Pro Pundits - Az

The importance of showing patience as an FPL manager

Oh, Fantasy Football, what do you do to us?

There are some weeks when you just have to laugh. I’ve escaped a tricky Gameweek 23 with a decent-ish score (£48m) and a green arrow but others haven’t been so lucky.

I have my own tales of woe, but that’s nothing compared to some of the stories that I’ve seen banded around the community over the last few days.

Having done the Scoutcast for a couple of years now, and being in charge of grabbing the “Roughs with the Smooths”, I’ve seen my fair share of “Roughs”.

But this Gameweek has made me wince.

The people that have traded their faltering Wolves players for soaring Saints, such as Raul Jiménez (£7.5m) for Danny Ings (£6.9m) you have my sympathy.

For anyone that (like me) that left Adama Traore (£5.7m) on the bench, I feel for you.

For anyone that, probably against their better judgement, removed long-standing goalkeepers, such as Paulo Gazziniga (£4.6m) or Nick Pope (£4.6m), and replaced with Double Gameweek ‘star’ Lukasz Fabianski (£4.9m) or budget ‘hero’ Alex McCarthy (£4.4m), you have my condolences.

For anyone that took punts on Richarlison (£8.1m), Ryiad Mahrez (£8.5m) or Djibril Sidibé (£5.4m)… you did not deserve the fate that the cruel, cruel FPL gods had in store for you.

This game can be a nightmare. We talked last year about the impact it can have on mental health, as more and more people’s enjoyment of a weekend is intrinsically linked to their FPL score. But know that you are not alone. Everyone has bad weeks. Everyone suffers when seemingly good decisions go against them. Everyone has weeks that make them want to close FPL forever and get a new hobby. But don’t. Go outside. Take a breath. Consider why you removed Jiménez for Ings (Jiménez’s fixtures do turn really bad! Ings had scored 80 points in the last 12 Gameweeks!).

To me, “Black Box Thinking” has never been about beating yourself up over making these kind of decisions, the ones where hindsight tells us it was a mistake, but general strategy tells us it was the best move.

I’m not that annoyed I benched Traore, or that I sold Pope, because I really did think it was the right thing to do with the tools at my disposal.

However, what I’m learning more and more this season, is that when it comes to 50/50 calls, when you just don’t feel that certain, the best move may be to show patience.

My last 12 Gameweeks have been the best I can remember, with just one red arrow in this period. I was trigger happy in the first 11 weeks, and when faced with a decision (to transfer, or not to transfer) I would do it.

But actually, the players we have in our teams are those that we have backed for whatever reason, and unless there is really clear evidence that they are now no longer the player we originally signed – perhaps ditching them isn’t the best move.

I’ve shown more faith in players that I’ve selected, allowed them to have a few weeks to perform, and been rewarded. 50/50 decisions for me lately have tended to go in my favour, as I have elected to do nothing, rather than make wholesale changes (often involving hits that do not pay off).

The main reason I’m not going for Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) – see my last article for the ins and out of this – is because it would tear my team apart, particularly my midfield which currently consists of Jack Grealish (£6.5m), Sadio Mané (£12.4m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m), Anthony Martial (£7.9m) and/or Traore.

These players have been fundamental to my rise up the rankings, and the thought of binning these players off to chase a haul from one player fills me with dread.

The fact that I’m not that confident that Salah really will outscore these midfielders by such a considerable margin tells me that I shouldn’t be following the crowd.

Instead, it looks like I will be turning my attentions to a certain Robert Firmino (£9.4m) – who had a goal very cruelly ruled out against Manchester United on Sunday.

I said I wanted to see something to tempt me towards the Brazilian, and he’s been good the last few weeks, with a goal against Spurs and an unfortunate VAR call last week.

Firmino’s away form has been quite appealing as well heading into two matches outside of Anfield. In the last four away matches, for example, he has four goals compared to Salah’s one and Mane’s two – and 16 goal attempts compared to 14 for both the Liverpool midfielders.

For more detailed information on Firmino, read THIS MEMBERS ARTICLE.

Looking further ahead, I’m wondering what other players may come into our considerations. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.7m) is going to be back in a few weeks, after the dust has settled from the Double Gameweek. The golden boot chaser could easily be a major factor for those chasing the pack.

Similarly, a certain Sergio Aguero (£11.9m) has now hit consecutive double-digit hauls but remains a player who is being overlooked in favour of Liverpool’s star assets right now.

More budget-friendly options, such as Leandro Trossard (£5.8m), Lucas Digne (£5.7m) and Ismaïla Sarr (£5.6m) (injury depending) are also looking like options that can help you soar up the table. The key, it seems, is picking them for the right reasons, and sticking with them through uncertain times.

