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. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Lundstram C
    Yaaay
    Naay

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

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

        Ok.

    2. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

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

      Why not. Nobody else knows any different

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Indeed, what do i know, just guesswork

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

    Mane >

    A. Sterling
    B. Son

    have alli and KDB

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

      Sterling if for more then 1gw

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

        will be sterling for 2-3 weeks then sterling>salah possibly same with son

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

          Looks good to me if your 5th mid is fodder

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

      Sterling

  3. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which one is safer captain pick, rash or son?

    Think most casuals will pick rash, while most FFS will pick son

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Picking Son
      United still inconsistent although Rash is in form

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

      I think most casuals will pick Vardy

      And they could very well outscore us all

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Have a feeling Vardy blanking again

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Could be, but that's too safe for my liking

      3. Teror
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This game seems perfect for Vardy. As does City's defence.

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

          Exactly

        2. Sid1891
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          True
          If foxes beat City
          However Leicester played tougher game in the week. This can have an impact on them. City will run at them l think.

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

    If You have Alli Son KDB
    So who to get for Long term
    A- Kane
    B- Sterling

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      More Votes plzzzz

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      B for me

    5. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B
      For a balance
      Imagine spurs not scoring and you in trouble

  5. Sid1891
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Aurier hoping for cs or Maddison ?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddy although i sold him for grealish

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Aurier. I picked him for his attacking returns and against a poor Chelsea defence and Emerson, I think he should have some joy

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Ok thanks
        50/50 now !

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

          However, I'm sure maddison has a good chance against a poor city defence

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

            Actually I'd pick maddison if I had a choice, safer option

            1. Sid1891
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Cheers

  6. FF Red!
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Captain

    1) Son
    2) Alli

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

      Alls

  7. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A or B please ?

    A) Mane to Sterling for -4
    B) Play Baldock and bench Mane

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B easy

    2. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

    Everton Arsenal score predictions please?

    3-1 Toffees

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      2-2

    2. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Armband on Richarlison so hoping for this

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

      2-0

    4. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      There will be goals that's for sure

    5. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Expect gunners to show up for this
      New manager etc
      See goals galore myself here

    6. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      5-2

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

      If Everton players will play with passion and aggresion than dont think that Arsenal spineless ladies will have much to say in this game

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Artetaseems to see it differently 🙂

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

      3-1

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

      Cheers all - seems we are all confident of Everton goals so leaving the captaincy on Richarlison.

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

        Also considering, between him, Rash, Alli and Son

    10. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      FLY THE RIGHT OFF++!

      Break the Bookies 4-1

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

        Is that a score prediction or odds on an Arsenal win?

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          If Arse win than game, I will come to you with a Rim even if your Arse resembles a Babboon's Arse.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            The Tongue don't lie....
            Dance! 😆

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I really did make a total tit of myself on this particular day.

              I must find a way to self exclude myself on these days of self annihilation.

    11. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ri(C)harlison with 3 goals & 4 assists.
      8-3

      Oh mby Ri(TC)harlison could work?

  9. Teror
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How does this look for a four point hit?

    Mane + Robbo + Greenwood > Son + Willems + Rashford

    I'm just worried that I'll want to bring Robbo back in again at some point so I'm setting myself up for a transfer

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good to me

  10. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Little help here please...

    Henderson
    Lundy Soy Dunk Kelly
    Son Ali KDB Maddsion
    Vardy Anraham

    Bench: McGovern TAA Mane Greenwood

    I have 2ft, 0.5ITB and no idea what to do...

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddy to grill or rich

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

        Rich

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

    Bench Cantwell or Aurier?

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

      Aurier

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

    3. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cant

  12. itsmeguneet
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    My mid and front

    Mane, Zaha,KDB Maddy McGinn-(sub)
    Vardy, Tammy, Ings

    Should I??
    Tammy+ Mane to Son/Alli + Rashford
    Mane+ Maddy to Son/Alli+ James
    Or just Mane + Son/Alli
    Or save??

  13. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    First to three, C choice?

    Alli,
    KDB
    Rashford
    Son
    Vardy

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rash

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

      Son

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

      Kdb

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

      Son

    5. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      son

    6. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rash or Son

    7. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son

    8. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Son

    9. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty clear, thought KDB or Alli would sneak it.

