Pro Pundits

Learning to stick to my guns in challenging FPL season

When you’re still struggling this far into a Fantasy Premier League season, it can be easy to ask, even now, what went wrong?

I’m currently ranked 910,047 in the world, albeit with 10 players left to play in Gameweek 26.

After a season-high 97,729 rank in Gameweek 3, I haven’t been higher than 506,273 since Gameweek 10.

Even though we’re not at the end of the season yet, and there’s plenty of points to play for, I’ve still been looking back at I could have done differently.

Overthinking

It’s fairly common knowledge that my FPL account was compromised between Gameweek 6 and 7. This resulted in me having to use one of my chips early. I haven’t used that as an excuse, but it is where the overthinking began.

Lundstram benched again as unchanged Sheffield United face Bournemouth

Because John Lundstram (£5.0m) wasn’t £4.0m any more I questioned whether he was still worth a place in my team. I’d have to pay £4.4m, which looking back I have to laugh at how I even questioned it.

He’d even scored 12 points for me the week before. When you see a player like this you buy them, simple. Instead, I looked to try and play the fixtures and looked at defensive rotations that saw me buy Fikayo Tomori (£4.4m) and Issa Diop (£4.4m) instead.

A player listed as a defender, playing in midfield. Genuine attacking threat and clean sheets to boot. In the past there’s no way I’d turn this down, I’m still not sure why I did this year.

Ignoring Form

In Gameweek 23 I wanted a Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) replacement. I need to take money out of my attack to use in defence and looked at both Neal Maupay (£5.8m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.1m).

The Everton man had scored three goals in the previous four matches, Maupay had one assist.

There wasn’t even anything in the underlying statistics to say that Maupay was the better choice either. Below is Gameweek 19 to 22.

andys-article

14 shots in the box versus just two should have been all I needed to tell me who was the better pick.

Instead, I turned to the fixtures. I don’t think that using fixtures as a basis to bring players in is wrong, but I tried looking too long term and ignored the clear difference in form between the two.

Maupay’s next seven – Aston Villa (home), Bournemouth (away), West Ham (away), Watford (home), Sheffield United (away), Crystal Palace (home), Wolves (away)

Calvert-Lewin’s next seven – West Ham (away), Newcastle (home), Watford (away), Crystal Palace (home), Arsenal (away), Man United (home), Chelsea (away)

Although the next seven fixtures at the time were better for Maupay, Calvert-Lewin had a nice short-term run and given the form should have been the obvious choice. While long-term picks are nice it’s clear that a mistake was made here – ignoring form, and also the shorter-term fixtures. 

Short Term Transfers

Back in Gameweek 12 I made a fairly big move by taking Raheem Sterling (£11.7m) out as part of an eight-point hit to bring in the in-form Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) and Raúl Jiménez (£7.7m). 

It worked well. Since then Sterling has only hit double figures twice, and has one score of seven outside of that.

This is where tunnel vision kicked in. Because a risky move had worked once it would definitely work again, right?

In Gameweek 18 I wrote an infamous article about why I was taking Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) out for a hit. I gave it a good bit of thought. He had a blank, Leicester (away), Wolves (home), Sheffield United (home), Tottenham Hotspur (away), and Man United (home) to come.

Not the most ideal fixtures, but I didn’t take into account that I’d almost certainly want him back at some point and mostly ignored the fact that Liverpool were the best team in the league, using their full-backs to attack and also had plenty of clean sheet potential. This was a short-term move that didn’t work out.

Going Forward

I think what I’ve learned from the above is that I’ve ignored my own advice of sticking to your game-plan even if things are going wrong.

I haven’t reacted well to doing badly and have been overthinking, ignoring form and making moves that are too short term at times.

I Wildcarded in Gameweek 26.

andys-article 2

I feel I’ve picked a team that fits in better with how I like to play, and eliminates some of the bad decisions I’ve made above.

No Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) was a big decision (I owned prior to Wildcarding) and it does feel a little like the Alexander-Arnold call but I feel with Son Heung-min (£10.0m) I’ve made a calculated risk to get a player who I hope can keep up with De Bruyne in the coming weeks at a lower ownership.

Up-front, I’ve picked two players in Jiménez and Roberto Firmino (£9.7m) who have both the form and fixtures. As you can see below both are in the top six forwards over their last four matches for Expected Goal Involvement.

andys-article 3

And while Danny Ings (£7.0m) doesn’t feature there it’s worth noting that he’s played Leicester, Wolves, and Liverpool in the last four fixtures and was rested for most of the match versus Crystal Palace.

I’m expecting him to find form again with the upcoming fixtures.

Conclusion

I think whatever happens from here I’m probably going to have my worst ever finish in FPL.

There’s been some bad luck like the Sadio Mané (£12.2m) Triple Captain in Gameweek 24 but ultimately I’m in this position because of some bad decision-making.

My only hope is that it will allow me to remember how I like to play FPL and what has worked best in the past.

I’m inspired when I see people like Lateriser who make big decisions like betting against Jamie Vardy when the crowd isn’t necessarily thinking the same way, but that’s not how I play the game and I think I need to stick to what I know. 

924 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If MCI x WHU is played next midweek, will it still be part of GW26 or will it slip into GW27?

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      GW26

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

      We don’t know for sure.
      I would say it’s very likely to remain in GW26.

    3. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Imagine if FPL moved it to GW27 hahaha... carnage.

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        they could do lol

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would be absolutely ludicrous if it gets rescheduled to next week and then made part of GW27 instead of 26.

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      They'd have to pull the GW27 deadline in so unlikely it would be that option

      1. Waterwheel Inc.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        This. Absolutely no way they can shift it to 27.

    6. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would be gw26

    7. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      They have never changed gameweek deadlines before.

  2. Tinkermania
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Nothing new.

  3. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    New version of fpl. Vengeful God FPL.

    One game gets randomly called off each week and your bench has to cope 🙂

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Is there a Noah’s Ark chip?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Haha! Amazing - protection against the vengeful gods of fpl!

      2. Lukakus Unit
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Only carry 2 players from each team?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          And one of them has to be able to pass as a girl

  4. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    New scenario. Salah absolutely mega hauls against Norwich and Aguero cappers get a 1 point cameo on the 19th 😆 Careful what you wish for!

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Will be Salah(c) be declared as casuals if this happens?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *will salah

      2. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Hey Holmes mate, what is the code/keys for rolling your eyes , needing it more often nowadays....

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

      I predict the game will be rearranged for next midweek, Aguero C’ers rejoice! Then Salah blanks....Aguero C’ers go totally mental...then the rearranged game gets postponed again due to storm Dennis.
      Aguero C’ers rage quit and Salah C’ers get a default 50k green arrow.

      It could happen.

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

        THIS 😆

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

          I didn't read it properly, delete please.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I fear the opposite.

    4. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      or the Norwich game is cancelled due to storm Dennis while Aguero(c) scores 7 goals with 3 assists in a 10-0 thrashing of the hammers in a rearranged game on Tue/Wed

  5. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Announce it ffs

  6. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Do you have to be a member to view the live hall of fame rankings?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Doesn't that just do it based on previous ranks, not including your rank this year?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, didn't notice that. Live is for members.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Damn. Thanks anyway

  7. Hitmonlee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero (c) Salah (vc) with Doucoure my first bench.

    I’m torn and the wait is doing my head in!

  8. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Selling DCL for Jiminez a good move?
    Other strikers are Ings & Vardy whose fixtures look lit better than DCL

    1. FPL_BUCCANEER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I must admit I'm aiming for those 3. But DCL is on good form, fixtures aren't everything.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would wait for 2 more games

    3. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I think so yes. DCL is in good form and the fixtures aren't as bad as they seem but overall Jimenez is the better pick imo. Jimenez isn't in bad form and the fixtures look really good

    4. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d be keeping DCL with the form he’s showing

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If for free, then yes. They are the same strikers as I have and if I could do it for free then no doubt I would. But DCL's confidence is high and the ars match is not awful, so I''ll probably keep DCL for a couple of weeks and then get Jimi.

