Pro Pundits

Fantasy Football and its effect on mental health

In his latest Pro Pundits column, former Fantasy Premier League champion Simon March looks at the impact that FPL can have on our mental health – and outlines his approach to dealing with the highs and lows of Fantasy management.


Like many Fantasy managers, I usually view international breaks with a mixture of dread, boredom and confusion as to why they are still even a thing. But, now and again, I actually find myself enjoying the break that they offer from the stresses of FPL management, and it seems I’m not alone in that sentiment.

Increasingly, voices in the Fantasy community are sharing their experiences of the sometimes negative effects that the game can have on their mental wellbeing.

To some, that might sound absurd; it is “just a game” after all and maybe we shouldn’t take it all so seriously. But it also makes a lot of sense: if playing a game can make you feel good, it stands to reason that it can also do the opposite.

So, while we take a break from the freneticism of Fantasy Football, I thought I’d dedicate this article to considering why FPL might negatively affect our mental health and what we might be able to do about it.

A good starting point might be to consider why we get so involved with FPL in the first place. There are the obvious reasons; it’s fun, often exciting, it’s a multi-faceted challenge and, of course, there’s a large and diverse community built around it. Below the surface, however, there are less obvious reasons and, sometimes, these can bring some negative effects.

It’s not unreasonable to assume that the experience of playing FPL shares some physiological similarities to that of placing a bet.

Gambling is well-studied in this respect and the act of gambling has been seen to trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s ‘reward’ chemical. This helps to generate a pleasure-based feedback loop which encourages more of the rewarding behaviour, thus reinforcing its significance to us. If that sounds a bit like an addictive drug it’s because drug addiction often work in essentially the same way and, with this in mind, it’s not hard to see why FPL can feel so important to us or why it might affect our moods.

Another aspect might be how tied to our personalities FPL can become.

As mentioned, FPL is the basis for an enormous community along with many smaller communities such as, for example, a workplace mini-league. Humans, as social animals, are hardwired to seek out these communities but, equally, we’ve also evolved to be status driven within them.

So if you’re part of a community that revolves around FPL, it stands to reason that your FPL performance will influence your sense of status, and perhaps self-esteem, within that group and, potentially, outside of it too. The more seriously you take FPL, the more significant these effects are likely to be. While the conscious you is probably well aware that it’s “just a game”, there’s a lot going on below the surface that we don’t actively control.

So, with all that in mind, what can we do about it? Speaking as somebody who has experienced their fair share of FPL highs and lows, I thought I’d share a few ideas that have helped me.

Set your own goals

If there’s one thing that stresses me out more than anything in FPL, it’s worrying about the players that I don’t have and, since this is the significant majority, that’s a lot to worry about.

However, it seems to me that, if you average anything over 60 points a Gameweek throughout a season, you’ll typically end up with a respectable rank. I think this perspective can be quite liberating because, if you’re averaging 60 points plus each Gameweek, it doesn’t actually matter all that much what the players you don’t have are doing, so there’s less need to worry about them.

For an example of this in practice you could look at 2017 FPL champion Ben Crabtree’s performance so far this season.

Now, given that Liverpool provide many of the highest scorers in the game, you might reasonably assume that, to have done well this season, you’ll have needed Liverpool assets.

As a devout Evertonion however, Ben famously avoids Liverpool players and, yet, he is currently 24k in the world, is averaging 60.5 points per Gameweek and is 55 points clear at the top of a mini-league comprised entirely of former FPL champs (although that is, of course, only temporary…).

He also obviously won the entire thing with this policy in a season when most of us were doubling or tripling up on Liverpool players. So, when you find yourself awake at night worrying that “such-and-such player is killing my rank”, it’s worth reminding yourself that these players might not be as “essential” as they seem.

Obviously you can pick whatever number you want as a target average but, psychologically at least, even if you’re short of it, the prospect of hitting it will appear easier than overtaking, say, a million other FPL managers. As a result, it might help you keep a more positive frame of mind, even when things aren’t going well.

Create Some Distance

If you’re anything like me, you often spend Saturday afternoons frantically refreshing the football scores and cross-referencing them with your Fantasy team. It’s actually one of the FPL things I enjoy the most but, in fairness, it’s probably also more stressful than how most people spend their days off.

If you find that you’re getting too deeply involved or frustrated with FPL, it’s worth experimenting and trying to create some distance.

Sometimes I quite enjoy avoiding all the scores and getting them all in one go once the matches are over and, of course, there’s the infamous ‘Match of the Day Challenge’ option in which you try and avoid the scores all day until the highlights come on TV.

