Pro Pundits

How patience in Liverpool defence can help me bounce back from FPL Gameweek 6

Gameweek 6 was one of my worst in Fantasy Premier League history but it’s not the Gameweek score that maketh the manager, it is your response to it that really matters.

When I started writing this article, I was sitting on a net score of 11 points (yes, eleven) from nine players (yes, nine) including my captain Mohamed Salah (£12.4m). Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Harry Kane (£10.9m) added 15 points to that on Monday but a score of just 27 is not what I was hoping for at all.

I know I am not alone in scores like this for Gameweek 6, so I am writing about what went wrong and how I cope with that moving forward.

Ironically, I had really high hopes for this week. Triple Liverpool at home to a struggling Sheffield Untied side, the ever reliable captain Salah, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) in great form, and appealing fixtures for the likes of Mat Ryan (£4.5m), Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.8m) and Ross Barkley (£6.0m). On paper, it was arguably my strongest-looking 11 of the season. 

So with this is mind, I think it is so important for us to remember not all good decisions lead to good results in FPL. Ultimately, we pick our teams but we have absolutely no control over what happens on the pitch. If our player gets injured, misses a sitter or gets sent off (I’m looking at you Lucas) then that not something we have any influence over. 

I decided to look at how we can look at bad scores objectively and work out how to improve our rank going forward rather than letting it spoil our weekend and make emotional decisions with regards to the next set of fixtures.

Here is my three-point plan for such scenarios.

  1. Identify the difference between bad decisions and what is bad luck. Last week’s score has no effect on next week’s score, but performances and statistics do. Rather than looking at a players bad score, look at his contribution on the pitch. The Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area is perfect for this.
  2. Try not to chase points. Jumping from player to player chasing points that have been and gone can be a frustrating circle. For example, hopping from the likes of Mitrovic, Ollie Watkins (£6.0m), Callum Wilson (£6.5m) and Patrick Bamford (£5.9m) is so tempting when we see all of these players returning double-digit hauls over the first six Gameweeks. But often we end up wasting precious transfers and missing all these points completely. I like to pick a player over a period of matches and trust they can provide me the value I am looking for. For example, I had a pre-conceived plan of sticking with Mitrovic until Gameweek 7 because of strong fixtures. I like to stay true to my game plans and if it doesn’t work so be it.
  3. Embrace the highs and lows. If you can’t enjoy a thrilling game because your captain hasn’t returned or you are secretly willing one of your forwards to score against the team you support, it is time to take a step back. After all, we play FPL to enhance our enjoyment of the game we love. Bad weeks are inevitable!

FORWARD PLANNING

A big talking point right now is what we do with Liverpool defensive assets now that Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m) is ruled out for a sustained period. As a Fantasy manager who has built a lot of success on the defensive double-up over the last two seasons, I feel it’s right I touch on this. 

What we are seeing in the first six weeks is season like no other. We have seen some freak results and it seems teams have forgotten how to defend. However, I believe we will soon see a return to normality and Premier League managers will address the defensive issues. Manchester United’s rather dull, stalemate draw with Chelsea is perhaps is a good early example of this.

I think it is important to stick to my identity as a FPL manager, to give Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) more time to deliver the returns we know they are capable of. 

As the old saying goes ‘You live by the sword, you die by the sword’. I was happy with what I saw from an attacking point of view again in Gameweek and, with Alisson (£5.9m) back in the side, I am still hopeful some clean sheets are imminent. As managers continue to ship out the full-backs in their droves, I’m hoping the patient approach will pay off once again.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 6

821 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Seeing a lot of Kilman picks, surely he's rotation risk with Saiss at Lcb when Marcal comes back?

    1. LarryDuff
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      As a non owner I hope so

    2. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes he is

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      And the young left back they just bought

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Who everybody seems to forget!

  2. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah was hobbling after the match apparently.

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      (K)ane it is

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got taken out for a peno but didn't look TOO bad. Didn't play too many mins

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I know but BT just showed a footage of him on his way back to dressing room and he is hobbling quite signficantly there, obviously in serious discomfort.

        Hopefully it's just because it's only a few minutes after the impact and nothing serious.

    3. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Studs down the back of his heal. Should be fine for the weekend.

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

    Any ideas here with my 2FTs?

    Martinez
    Robbo TAA Semedo
    Salah Grealish Son Podence
    Kane DCL Wood

    4m - Lamptey Mitchell Reed

    0.7m ITB

    Cheers

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wood to Bamford or Antonio (depending on fitness) then maybe Podence out unless you want to give him one more chance. TAA to Chilwell would also give you funds to upgrade.

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      sell a pool defender? get Chilwell.

    3. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wood for Antonio if he's fit.

  4. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this next week?

    Werner & JRod > Kane & Zaha

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      mmh not sure depends if james is fit or not

  5. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    TAA - kilman
    Podence- kdb

    For -4?

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for a -4

  6. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Barnes to Grealish for a hit?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        this

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thank you.

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    reckon kdb will drop in price tonight ?

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Highly unlikely

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think he will tonight. There are about 5 pages of players with a higher target number than him on fplstatistics.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

    4. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why< what's happened?

  8. soup natsi
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    When’s Digne appeal decision due?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      done. down to one match

    2. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Announced earlier today, changed from a 3 match to a 1 match suspension.

    3. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Done bro, 1 match only.

    4. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers lads.