      1. STONEROSES
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. It is for free yep

    6. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'll be doing the same. Not so convinced by DCL's form myself. He'll to great one week, then could blank for 2 or 3 after that. Also, Jimenez takes the pens for wolves, for Everton is it still sight?. Wolves great fixture run coming up to.

  9. FPL_BUCCANEER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson
    TAA Stephens Egan
    Salah Mane KDB Grealish Traore
    Vardy Ings

    Button Soy Greenwood Kelly

    1FT 0.7 ITB

    Any suggestions? TIA guys

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Kelly to Lascelles

  10. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    well if it's rearranged it may be ok if KDB plays and I don't get Rico's 1 pointer off the bench

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      KDB might well get a rest against a "weak" West Ham. Foxes and Madrid follow close after.

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Same applies to Aguero then?

    2. Gommy
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm with you on this.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      KDB has 100% EO, hes irrelevant

      1. Gommy
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        When it impacts who comes in from your bench, it's relevant.

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          If you only own KDB you absolutely lose more points than you gain on OR if the City game goes ahead.

          1. Gommy
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Absolutely not guaranteed in any way at all, However you want to twist it. The remainder of everyone's team could easily outweigh what damage City players cause, if they even feature for 90 mins with Leicester and Madrid to come.

            More critically to me, If it means my rivals have KDB also but have Lundstram coming in over my Rico in the event he doesn't play, I know what I'd prefer to happen.

            1. Brosstan
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Youre grasping at straws. For a KDB owner only its 99% guaranteed that its bad for you if the City game goes sahead.

              1. Gommy
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                No straws, lad. Just facts.

  11. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A or B?

    A) Martial and Maddison
    B) Son and Fleck

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

      A - expecting too much of Sonny in B.

  12. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If Man City games goes ahead on the 19th they will have 3 fixtures within a week. Expect lots of rotation

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      With the league more or less lost and the Real Madrid game on the 26th I can't see Pep putting out a full strength XI for either premier league game

      1. Lukakus Unit
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        What to do with de Bruyne then? I've had him since week 1.

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

      I think we expect that from Man City anyway!

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

      Yep, and can't imagine Sky will have an issue in dropping the game for a more meaningful one later on the season.

    2. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds like City-West Ham is unlikely to be played in GW26.

      Fingers crossed!

      (I didn't bring in Aguero as it would have cost me an 8 point hit - all other top players in my ML have him).

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Time is dragging on. They need to announce it quickly otherwise it will be too late

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

      Imagine WH will only agree to the game going ahead after they are already mathematically relegated or safe.

  13. pjanns
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Martial —> Traore for free?

    1. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Definite yes.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'd wait to see how Anthony/Utd look against Chelsea first. Have a plan for the extra cash?

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for team news obviously. Traore was injured twice in last weeks games, so is flagged.

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        No

  14. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I am thinking-
    Holgate (poor fixtures) + Lundstram (not nailed) -> Boly + Taylor

    Hendo.
    TAA, Stephens, Williams.
    Grealish, KDB, Mane, Salah.
    Maupay, Ings, Aubameyang.
    Stek, Lundstram, Dendoncker, Holgate.
    2ft. 0.1m ITB. WC, BB, FH remaining chips.

    Any moves looking better with this lot?

    1. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Go for it (since you have the 2 FT).

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good, particularly as you have not 100% nailed Williams too.

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’d be more inclined to lose Maupay than Holgate. Get DCL and Taylor from Lund cash possible? Auba and Grealish out in 28 leave you starting Maupay - Palace that week I know but....

      Another option would be just to make one FT losing Lund and hold the other for 28 to move on Auba Grealish to Son Jim. That would still leave you a GK short in 28 mind,

  15. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    s replacing Lundstram with Boly a good move or unwise? Had Lund since the start

    1. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm holding lundstram tbh.
      But getting wolves assets in is a good strategy.