The benefit of these methods is that, while still fun, they avoid the real-time emotional rollercoaster that a packed Saturday afternoon schedule can bring. It’s basically the FPL equivalent of pulling the plaster off in one go.

Celebrate the highs AND lows

One by-product of engaging with the FPL community is that you will be exposed to many more good scores each Gameweek than bad ones. Scientists call this a ‘selection bias’ and you’re far more likely to see successes than failures because people are far more likely to publicise their successes than their failures.

The effect, however, is that you can get a very distorted view of how well everyone else is actually doing. Often, I think I’ve done pretty well in a Gameweek only to find that I’ve scored about 20 points less than the “average” of the scores I see on FPL forums or social media.

Obviously that can be pretty deflating and, if you’ve had a rotten Gameweek, it’s downright depressing.

Personally, if I’ve had a really bad Gameweek, I usually avoid forums or social media for a few hours, or a day, or however long it takes me to pull myself together this time and I think that this can help. But it also helps to remember that, in such a scenario, you are usually only seeing the scores of people who have done exceptionally well. Very few people will feel compelled to ‘brag’ about their captain fail and a 25-pointer.

But some managers do share when they’ve had a bad score and I think that this is also very important. More often than not when people do this, they seem to get a sympathetic or, at least, philosophical response which probably helps them.

By giving some publicity to our rough Gameweeks it can also help others who might be in the same boat. It reduces the stigma of a poor Gameweek (or season) and, in doing so, reduces the pressure to always do well. I don’t wish bad scores on anybody but, at the same time, I can’t deny that seeing a few makes me feel better about my bad score.

Ultimately this helps us get to that point where we can laugh at the situation and move on to the next Gameweek.

So, with this in mind, I’d suggest that we shouldn’t hide our worst FPL moments in shame but, instead, own them, share them and maybe even take some pride in them.

Sometimes, a poor score is the result of a courageously maverick move that didn’t quite pay off this time, but wouldn’t the world be boring if we didn’t get to join in and celebrate the intent? After all, even the absolute best FPL players have wretched Gameweeks or seasons.

Wearing these high on our sleeves makes us feel better, makes everyone else feel better and, more broadly, it makes the FPL community a more fun and inclusive place to be.


Simon March is a member of our Pro Pundits initiative, a team of Fantasy managers here to bring you regular advice and updates on their teams. Simon won the FPL title in 2014/15 and has become a fixture on the punditry circuit ever since.

Nominated for ‘Best in Fantasy Football – Editorial’ at the Football Content Awards 2020

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347 Comments Post a Comment
  1. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If it affects mental health it's time to quit

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I tried it for one year

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      That may be an answer, but many aspects of life can impact on your mental health to a lesser or greater degree - quiting them all isn't necessarily the answer.
      It's a very simplistic view point - as is my answer for that matter.. it's a complex issue which Simon has highlighted rather well imo.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yep. Was not meant to be such a serious comment though. Everyone is responsible for their own well-being if it is not a serious problem which one can't control imo

      2. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Well said

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tell that to addicted gamblers, smokers, alcoholics and drug addicts too. Not that easy mate.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It seems I can't reply on comments. I closed the page and loaded again, but when I click on reply it takes me to the bottom of the page. As if I am posting a new comment, and not a reply. Any one that can help please?

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Ok there we go LOL

      2. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It's only an issue if you WANT to quit 😆

    4. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      This comment is way to disparaging - if it has an impact on you, then you are human.

      Show me someone that doesn’t care when their team loses, who doesn’t feel bad after their poor performance, that doesn’t get frustrated when they lose a game of Fifa, and I’ll show you their computer chip.

      To feel is to be human.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Well said!

    5. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Effect can be positive. Little downside imo.

  2. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anything required as a change to this setup?

    Pope
    Robbo Taa Lund soy
    Mane Maddison Kdb
    Jimmy vardy Tammy

    Mount yarm rico

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      this is nearly my team. Cant decide on whether to play Mount or Soy tho!

      Great team

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers - yeah it’s a tough one

        The benching headache gets worse after city

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nope good team to mine. Considering doing mount to Pulisic after the city game.

      What's your captain on for the next GW?

