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. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Burned a FT last week...don’t want to make it a habit!

    Pope (Button)
    Kelly Lundstram Aurier (Soy VVD)
    Alli Son Madisson Cantwell (Mane)
    Rashford Vardy Tammy

    2 FT & 0.7 ITB

    A VVD & Cantwell -> Rico & Grealish/Zaha/??
    B Mads -> Rich (bought Mads early & Rich 4 YC)
    C Change my GK
    D other suggestion?

    Ta lads and GL this GW!

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

      C... Go for Guaita

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

      Not C).

      Either A) with Grealish or B).

  2. selig
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    gazza button
    vvd tomori lund soy willems
    mane alli madd pulisic martial
    vardy ings jim

    0.2itb 2ft

    suggestions? want to move on tomori and probably pulisic too but nothing jumps out at me.

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

      Tomo to Targett

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

        And Grill in mid

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

    All set or any changes needed?

    Guaita
    Baines Lundy Rico Soy
    KDB Alli(vc) Martial(c)
    Vardy Tammy Jimmy

    Bench: Saka Mane TAA

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tammy, Martial > Rashford, Grealish could work

      Chelsea appear to be in bother

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

        Brought in Martial this week 🙂 Might be the stupidest thing go go against almost everyone's recommendation. But just have a guy feeling that he will score! BTW, keeping Tammy at least till next week.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Fair enough, best of luck!

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

            Thanks mate! GL you too!

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

      Brave c call. GL!

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

        Ha, thanks. Could be stupid come the end of the week. But let's see!

  4. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play 2:

    Mount
    Soy
    Greenwood

    Cpt:

    Son
    Alli
    Rashford

    Thanks

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

      MS
      Son

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

      Mount, Greenwood

      Rash/Son

  5. twaid
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    A) Mane > Alli (-4)
    B) Save and play Dendoncker

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Son or Rashford captain?

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

      Same dilemma.

      Rash the secure one, Son with highest ceiling, but Kane and Alli could get his goals

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

        This. MUN not convincing but rash is the main man, while at spurs points can go to anyone

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

          And Rash on pens

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

            Yep, major factor if comparing with son or alli

    2. abaalan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Torn between them. Initially and currently on Rashford, but just worried united could be united again

  7. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gazza
    Kelly Lundstram Soy
    Cantwell KDB Mount Alli
    Mousset Vardy Tam

    Button TAA Mane Rico

    I have 2FT 2.5itb and still got WC!
    Plan to WC next week so having a 1 week punt.

    Mane > Richarlison
    Mousset > Kane/Rashford

    Any other players worth a gamble? I already have Spurs cover so think Rashford is the better choice?!

    Cheers!

    1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd be playing Rico over soy for starters.

  8. Nostalgia picks
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Options - have 2FTs:

    A. Mane > Sterling
    B. Madd > Rich
    C. Burn the FT

    Cheers for any help!

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

      A and B most fun

  9. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Last decisions..

    Captain kdb or son/alli

    Play Zaha over tammy

    Any thoughts?

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

      No play Tammy

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

      Play Tammy, cap Alli, or son, or kdb, but I'm going with alli

      1. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Just had it on alli. I think it's him or kdb.

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

    Best 5 th Midfield with 6.6 M or less ?

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

      Always on bench i mean

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

        Cantwell.

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

          Thx

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

        Moutinho/traore

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

          Thx

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

    if i’d do Mané=>sterling i’d have to bench one of:

    Alli (che)
    Grealish(sot)
    KDB (lei)
    Pulisic(tot)
    Tammy(tot)
    Vardy (mci)
    Jimi(nor)

    Better to save the ft and reassess tomorrow, right?

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

      Yes Save

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

      Save now

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

      Save

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

    Who has everybody here replaced Mane/Salah with?

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

      Went
      Pulisic > Son
      Salah > Sterling
      Taa > Aurier

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

      Son

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

      no one

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

      Bench players

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

      No1

    6. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic and Mane to Son and Ali

    7. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell from me bench.

    8. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Went for a huge -12! :O

      OUT: TAA, Mane, Pulisic, Maddison, Greenwood
      IN: Targett, Sterling, Alli, Cantwell, Rashford.

      Maddison out is the one piece of that I'm regretting - I think I'll be wanting him back pretty soon...

      But I'm anticipating the hit will pay itself back over this week and next.

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

    When does the yellow card limit increase from 5 to 10? Is it after GW19 or end of year?

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

      19 and 20 from Pool/Ham

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

    Bench order
    Mousset Kelly Soyuncu?

  15. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    last 4 wks:

    Min/chance

    Rashy=21,2
    KdB=19,4
    Alli=35,8

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

      Son?

  16. Balance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Grateful for some advice

    A Sterling to Son( c)
    B save and kdb (c)

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

      B

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

        Thanks appreciate it

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

      Forum favours Son, if chasing might be good week to go different?

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

        Yes I’m chasing. Thanks!

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

      B

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

        Thanks much!

    4. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A, KDB is still a good captain pick. I just think Son has a higher ceiling against Chelsea than Sterling

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

        Yes I’m kinda wary about double mci Attack against lei def too. Chelsea feels more fragile defensively

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        Thanks much!

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

    Maddison or Grealish first on bench?

    Maddy warming the pine for now.

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

      Grealish. Can’t believe you have him on bench though!