FPL can be the ultimate test of patience. But what I am increasingly learning is the importance of honing your ability to filter out poor Gameweeks, assess what happened and react – or crucially, not react – accordingly.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,815 Comments Post a Comment
  1. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What's the best move to get the 0.7 I need to get Mane in?

    a) Sidibe > 4.7 or less defender
    b) Grealish > Dacoure
    c) Traore > cheaper reserve
    d) something else

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Sidibe, Lundstram, Stephens, Cathcart
    Salah, Sterling*, KDB, Grealish, Traore
    Vardy, Ings, DCL

    *making way for Mane

    1. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not B. Wouldnt sell Grealish atm

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Surely just do Sterling to Mane?

    3. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Traore ➡ Cantwell or Sidibe ➡ Lascelles.

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry misread that as .7 ITB to go to Mane. In that case maybe Sidibe to Williams?

    4. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sidibé to Holgate

  2. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Help appreciated here:

    McCarthy
    TAA, Soyuncu, Rico
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Grealish
    Vardy, Jimenez, Ings

    Subs: Button, Cantwell, Lundstram, Balbuena

    1 FT, 0.2m ITB

    A: Jimmy > DCL
    B: Jimmy > Haller
    C: Balbuena > Holgate
    D: Balbuena > Williams
    E: Save FT

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      E.
      Starting Rico over Balbuena?

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Balbuena looks like he's been dropped. Not sure it's worth risking him. What do you reckon?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Not sure, but I’d probably risk it, over Rico.

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would probably save

    3. Stamford Bridge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      save.

      2 FT's after the cup matches might be a godsend. Your team's ok for this GW

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

      C

  3. Sailboats
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best budget striker option? Up to 7.7m. Cant afford Tammy

    1- Deeney
    2- Jimmy
    3- deulofeu
    4- DCL?

    1. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Have Ings and Vardy

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Haller deserve a mention at least

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Deserves to be*

      2. Sailboats
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Oh yeah I forgot about him. Think hes worth it over someone like Deeney whos on form?

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Defo

        2. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Playing the odds myself. Don't know how it'll go. Can always swap after Brighton home game

      3. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I got him

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          As you have joined me on Haller, I'm going to join you with Mane T© 😉

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Nice

  4. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Set for GW24.

    Ryan

    TAA Soyuncu Stephens

    Salah© Mane KdB Grealish

    Vardy Tammy Greenwood

    Subs: Button Cantwell Lundstram Simpson

    0FT & 1.1ITB

    GTG? Any moves worth a hit?

    Next on the chopping block? Surely Vardy, Soy, Tammy. Right?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks pretty good to me. I'm gunna ship Soy in the next few weeks, sold Tammy long ago

  5. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If I hit the TC button, can I deselect it?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes you can.

    4. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all...

  6. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ryan or Guaita in goal?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth thinking too much about

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Guaita, I fancy a bournemouth comeback this week

      1. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Username checks out.

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

      Guaita

  7. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Isn't VVD a better choice than Robbo over the rest of the season? Way more goal threat and cheaper.

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Then he is better choice

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      no imo. way less assist threat

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

      Prefer Robbo for assists

  8. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Was Peps press conference today guys?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yes - see tweets

  9. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    VVD or Robertson?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      VVD

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      robbo

    3. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      VVD

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

      VVD for me.

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Robbo

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

      Robbo

    7. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      VVD. Price.

  10. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do Origi have a chance to start one?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably plays the FA cup game.

      1. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        When's the Fa cup game?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          In between the two league games.

  11. Henning
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane was better Then Salah last game right?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep I thought so. Constant threat.

      Salah doesn't seem clinical to me but his average position is probably slightly more attacking and more central than Mane.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Great to hear that ...
        Missed most of the game yesterday

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

      Mane drops deeper but looked threatening. Salah missed a sitter but also looked threatening. In fpl terms no, Salah got more points.

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

      Tempted to TC Mane.

  12. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G?

    Pickford
    TAA (vtc) - Sidibe - Soy
    Salah (tc) - Mane - Maddi - Martial
    Ings - Vardy - DCL

    Button - Rico - Cantwell - Lundy

    Got another free transfer to use if I need, but think I'm set?

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

      Looks good!

    2. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg!
      Happy with maddo?

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

    Pope Button
    TAA Soy Rico
    Salah Mane KDB Traore Dendoncker
    Vardy DCL Ings
    1 FT 0.5 ITB. Pope > Ryan/McCarthy or save the FT? Any other better moves?

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

      Have Dunk and Rico in there as well

  14. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who's the best midfielder priced at or below 7.5?

    A) Dilva
    B) Traore
    C) Doucoure
    D) Traore
    E) Grealish
    F) Perez
    G) Mount
    H) Zaha

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Moura deserves a shout too?

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish

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

      E

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

      Grealish

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

      E

  15. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone bothering with a West Ham player to go with the triple Liverpool? (knowing that we dont want to lose the Liverpool CS)?