    2. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’ve had him since gw1 as well, not selling even if he becomes just impact sub.

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

      Sensible

    4. clodhopper
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Keep i am

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

        That was in Yoda's voice in my head.

      2. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Jedi scum!

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

      Boly is popular but Wolves cs record still poor - they’re past masters of decent defensive stats and conceding. Also if they continue to get EL that won’t be good news.

      Perhaps the cs against United had something to do with United attack 🙂 Is he really that good he has a VVD like effect on the rest of defence?

  16. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kelly to whom? 1ft, money is not an issue.

    McCarthy Button
    Kelly* TAA Lundstram Soyuncu Holgate
    Salah Son KdB Grealish Dendoncker
    DCL Vardy Ings

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

      Stephens/Fernandez?

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

      VVD

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      All depends on Liverpool plans - you want 3 surely. If you don’t want Mane or Bobby then coin tops between Robbo and VVD

    4. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Robbo

    5. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Robertson is money isn’t an issue and you don’t want two Liverpool up top.

  17. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A or B?

    A) Lundstram > Boly
    B) Kelly > Saiss/Lascelles

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

      A

  18. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best move here?

    McCarthy-Button
    VVD-TAA-Soyuncu-Fernandez-Lundstram
    Salah-KDB-Grealish-Maddison-Cantwell
    Aubameyang-Jimenez-Ings

    0.2 itb and 1ft

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lundstram > Boly?

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

        Yep

  19. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Wood 57 points from 10 matches against the current bottom 10 this season. Think he’s the one I’m getting in for 31 non FH with a view to holding through.

    Chancy of course but recall Rondon last season had very similar stats for returns against bottom feeders last season just before big BGW and a great fixture run to end of season. Good personal form and upturn for Burnley make this feel good.

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Still hoping to ride out 31 without FH?

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

        Think so.

        Major doubt is whether 34 will be a big enough DGW to merit FH - possibly not once you factor in FTs and 3 Liverpool SGWs with a good fixture

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good research. Good luck.

  20. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Have you ever made a transfer and then realised you don't have enough money to get the second player?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If you making 2 transfers, you remove both and can't confirm until you filled up the 2 spots. Right?

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

      Asking for a friend? 🙂

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Replying to WOLVES AY WE above.

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

          I know, you are quite right. I was replying to WAW.

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yep. He happens to have the same name as me and looks like me. 😉

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've made a transfer, then been caught out by an unexpected price rise on a second player later in the GW before.

  21. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If the city game was played next Tue or wed then will it still be considered to be in this game week or the following game week.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      This gw for sure. They won't bring the GW27 deadline back.

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      GW27 starts Feb. 22.

  22. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Andy says he's not using his account being compromised as an excuse then immediately uses it as an excuse. 😀

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

      Actually, I have just realised that my account must have been hacked too.
      Nobody actually trying to do well could possibly have made any of those transfers or chip choices.

  23. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Regarding the City game, is it going on on Wednesday? Or people are still speculating?

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

      Still speculation, though the Evening Standard and the Sun are reporting it to be agreed between the clubs, but awaiting ratification.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers.

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      There's rumours of it

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have no City so it will be going ahead this GW.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        This. I have just KDB and Lundy first on bench therefore expect it to go ahead and KDB to blank

      2. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have 3 with Kun (C) so it will be huge for me. Mahrez and Kdb

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

      Moyes has looked himself in the gents with his fingers in his ears, but if/when they can get him out...

  24. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather have in draft? Traore or Martial?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Me

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Him

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Adama if you don't have either.

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I have Tony M, I have been offered Adama for him

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

          Can you wait till after Chelsea game? If not then on fixtures/form/blanks should probably take it.

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

      Traore, all day.

  25. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    They wouldn't call it Dennis the Menace for nothing.
    This could be a Monster!

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

      Are you talking about weather or a phallus?

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

        Minnie's never complained.

