Pro Pundits

Why I’ll be holding Liverpool assets through Blank Gameweek 18 and beyond

In her latest column, FPL Community’s Holly Shand reveals why she’ll be resisting the urge to cash in on premium Liverpool assets this weekend.


The hard work has been done to be prepared for Gameweek 18 but I’ve paid very little thought to what happens beyond this point for my side. I’ve clawed my way up from a rank of 1.5 million to the top 400k but fear the impact of Wildcards from those around me. How can I keep moving up?

We appear to have hit a crossroads surrounding Liverpool players. My gut feeling was to hold Sadio Mane (£12.2m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) but I’m seeing a lot of talk within the community on moving them on (including from fellow Pro Pundit Andy). I’m in a fortunate position of having the likes of Matt Targett (£4.4m), Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) and Martin Kelly (£4.4m) to come in for me and start in Gameweek 18, which does make the decision a little easier.

Now I do struggle with patience a little more than the average Fantasy manager, and more so when I see expensive players on my bench instead of the pitch. Having zero funds in the bank does little to help me to become more patient, while sitting on the most expensive player and most costly defender in the game. In fact, a move away from Alexander-Arnold to a budget defender could free up as much as £3.0m.

I love projections when it comes to making transfer decisions, regularly utilising the feature in the Members Area. Despite the perceived tough fixtures for Liverpool (with Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all in the schedule after the blank), Salah and Mane are still projected to be comfortably among the top ten scoring midfielders. When it comes to defenders, Alexander-Arnold is projected to be top for FPL points, with one fixture less than his nearest competition. That is very telling! 

Alexander-Arnold has three returns in his last four, only hampered by rotation in Gameweek 17 and remember, Liverpool have just kept two clean sheets on the bounce.

In my thinking beyond Gameweek 18, I’d love to add Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) to my midfield. Liverpool were in a similar position of having tough fixtures last Christmas, with many managers jumping ship to Manchester City assets, but they won every single game convincingly, with Salah himself having a particularly fruitful festive period.

We can see from Jurgen Klopp’s teamsheets in the FIFA Club World Cup exactly where his priorities lie. This season is Liverpool’s best chance of winning the title in the Premier League era, nipping at Manchester United’s heels for the most titles in history.

Liverpool are not going to be taking their foot off the gas anytime soon, tough fixtures or otherwise. They’ve been labelled as bottlers too many times for Klopp to jeopardise their title chances.

They might have an eight-point lead but until they are over the line and the Premier League trophy is in their hands, I’ll be holding their assets in my FPL team and might even embrace a triple up.


Holly, the founder of FPL Community, has two top 10k finishes in five FPL seasons, is a regular guest on the FPL Show and recent addition to the Scoutcast line-up.

3,068 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Orion
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Cantwell or Mousset ?

    1. wijohnson85
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Toss a coin, but Cantwell just for me

    2. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Moose

  2. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pick two to play
    A- Lundy
    B- Dunk
    C- Kelly
    D- Targett

    1. Orion
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A&B

    2. wijohnson85
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A&D for me

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        But Ings has a good chance to score v.s Targett

        1. wijohnson85
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Wouldn’t rely on clean sheet for any of them. Targett assist potential?

    3. drughi
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      wow I would like to play all 4, but A and B probably

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers

    5. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A & C

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

    A) Keep Mount
    B) Richarlison for a hit

    1. wijohnson85
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth a hit

    2. Orion
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I don’t trust Richarlison

      1. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This

  4. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Trent and Maddison to
    Aurier & Alli
    B) Tammy & Maddison to
    Rashford & Grealish/Moura
    C) Trent and Tammy to
    Aurier & Kane

    1. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B. Grealish

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

    I like the fact that hardly anyone mentions Sterling as a captain yet he has the shortest any time goalscorer odds of all the candidates.
    Also interested to see whether Martinelli becomes a budget possibility.

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      shhhhhh!!!!

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He hasn't scored well at home this season, any reason for that?

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        there is always a first time for everything.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      At home:
      27 pts in 615 mins = 4.0 pts per 90 mins

      Away from home:
      64 pts in 786 mins = 7.3 pts per 90 mins

    4. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Lets keep it our little secret

  6. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Final call guys, looking at best options for only next two gw’s:

    A) Taa (rico sub) + Grealish + Tammy (in gw19 only)
    B) Targett + Sterling + Ings (-4)
    C) Targett + Pulisic + Kane (in gw19 only)

    - Already have Kdb, Alli, Son...so option C would be triple up for gw19 only but it means keeping Pulisic
    - B is a decent option but means playing ings (che) in gw19
    - A has been my preferred option but feel I can use the Taa money elsewhere temporarily as I will get him back on my WC gw20

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

    Who to captain?

    A) Rashford
    B) Son

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Toss a coin. I would go with Son

  8. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Do you believe in "he likes to play against" myth?