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone for snodgrass

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

      Yes, some budget defender, unsure who yet.

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

      Haller

    4. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You probaby need to factor in a hit to get rid by gw 26 , so no

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

      Not for me

    6. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Probably going Haller. It’s either him or a short punt on dcl. Got two ft and gonna change him to Ings for gw 26 anyway.

  16. Ribus
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So its up for the tc chip this gw? No fear of rests from Salah/Mane?
    Sure, on Sunday they will not play most probably but their pensum is enormous this season.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Enormous pensum?

      I know this is a typo, but of what?

  17. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this lot ?

    2FT 3.3. ITB

    Ryan Button
    TAA Soyuncu Dunk Rico Lundstram
    Salah KDB Maddison Sarr Donck
    Ings Vardy Abraham

    a) Sarr and Abraham to Mane and Greenwood
    b) Maddison and Abraham to Mane and DCL
    c) something else

    1. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      b

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      A

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A. Sarr is injured. Maddo got wham at home.

  18. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Trossard on pens, free kicks and corners?

    Maddison to Trossard really tempts me

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maupay on pens.

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Are you certain?

        1. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You can never be certain but he took the last pen v everton and scored in a 3-2 win.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not one Pens for sure
      Maupay is.
      He's on dfk & corners though

      1. salazar1963
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Why are you asking dumb questions?
        It's your squad.

  19. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guaita
    TAA James(doubt) Aurier
    KDB Salah Grealish Rich(out)
    Ings Jimmy Vardy

    Governor Rico Lundy Donkey

    2 free trannys, 2.9 itb

    So Rich is out and James a doubt. Should I just transfer those out or also downgrade KDB or Jimmy to afford Son aswell?

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      you can't say

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        que?

        1. salazar1963
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Why are you asking dumb questions?

          1. Woy_is_back
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            How is it a dumb question u moron lol

  20. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys what to do here 1ft 2.1m itb

    Fab* button
    Taa soyu holgate lund rico
    Salah Mane kdb traore cantwell
    Vardy ings greenwood

    A) fab to mcarthy/ryan/foster
    B)fab and traore to martial and mcarthy -4
    C) traore to Moura and go kerperless for the second gw in a row

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

    Pope Button
    TAA Soy Rico Dunk Lundstram
    Salah Mane KDB Traore Dendoncker
    Vardy DCL Ings
    1 FT 0.5 ITB. Pope > Ryan/McCarthy or save the FT? Any other better moves?

  22. ToooooooOon
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Quick question. If I wildcard now will it still me use the triple captain. Hip this week?

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      In a word, no

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

      No

      1. ToooooooOon
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ok thanks

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

      I don’t think so.
      Couldn’t last season, and not aware the rules have changed.

  23. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play one:

    A)Greenwood
    B)Maddison

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You can't say

    2. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  24. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Richarlison replacement, budget is 8.2m. Have Grealish, KDB, Mane in midfield.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Martial?

    2. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison

      1. salazar1963
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Zaha.

        1. fplking14
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Was thinking him or Fleck?

          1. salazar1963
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Think Wilfried is about to breakout mate. I really do

      2. fplking14
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Have 3 Leicester players already.

  25. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy with my team, but need to ditch Rich. Who is the best option? Only 0.1ITB

    Ryan
    TAA(TC) Digne Soy
    Mane KDB Martial Richarlison**
    Vardy Jiminez Firmino

    Button Cantwell Rico Kabasele

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry, should say I am leaning towards Grealish initially

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

        Good option, i'd take a punt on Snodgrass

  26. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I kind of like these midweek fixtures. They always happen overnight in my timezone meaning I can just wake up to the scores, whereas in the weekend games I usually kneejerk a lot as the games go on.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Where are you from?

  27. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any exciting punts at 6.2 or less ?

    Doucouré ?

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

      Snodgrass for this week

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ah thats a great one thank you

    2. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah?

    3. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Trossard.

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

    Repost, have a tough time deciding on this. Really tempted to get Son in, but is it stupid selling Aguero. Think Aguero will get rotated.

    McC
    TAA Lundstram Holgate Aurier
    Salah KDB Moura Mount
    Aguero Vardy

    Martin Cantwell Greenwood Kelly

    A) Mount, Kelly to Dendo, VVD
    B) Aguero, Mount, Aurier to Haller, Son, Robbo -4
    C) Vardy, Mount, Aurier to Ayew, Son, VVD -4
    D) KDB, Mount to Mane, Dendoncker

  29. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    James & Rich to

    A. Robbo & Martial(lol)
    B. Gomez & Son

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

      B

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You can't say

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one. Probably A. Don’t trust Spurs form atm.

  30. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Gomez Dunk
    Salah KDB Martial Moura
    Vardy Ings Abraham

    Button Lundstarm Kelly Guendouzi

    Gomez to VVD
    Abraham to DCL