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He gets a 1 game ban and a free trip to KFC

  9. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Barnes out for free this week to Zaha? or someone else?
    or hold FT?

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds like a good move to me

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would do it for free.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Zaha against WOL this week, won't do this myself

  10. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Di Maria or keep Ramos 5 points?

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

    TAA has to go now with fabinho also out, right?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      i would keep one more match unless you really need the funds

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, you are right

  12. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Robbo Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son Rodriguez Podence Bissouma
    Mitro Ings Jimi

    2FT, 2.4 ITB

    A) TAA, Mitro -> Coufal, Kane
    B) Podence -> Grealish/Zaha
    C) TAA, Podence -> Chilwell, Rashford
    D) Jimi -> Kane

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You've got a lot of options. I would do D. You could also do TAA to Chilwell to free up some funds and upgrade Podence next week.

  13. Pointless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rodríguez + Salah out to KDB and Bruno (using 2 FT and cash in the bank). It’s tempting?! Yes or no?!

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah out, why is that when many will Salah [C] this week?

  14. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi...having a total shocker with a rank of 3.8m. 1mitb. What would you do here?

    I'm thinking of james to Chilwell as never going to know if james will play

    Martinez
    Taa james saiss (lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah son pulisic foden (burke)
    Kate (c) dcl Watkins

    Thanks

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wait for tomorrow, James will play more games against weaker opposition, but I dont like his chances if we play 4 atb

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sure will wait. But never going to know from one game to another with james I feel ....

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          The time will come where Lampard starts to play him more than AZpi but I don’t think it’s going to be until the second half of the season

    2. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bring in Coufal for Lamptey.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Coufal also on radar...

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes for me

  15. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Midfield options...

    Who will provide best value over the long term for their price?

    A) Havertz 8.3
    B) Ziyech 7.9
    C) Rashford 9.5
    D) Barnes/Zaha/Maddy 7m ish

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C 😉

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

  16. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    https://twitter.com/ftblscott/status/1321218978044387328?s=19

    Enough to put a flag on big Mo?

  17. Gr3g
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning guys,

    I didn’t not watch any West Ham games so would like to ask here.
    Who is better between Masuaku and Coufal and why. I’m assuming bot are nailed.

    Thank you in advance 🙂

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Masuaku but neither are good options

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Strange comment

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Why?

          1. BENOIT
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Strong defensive stats so far against good teams and they have 4.4m defenders playing wing back with strong upcoming fixtures

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Wham the defensive juggernaut! I’ll pass.

      2. Gr3g
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        The fixtures will turn shortly and as I have 2 FTs and no pressing issues I’m thinking to bring one. Just not sure who is more secured and better option overall.
        Was Fredericks insured or dropped btw.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I’d prefer Leeds at that price point. Newcastle, Sheffield, Brighton for that matter...

    2. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      West Ham fans were raving about Coufal after the Man City game.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Go to members area and compare stats, it’s not close

        Player stats, gw 4-6 compare

  18. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah injury.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He is immortal

  19. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one would you rather?

    A) Justin

    B) Kilman

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Start or buy?

      1. Kane Train
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Both

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ricardo a month away, wouldn’t buy Justin now

          Kilmans fixtures are bad and there is lots of competition for that spot, although it seems it’s his to lose

          I’d go with the cheaper guy

  20. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Cresswell, Zaha, Brewster
    B) Robertson, Bissouma. Bamford

    Which is the best combination for the next few weeks?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  21. The Hunt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah looks angry & dejected there. Could be a few weeks out.

    1. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No mention of that in any news?

      1. The Hunt
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not even fake news.

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Science!

  22. deshawn7
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 8.5 mid?

    Have Pereira (WBA) and 2.5ITB to transfer.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’ll die on the Pulisic hill this year

  23. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one would you rather have?

    A) Bruno Fernandes
    B) Rashford

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gashford with telles taking corners

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      bruno better long term i guess.

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      United have changed their system in the last two games to be more defensive, neither might be good options going forward.

  24. SuperG
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’ve got aguero. Plan was to change to Antonio for GW8. So, for one week only when you can have any striker in the game, who’d you go for (already have Kane)?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea’s fixtures look outstanding

    2. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same here need to know the same

      Leaning toward Ings.

    3. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings seems to be on fire mind.

  25. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah to Mane if injured.

    Yay or nay

    1. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hell yay 😀 or KDB???

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Only if confirmed out.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tue evening, let's see Friday morning

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not confirmed

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Didn’t stop him scoring good penalty kick after being fouled. Crouch went in to say foul on Salah painful one down achilles and from experience will be very painful tonight and tomorrow but not something that will stop him starting at weekend.

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He’s fine

  26. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FTs, best move here?

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Robbo, Saiss
    Salah, Son, Grealish, JRod
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    4.0; Lamptey, Bissouma, Ferguson*

    Maupay -> Antonio?

    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Or Robbo and Maupay -> Zouma and Ings

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'd keep Robbo. If any Maupay > Wilson (if Antonio is injured)

  27. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    JRod to Grealish for free?

    1. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      With Newcastle next. say what??????

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

  28. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Davies to Kilman for free or roll FT ?

    1. JfA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Davies is in and out, Kilman isn't nailed YET so maybe roll or bring in Coufal??

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

  29. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you use a FT to trade Justin > Kilman

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not just for the points, depends what you do with the money