    Well here are their official records versus Chelsea (P. S. I don't know if there were more FPL assists given):

    Dele - 7 games, 6 goals, 2 assists
    Son - 8 games, 2 goals

    He's not in my team but many of you're probably considering him:

    Kane - 12 games, 6 goals, 2 assists

    1. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I did until last season.. sterling great record vs Bournemouth (blanked) kaku great record vs west ham (blanked) probs few others as well

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No. This is circumstantial and can't be based on any logic due to managerial and changes in playing squads.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This is true.

        However, Chelsea's defence look pretty porous right now and Spurs have their tails up and are playing at home.

        Some damage could well be done by that trio.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Over how many games?

  9. Rash
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    G2g here?

    Hendo
    Rico lundy Willems
    Kdb maddison (vc)grealish (c)son
    Vardy tammy ings

    Button Soy mane trent

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nearly identical team

      I’m capping grealish

  10. Redranger
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best defender to have for a one week punt?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Doherty or dunk

  11. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    foresight score check this week on my username.

  12. asdf_1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play gazza or henderson? (Already have lundstram)

  13. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Guys Check Arsenal defense and you make Richarlison C

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes but now Everton are playing a team with new manager bounce.

  14. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you rather have after this GW ?

    A) Son and Rashford
    B) Sterling and Abraham (also have KDB)

    1. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A, by some distance.

    2. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A and a half

  15. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play
    A) Cantwell
    B) Aurier

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  16. drughi
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone considering Mane>sterling ?

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I did it. will swap put Sterling for salah

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        good bet this week I feel

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thought about it but went rich instead

  17. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Feels good reading this article after selling both Salah and Manè yesterday... after saying for so long I wanted to keep both also.

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      the article doesn’t mention Mane’s selling price which is an important factor. If you bought him at 11.5 and you want him in the future you’d be crazy to sell. I sold at 12.2 so not an issue for me

  18. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Draft question.

    Who would you rather?
    A. Harvey Barnes
    B. Doucoure

    1. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Daft* question.

      Jokes aside, A (if he's your 5th midfielder).

      1. Trovsmash
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        haha well played.
        Don't really consider draft midfielders as a 4th or 5th, as we have 10 people in the draft, options are super thin - it's more about cycling through players who you think could do well.

        So whos going to do better over the next 4-5? is better question

  19. mease14
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Capt choice...
    A Sterling
    B Alli
    C Ings
    D Vardy

    To be bold and go Ings as a differential?

  20. marcus2704
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    For me this is the hardest captain choice of the season. Could easily choose any of KDB, Alli, Son, Rashford or as a punt, Ings. Currently on KDB but may go with Alli.

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Many in the same boat, will be fun GW.

      Im on KDB - best footballer in the league and in form.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        ..... With the hardest fixture too.

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          If Norwich can score at King Power then I'm sure City can do it at home.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Everton scored twice midweek too

  21. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure what to do here, any thoughts?

    2ft, 0.4itb

    Pope
    Lund, periera,Aurier, Rico
    Kdb, son, Alli
    Jimi, vardy, Ings

    Soyuncu, nakamba, mane*

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      nakamba to Wakanda.

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same position I'm in with my team 2ft and can't find a decent upgrade. Maybe a Leicester defender to someone else to free up some funds.

      1. Garlana
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeh thanks literally thinking this

  22. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Callum Wilson hasn't scored or assisted since GW7 despite only missing one full game. What has happened to him?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Took a leaf out of Benttekes book.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        It's not a long read.

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hattrick inbound

  23. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Time to captain

    A) Alli
    B) Son
    C) some other guy

    Pope
    Rico Kelly Lund
    Maddison Son Alli KdB
    Abraham Vardy Jimenez

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        That’s a good shout, I’m just afraid he doesn’t have the explosive potential Alli & Son have.

        1. Jafoole_88
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Agreed. Son had bukkake-level of explosiveness

          1. Miniboss
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Haha, can’t remove the image from my mind now

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Going Alli....but I'm so indecisive this week I may just go Lund to spite myself

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Haha that’s the spirit, good luck!

  24. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    2 week punt on a WC? Sterling or Richarlison?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Richa

  25. fplfansss
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which one?
    A. Ings to Jimenez
    B. Abraham to Rashford
    C. Abraham to Jimenez
    D. Save FT

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D

  26. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazz
    Pereira-soyuncu-Lund- aurier
    KDB- son- cantwell
    Vardy- Jimenez- Tammy

    Mane-fleck- Reid so no subs

    What about Tammy for rashford.. or is there a better transfer

  27. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Potter beat us twice last season, slightly nervous for tomz. Come on United, been right last 2 results so I'll go for a 1-0 blades

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No chance, Brighton score goals

  28. Soto Ayam
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Wow. Callum Hudson odoi is on 120k a week. Great stuff.

  29. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    This is the GW we will all look back on and say 'it was so obvious that we should have captained Lundstram!'

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He’s my captain

  30. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Captain kane or sterling?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      ‘aarryy

    2. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 15
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Raheeeeeeeem

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

      since you own Kane you might as well go all the way?