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Mane atm but need to look into the defensive stats before committing

        Yarmolenko needs to come out but Pope to Henderson is up first

        1. n14mul
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          I'm on vardy. Hot form atm and no internationals so hopefully ready for it. Worry with mane is long travels and tough away game vs palace

    3. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      good team mate, depends on if you have any FTs but overall very good

    4. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Nice squad. Yarmo out would be my priority, funds to give the option of a sizeable Mount upgrade would be nice (though Mount out isn't critical yet)

  3. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Should I wait for international break to be over or take the risk due to price rise?

    Looking at doing Salah to Mane and maybe get Martial in for Sterling/KDB... 2 FT and 0.2 ITB

    Heaton Button
    TAA Rico Lunds Chillwell Dunk
    Salah Sterling KDB McGin Dedonck
    Tammy Vards Greenwood

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Wait and monitor the situation at fplstatistic

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mark is doing the transfers as he stated himself. The rule is if you are happy with the first lad on the bench DO IT

    3. Mike1981
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I’m thinking of doing the same regarding Salah to Mane but so many people have shipped Salah that I’m now tempted to keep him and bring Mané in for Sterling. It seemed logical to double up on City with KDB and Sterling so now seems logical to double up on Liverpool and keep KDB.

      One caveat to this is that removing Sterling frees up a lot of budget and allows you to bring in a lot of quality mid price midfielders AND potentially Liverpool double up at the back.

      That’s what I’m wrestling with at the moment as also have 2FT but only 0.3M in the bank so don’t have funds to play with unless I remove a big price player.

  4. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I'm looking at possible Mount replacements. Already have Maddison.

    No one considering Dilvs over the likes of Pullisic and Martial? Any reason?
    Looks undervalued to me. Has he been rotated a lot?!

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great player but rotation risk. Could be a good differential though

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Seems to be rested in the big games ( Tottenham, Liverpool ) and City have some big games coming up so I think it would be frustrating to have him in your team

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

      I think DSilva is seriously being overlooked as a decent differential option in the same price bracket as Maddi, Pulisic and Martial. I am seriously considering a Mid 5 that is as follows: Mane, Maddison, Martial, Pulisic/Mount, DSilva, with a front 3 of Vardy, Jimenez and Abraham. No Sterling or KDB also allows me to have a back 5 of TAA, Chilwell, Lundy, Tomori and Janmaat.I like having decent playing options on my bench to step in for the surprises.

      1. Klein
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I would rather have bilva than dilva. He has mins too. And more points. Why dilva? Also who would you sub from that 8?

        1. ClassiX
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Both interesting options, but Dilva has more points than Bilva,more points per match, and cheaper, too.

    4. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I brought him in prior to injury and would have held him without it.

  5. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I know prices can go up or down but I never do transfers earlier with the chance of potential injuries!

    1. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Reply fail for above!!

  6. Stef rocks
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    1FT 2.5ITB - i really like my 11 players for midterm 5-6 fixtures and i can't see reasonable move!

    Pope
    TAA Lundy Pereira
    Maddy KDB Mane Mount
    Jimmy Vardy Tammy

    Is saving the FT the best?

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      At this moment I would save it.

    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Almost the exact same team as mine. Keep the transfer and see what unfolds next week. Like I said above mount to Pulisic is something I am looking at or possibly to martial

      1. Stef rocks
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Was thinking about Mount to Pulisic but could seriously backfire. Watching CHE last game Pulisic was going to be subbed and he just scored. Mount was looking at least as good as him (at least from my eye test). Dont like Martial as he os innury prone plus i dont trust ManU. Fixtures are also not great either (SHU away City and Spurs are 3 of 4 next games)

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      no reason to use one unless for a long term injury or a smart move on bench for future means

  7. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Morning!
    What should you do?

    2FT/0.4ITB

    Pope
    TAA, Lundstram, Janmaat, Rico, Soyuncu
    Sterling, KdB, Mane, Mount, Martial
    Tammy, Jimenez, Connolly

    A) Rico, Sterling, Connolly -> Robbo, Hayden, Vardy (-4)
    B) Sterling -> Salah
    C) Mount, Jiminez -> Hayden, Vardy
    D) Sterling, Connolly -> Vardy, Hayden/Dendonk ( and get Robbo next week)
    E) Something else?

    1. Dave Bauer
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I like A, but it feels to me like a move to do the following week - Chelsea’s fairly accommodating defence and a fired-up Sterling could be carnage. Personally I wouldn’t lose Jimi unless he’s confirmed out (I may have missed this).

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Jimi isn't confirmed out but if I would lose one of my striker it would be Jimi and not Tammy.

        Don't really know what to think about the Sterling thing, I think Chelsea will do great against City.