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

        Too much choice,

        Hendo,
        Lundstram, Kelly, Rico,
        Son, Alli, KDB, Grealish C,
        Vardy, Tammy, Rashford

        Button, Maddy, Soy, Trent,

        2.4 bank

        Wc20

  18. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I was really like the hot topic regarding captain y. Since its a gameweek with no standout options, would love to have disccusion on this:

    KDB playing up top (was the most advenced player last GW), at Home, im a battle to make that race a 3 horse race. But still lecister as the best GC record.

    Rashford against potentially the worst team at the league. Although new manager for Wat and Manu struggling against teams sit deeper

    Jimi against leaky Norwich. There is improvment last couple of Gws, though with Godfrey injured, could Wolves run havoc?
    Adding in the mix Diogo Jota, that could take jimenz points, or as we saw with spurs mid both can thrive.

    Last, Spurs in form mids - Alli and
    Son against Chelsea that have only 1 away CS in their last 12 GW (in all competition).

    Or could it be someone else?? Sterling? Jesus? Maybe a punt on Grealish? Ings?

    Who are you captaning and why?

    1. Nostalgia picks
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Can't decide but probably Son as good home form. Lottery this week. Case for Jimi but never seems to haul - consistent though

    2. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think Spurs Chelsea will have more goals in it than the others.

      City Lei could open itself up but both teams will be playing on the counter. If Silva is still out then KDB is a good choice.

      Don't trust United Vs bus teams.

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

      I’m going back and forth between Jimi and KDB. Will be a last minute call

      1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Same as you.

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

      Son c
      Jimi v/c
      Chelsea have poor defence
      Son has higher ceiling
      Jimi ticks along nicely, never really explosive

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

      Alli, he has good form against Chelsea and they have an awful defence that's even worse away from home. Spurs have motivation to go above Chelsea if they win. Chelsea's morale probably at its lowest since Frank took charger and theyve lost to west ham, Everton and Bournemouth in recent weeks. Kdb is the other option I look at, however, Leicester's defence isn't arsenal's, in fact it's one of the best this season.

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

      Considering Richarlison home to the ARS defence

    7. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Raul, I think they'll score 2 to 3 and his goal involvement is good... pens too.

    8. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think it’s a great week to be able to go different and if you nail it then you are in for a great week.

      Jota has the fixture, the form and some promising underlying stats so I’m taking a punt and captaining him.

      1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Great shout. Im on Jimi atm.

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

      Either way...good luck to everyone!

    10. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think the balance between differential and potential for a big score has landed at the door of Alli. 18% ownership, good record against Chelsea. I've finally made my decision.

      1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Nice perspective.

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

    For Long -term which is the best ?
    A- Kane & (Cantwell)
    B- Sterling & (Greenwood)

  20. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I've hedged my bets and tripled on spurs attack for next 3 weeks.

    Who to captain out of Son, Ali and Kane?

    Currently on Son but then Ali's record against Chelsea is good, and Kane has a tendancy to explode around Xmas

    1. Red Rock
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Incoming Moura masterclass with Sissoko assists

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Having hedged your bets you don't need to cap any.

      1. Red Rock
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maximum points

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

      Son of the 3, he has been most explosive this season with more double digit returns.

  21. TJ
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Grealish over Martial, Vardy and Abraham?

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

      Yes

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

      No

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

      Bench martial imo

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

      Yes

    5. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bench Martial and play Grealish in my opinion.

  22. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    TAA Lunny Rico
    Mane KDB Alli Madders Zaha
    Vardy Rashford (c)

    McG Kelly Mousset Chilwell

    Kelly v Chilwell?

    £0.6m itb 0FT

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

      Gtg

  23. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all
    Who do I get rid of to gain KDB? No money in the bank.

    Pope - button
    Soyuncu - lundstram - Williams - Aurier
    Son - Pulisic - mane - zaha - Hayden
    Abraham - Rashford - vardy.

    Or don't get kdb in?
    Thanks

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

      Puli next week

      1. That Fantasy Guy
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        For me to do that I'd need to get rid of someone + Pulisic who would need to go to raise funds?

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Mane, then plan to get Mo.

      1. That Fantasy Guy
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Fair point but not easy to do if I get rid of mane I lose some money. He is 11.9 in my team currently

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Mo has lost 0.3 anyway so no great shakes.

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

    It Worth to get Doherty with 6.1 M
    Wc Team ?
    Or can get cheaper defender and rotate with others ?

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not with the fixtures

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

        Yes you mean gonna bench him 2 match in row
        City & Liverpool

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

      Worth the gamble

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tough couple of games after @nor, nah. Aurier.

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

        Thxxx

  25. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on transfers this week lads? 2 FT!

    Gazz
    Soy Rico Lundstrum
    KDB Alli Mount Dendonker
    Jimenez Vardy Abraham

    Button Tomori TAA Mane

    Thinking Mount & Tomori to Grealish & Willems/Kelly

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

    A) Mount > Grealish
    B) Mount & TAA > KDB & 4.6 def (-4)

    Pope,
    Aurier, Lundstram, Kelly
    Son, Maddison, Mount, Cantwell
    Mousset, Vardy, Rashford

    Button, Soy, Mane, TAA

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

      A

  27. Hotdogs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play one:

    A) Maddison (mci)
    B) Cantwell (WOL)

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

      A

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

        thanks~

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

    Play Pulisic or Maddison?

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

      Maddy

    2. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pul

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry, bench pul

    3. Spacemonkey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Based on form, Maddison. Otherwise 50:50 more or less.

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

        Fixture-wise 50:50, I meant.

  29. Spacemonkey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell's creativity over Evans worth extra £0.6?

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

      Yes

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No, been a bit poor tbh.

  30. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A- Kane
    B- Rashford

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

      A wish I have him already

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

      Kane