      2. Lord.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        He's just pleased to see you

  26. Waterwheel Inc.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is anyone else suspecting the bench boost is going to be seriously hard to optimise this year? The whole blank/double in GW34 sounds like it’s going to make it impossible to build a squad for the final 5 weeks. If I’m understanding it right, the teams that progress from the quarter finals will blank 31, which will then likely be played midweek in 34, but their Saturday fixtures in 34 will blank to be played in 37. So in effect progressing teams will have a single in 34 and to build a bench boost team of 15 DGW players would mean missing out any players for them semi finalists?

    Have I worked this out right or am I talking bollocks?

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

      Unlikely that all the GW31 postponed games will just move to 34, and all the postponed GW34 games will just move to 37. This is the same assumption Crellin has got wrong for the last 2 seasons. There will be chopping and changing due to TV and logistics.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don't know but sounds about right. Playing it on a decent SGW seems to be a thing this year.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      BB DGW37 looks like the best option, although end of season rotation is going to have to be taken into account with your selection. It could easily be the big DGW as well, GW34 postponements could be moved to midweek, with GW31 postponements played in DGW37 (as many as 14 teams).

    4. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm keeping my WC handy for exactly this situation.

    5. Waterwheel Inc.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for the replies, guys. To be more specific about my thinking, I’m kind of drawing the conclusion there’s far less value than usual in saving the wildcard for setting up a bench boost (not keen on saving it for a 36WC/37BB and inevitably being beaten by rotation). Seems better to play it now, get value for more weeks, and roll with the punches when the doubles come.

    6. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have all three chips remaining. BB, TC and FH. So I guess I will use BB in a single GW looking at my team

      1. Waterwheel Inc.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Same, and that’s the conclusion I’m drawing.

        1. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          So what is your strategy for TC and FH? I am currently on FH for 34 and TC for 37

          1. Waterwheel Inc.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I expect to FH in 31 and TC in 37. Will wait and see if there’s any value to a 34 BB or if a decent single Gameweek opportunity presents. Thought about dead ending a team for 31 and WC that week, but just don’t see enough viable players to get in prior to that.

  27. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    first wildcard draft, rip it apart, who should i change?

    Pope McCarthy
    Egan TAA Aurier Lascelles Stephens
    Son Salah KDB Barnes Mooy
    Firmino Ings Jimmy

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

      Bobby pretty streaky, would rather have a 2nd def over Aurier - but I sure you have considered that at length already.
      Don't like Mooy - got him myself a fortnight ago and annoyed already - might be better to have a bench option who you don't think will ever contribute anything other than appearance points so as to avoid disappointment.
      Big thumbs up for the rest.

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        cool I do like Mooy to Hayden to get Stephens to Boly.

        I like Firmino as a holder for a premuim forward to keep a structure but i agree, he is streaky and the defense is proven. Decent feedback cheers pal

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Big call on Bobby. Not sure he’s got a high enough ceiling for me to merit the call over defence. Just 3 double digits so far. Would you intend to move him on at some point or is he there to stay? Any Liverpool transfer at this stage feels like a minus 4.

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        valid point, I want a striker to give me a better structure. Struggling to find a third striker spot, DCL?

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

          Bobby works as a direct placeholder just for Vardy really. Son plus pretty much a mid priced forward also gets you anywhere really.

          DCL looks good. I’m looking at Wood - great record against bottom 10 - but that’s just me of course. Also plan on Rich and iffy on a double up there

  28. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why is there no love for Harvey Barnes. His recent performance is tremendous.

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Is it overthinking and ignoring form?

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      see above my wildcard 🙂

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Now I do not feel alone.

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

      Looking at getting in him from next week, depends on City news for me.

  29. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If the City game is moved to the 19th, will it still fall on this GW or next GW?
    Last game of this GW is on 18th
    First game of next GW is on 22nd.

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      see comments made above, it will be before the ge 27 deadline so will fall into gw 26

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Becks

        1. dbeck
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          still all speculation mind

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Gotcha, no worries.

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Look up.