        1. Dave Bauer
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          I think maybe there’s your answer then. If you’re comfortable losing Sterling this week then for me A or D are both good options.

          1. Tshelby
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers! I know I'm too impatient to do D so I will probably do A if everybody is fit

            1. Dave Bauer
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              Obviously if you’ve got wiggle room then hold on for internationals and injuries etc, but otherwise I think it’s a good way to spend 4 points. Good luck (as I already have Robbo and Vardy, haha)!

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          having attackers in this game, wether it´s city or chelsea need not to be bad. Both team to score

    2. Penang Sandman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah D looks good

  8. cheeky moses
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Think D looks great

  9. mookie
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Great article! Thanks for writing it!

  10. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Morning!

    Have Lascelles injured, but can afford not to play him next couple of weeks. Should I sell him now (can go up to 4.7) to avoid price fall or save ft?

    Rest of defence: TAA; Soyoncu, Lundstram, Rico (i'm in 3-4-3 formation)

  11. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Great piece Simon.

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone going Salah (c) if fit?

    1. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I think it’s hard to look past Vardy.

  13. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    One of the best article in the history of FFS. Thanks. Now I will definitely post my bad scores and good scores here to help lads.

    Just out of curiosity do you have major in psychology?

    Once again stellar article...

  14. P-h-o-e-n-i-x
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Very insightful article. And very real. Thanks for this Simon.

  15. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Choose:

    A) Martial & Tielemans
    B) Maddison & Jimenez

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

  16. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Brilliant article Simon, ultimately this game is all about connecting with family and friends in a fun, free way. Game has helped teach me to win and lose graciously and helps channel my addictive tendencies in a positive way.

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      So much this.

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      100%

  17. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    I used to take it very seriously but soon realized I got little joy from the game, even if I was doing well, so I distanced myself. I suffer from anxiety, which can be addictive, and FPL was one more thing for me to stress about.

    Also, I remember the anti-climatic feeling at the end of GW 38 after each season. It means little. Your rank is just a number (unless your the winner which is very unlikely) and no-one but you really cares. So why stress?

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I used to get very bad panic attacks but not so frequently any more. They say a scare a day is good for you. I've found the fright of being a Kun non-owner Vs cannon fodder, and emerging relatively unscathed from behind the couch pretty life affirming!

  18. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Simon's article on the necessity of well-being and perspective for FPL managers is a really important one, although I sense that his views will be ignored in the comments section by the usual suspects begging to be told which player to pick, over and over again.

    The FFS comments section is in danger of no longer coming across to outsiders as a 'fun and inclusive place', especially on matchdays. People also make better FPL decisions when they maintain a healthy distance to what is after all a game, not a gambling addiction.

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      So good to see you after a while. Hope you're doing well.

      Agree with your sentiments.

  19. Penang Sandman
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    The part where Simon mentioned the social interaction in a community is spot on.
    I wouldnt give this game much time if it wasn't so rewarding to beat your boys in mini league,
    And to brag later. Them casuals

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I only joined after being egged to by family. It's a means of breaking the ice and connecting between socially awkward folk.

      1. Penang Sandman
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Good for you sir.
        Since FPL is one way to prove your good knowledge on EPL/football in my community, and im too competitive to not to lose in this game.
        Back when before Fpl, i guess we were collecting rare team kits.
        Glad the game doesnt affect me negatively like for some here

  20. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Fpl used to affect me but since I started investing and trading in stocks, fpl pressure and anxiety is nothing compared to this real time buy/sell in thousands of dollars. Also you become extremely patient with players who keep producing stats, just like stocks wrt quarterly results. Last few seasons it helped me get to 1k to 10koverall...lets see this season when I actually am not ranked over 500k and with all chips intact

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      This season I have been very patient with Mount & Salah

  21. Camino Aleatorio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Head to Head makes the stress more impactful- especially when your rival is a lucky #%|>^^+ that always finds a way to win because:

    (1) you benched Fraser on a week Fraser gets 18 points
    (2) because Aguero scores in the 90th minute when MCI was already winning 3-0
    (3) Dunk gets a red card by referee mistake
    (4) you lose a clean sheet because - Pochettino gives Ben Davies a 92 minute cameo to make a throw-in

    I don’t play head to head for that reason. It makes you hate your friends. For a little while - for silly, random reasons

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Haha you losr some you win some. i am sure you must be on the sunny side of luck sometimes as well

    2. Penang Sandman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      One of the reason why i quit H2H league.
      Need a different mindset to win the league, classic league already stressful enough

      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yes and h2h is more punty and luck oriented as you need immediate returns from players brought in to block opponent. Plus strategy changes against every opponent which costs you your overall rank

    3. Penang Sandman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I did won my ML on Aguero 9320 goal by a point.
      That was such a moment

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

      My mates and I have a classic and head to head league. I view the classic league as the Premier League and head to head as the Championship i.e. anyone can beat anyone on any given week!