    10. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      R

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

    Done Salah to KDB, 1 FT left.

    Tammy > Kane (for next two at least then reasses to bring in Salah or Mane)?

    Yay or Nay?

    1. itsmeguneet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks positive

  15. Calculated Risks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which one to leave out please
    A) Rico (BUR)
    B) Aurier (CHE)
    C) Targett (SOU)
    D) Lundstram (bri)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  16. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    pick one, play
    A pope
    B heaton
    cheers

    1. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        Cheers

  17. Teror
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    With Baldock, Pulisic and Soyuncu on my bench this week, could this be a good time to play bench boost? It's never worked out for me in DGWs so I'm looking to play it in a good SGW

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

      No

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      no

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

      No.

  18. SDTA
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of Pope and VVD -> Guaita and Aurier?

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

    Would like to see City put out this side tonight:

    Ederson
    Walker Otamendi Fernandinho Mendy
    Gundogan Rodri Bernardo
    KDB Jesus Sterling

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      That's my prediction too. Dunno if KDB will play in midfield & Bernardo on the wing OR the opposite.

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

    Anyone else feel city will thrash leicester tonight ? 3/4-1

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

      Absolutely not

    2. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have

    3. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think it'll be close. Like a 2-1. Leicester will give it a go though which will make it an interesting game.

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

      Me, that’s why I’m going with Sterling (C) as differential 🙂

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Currently on Son but l think Sterling could outscore this week
        I’m not brave enough though

  21. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Dull post but start Pereira or deondonker?

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

      Dendonka

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

      Pereira - better goal or assist threat

  22. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Pieters (away Bournemouth)
    B) Kelly (away Newcastle)

    ?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kelly

  23. hunkydory
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Adama Traore anyone? He rotates nicely with Grealish as a punty 4th/5th MID combo.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, if fit

  24. DanKoop08
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on using the Free Hit chip for this gameweek?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How different from current team?

      1. DanKoop08
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        At the moment I've got

        Ryan
        TAA Lundstram Soyuncu Tarkowski
        Mount Mane Maddison Alli Sterling
        Ings

        Really struggling with my next move and 20 points clear in my mini league

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Who are the other 4?

          1. DanKoop08
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Stekelenburg Jimenez Kelly Connolly

          2. DanKoop08
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Would really appreciate any help

  25. Monya Meow Meow
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Rico or Kelly?

    Current team is

    Pope
    Guilbert Lund XXX
    Alli Mount KDB(VC) Son(C)
    Ayew Tammy Vardy

    Thanks!

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico

      1. Monya Meow Meow
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you!

  26. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to captain Jim or Son?

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

      I'd go son has he has more potential for higher returns.

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Chances of Aaron Connolly playing for Brighton?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Potter confirms Aaron Connolly "should" be ready for the weekend. "He's trained this week," following his recovery from a dead leg. "We have no other problems from Monday, and of course, Dale Stephens back [from suspension] too." Only March and Jose Izquierdo ruled out. #BHAFC

      Follow the pressers next time.

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

    Captain Kane, Son or KDB?
    1st bench player Hayden or Soy?

    Currently on Kane and Hayden

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kay
      Hay

  29. Indio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all,

    Sitting on team below and concerned by no bench, what's my best move please?

    A Mings > Targett (or Willems); play incoming defender and bench Kelly.

    B: Mane > Grealish , bench Cantwell (will cost £0.1M to bring Mane or Salah back, likely for Maddy).

    C: Roll FT, and do something more interesting next week?

    Many thanks!

    Pope
    Lunds, Rico, Kelly
    KDB, Cantwell, Maddy, Alli
    Vardy, Rash (C), Tammy
    (Button, Mings, Mane, TAA)

    [£0.4M in bank. 1 FT]

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  30. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys
    Would You do Connolly to Mousset?

    Pope
    Lundstram/Kelly/Rico
    Kdb/Son(c)/Mount/Cantwell
    Vardy/Abraham/Connolly*

    Bench Krul/Soy/Salah/Robbo

    1ft 0.7 itb

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      mousset is pants

      1. konrad.sygula95
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Can't see any better option for this week and that would let me to not play Soy against city away