigel Farage. The party – which has surged into a double-digit lead over Labour in recent polls – enjoyed plenty of success in last week’s local elections, returning 600 new councillors and taking control of 10 authorities.
How long the mini-heatwave is expected to last - as thunderstorms loom

6 days ago | inews.co.uk | Alex Dakers

UK temperatures could edge towards 30°C by early next week but the warmer weather may bring some “vigorous” thunderstorms, the Met Office has warned. A record-breaking start to May was followed by slightly cooler conditions over the last week. The mercury then crept back up from highs in the teens up to the low to mid-20s heading into the weekend. Saturday highs are expected to reach 24°C in eastern Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern parts of England.
FPL notes: Sole focus for Arsenal, Chelsea rests, Europa dominance

1 week ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

Scout Notes ShareAnother action-packed continental midweek brought disappointment for Arsenal but a three-pronged jubilation for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, reaching Europa League and Europa Conference League finals. Let’s unpack all the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points, with domestic fixtures surely affected by these results. One particular forgotten man proved to be a game-changer.
FPL notes: Mbeumo blank as Brentford best Forest, European round-up

2 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

Scout Notes ShareThursday evening saw Brentford run out of the City Ground with a deserved three points as three other Premier League sides took big first steps towards European cup finals. In this latest Scout Notes, we check out Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brentford, as well as rounding up the midweek European action. Yoane Wissa (£6.6m) scored for the third match in a row as Brentford kept a fourth clean sheet in 10 to deal a heavy blow to Forest’s dreams of Champions League football on Thursday.
How will it affect Marmoush?

2 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

Erling Haaland (£14.8m) is back in team training – and a return to action isn’t too far away. For the legions of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who own Omar Marmoush (£7.6m), what impact will Haaland’s comeback have on the Egyptian? We’ve taken a look at Marmoush and Haaland’s stats and output when the two have featured together as well as when it’s been Marmoush alone, in an attempt to determine whether the versatile Egyptian will fare better or worse when City’s no. 9 is back in action.
Gameweek 34 Wildcard: Pros, cons + best drafts

2 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

The last few Gameweeks in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) have seen a frenzy of chips activated as managers aimed to maximise their potential returns from a few recent doubles. Due to clashes with the FA Cup semi-finals, this weekend’s fixture schedule is reduced to eight matches with last week’s doublers all missing out – leading to plenty of Free Hits being deployed to cover gaping holes in our squads.
Who to pick as Assistant Manager in FPL Gameweek 34?

2 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

After a chaotic few weeks of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) doubles, it’s time for the reduced fixture schedule of Blank Gameweek 34 – and the latest instalment of our weekly Assistant Manager guides. Notably, nearly all matches feature a gaffer with ‘table bonus’ opportunities this weekend. In this article, we’ll assess the best options for this week as well as the rounds ahead. READ MORE: What is the Assistant Manager chip + when can FPL managers play it?
Who to pick as Assistant Manager in FPL Gameweek 33?

3 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

Chip Strategy ShareAs we approach Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Double Gameweek 33, it’s time for the latest instalment of our weekly Assistant Manager guides. There are a few “table bonus” opportunities this weekend, including one Premier League boss with two fixtures. We’ll assess the best options for this week as well as the rounds ahead as we continue to barrel through Double Gameweek season. Let’s get into it. READ MORE: What is the Assistant Manager chip + when can FPL managers play it?
Who are the best Arsenal players to buy in FPL?

4 weeks ago | fantasyfootballscout.co.uk | FPL Scoop |Alex Dakers

Four clubs have a Double Gameweek 33 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL): Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester City. In this Scouting the Doubles entry, we take a closer look at the Gunners. Arsenal began this season as title contenders but, like in 2023/24, have slipped into second place – this time behind a dominant Liverpool side that could win the league as soon as next weekend.