  22. HNI
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    One more big reason FPL is easy to cope for me now is that before I used to be obsessed about winning those great fpl ranked rewards of match day tickets, ipad and what not. But now I am able to afford them on my own so much easier to chill out over bad gws

  23. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    No footie this weekend 🙁

    Salah's fitness is a pressing concern but no IB football will hopefully see him recover in time for GW13! Pulisic also flagged so hopefully his injury is not serious either.

    Pope
    Soyuncu TAA Lundstram
    Salah(c) Maddison Mane Pulisic
    Mousett Vardy(vc) Abraham

    Button Mount Rico Dunk

    That is how I will be lining up for GW13 pending pressers.

    Dunk also suspended but least have 2 playable bench to cover for blanks although Rico may not be nailed anymore...

    I am already on a -4 Perez and Jimenez to Maddison and Mousset. Just going to hold steady and try avoid another hit.

    Start of GW13 will reasses.

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Kelly injured again so Rico is fine i think.

  24. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling > Mane for free?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mane is in deadly form...

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Not yet... think Sterling (CHE) could outscore Mané (cpa). Maybe next GW...

  25. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    If anyone ever feels down about FPL, just remember it could be worse - you could be a Man U fan as well.

    1. Sterops
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      We all have our crosses to bear Jarvish!

    2. FPLGeezer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      It's really not that bad no team have a divine right to win anything it's got to be earned.

  26. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Which is the better differential? Martial or Dilva

    I'd been overlooking Dilva because of those one point cameos but his returns in a misfiring City attack are equal to Maddison after all despite lost minutes. The combo of Dilva and KdB with a strong bench is now feeling very appealing as an attacking move with so many moving off City generally - they're dominating the transfers out this week.

    Like Martial too but the fixture run looks very ho-hum to me and it's a case of backing a player over the side.

    1. Penang Sandman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      The fact that City still rely on 33 y/o Dilva to produce, gives me an off feeling about them this season.
      You could be without City assets and score well easily this season.

      Re Dilva/Martial, Martial is better option. Nailed, better form, focal point for his team

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I agree re your City assesment.

        Many say having no City will hurt you. With 12 GW's already completed, Sterling blanking, KDB now being the water carrier and Kun roulette, 'being hurt' has not been the case...

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Think the biggest problem with any City asset is Pep.

      I had Dilva and wanted to get back but do not want to worry each GW wether he is going to play or not. He is top value for money though and would rather go for him than Martial.

      I am looking at nailed budget midfielders 'differential' to fill my 5th midfielder spot. Currently have Mount but also Pulisic and Abraham and not keen on the triple up so replacement for Mount incoming.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Also have the triple up at Chelsea and looking to move on shortly unless I leave Mount/Ings to rotate.

        My one concern about Dilva is the one point cameo. If I go there I have Ings first bench who has both great form and fixtures (only a return behind Jim really) and so I'm not that bothered in the next few if I get a 0 pointer. And well if you look beyond the individual game weeks he's returning brilliantly in a side that is below par and has the biggest upside in attack going.

  27. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Great article.
    And very true about looking at your own players and game.

    But in "real" life its hard to watch a random game and not hoping for a blank for player A or B that you dont have.
    I automatically do it myself Im afraid and indeed it takes the fun about watching some games and thats a pity.

  28. Dain Bramage
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Brilliant post!! When I have a bad week with Fantasy football it’s very similar feelings to my beloved Football team loses. Although not as bad as this sketch

  29. Limit80
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Important topic, well written. Want to mention Az here who was open about his experience on this matter in a touching scoutcast last year I think. My coping mechanism is to try and put it in perspective and also to realise that there will be many other weeks that will go better 🙂

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    This is a brilliant article. Well written and makes huge sense. I was finding it tough going the last few seasons trying to continue winning my mini leagues which I was renowned for. Putting too much pressure on myself. This season I've pulled out of all my usual mini leagues and have released myself from the pressure completely.
    I'm enjoying the game much more now because of it. 500 K rank and not stressed about it.