Pro Pundits - Ash

Why I’m changing my transfers approach with time running out on FPL season

In Fantasy Premier League, timing is everything. And that mantra becomes even more important as the season winds to a close.

With just six Gameweeks left of 2019/20, my entire decision-making process starts to change, in regards to teams to target, when to play my chips and which players to spend precious transfers on.

For example, Liverpool winning the Premier League last week has been a much-discussed subject in relation to Fantasy. Will their assets play differently with the long-awaited title in the bag? Well, let’s not forget the title-race was effectively finished long before the lockdown anyway.

For me, there are much bigger issues to discuss when it comes to handling the end of this strange and unprecedented season, not least the ability to make quick and aggressive decisions between now and Gameweek 38+ if you want to make a late charge up the rankings.

 1

The unlimited transfers and Double Gameweek that accompanied the Premier League restart felt like an unexpected bonus chip. Thankfully, I put it to good use, in combination with Bench Boost and the fall-back of a second Wildcard. I managed to score 124 points and cut my rank in half. That’s the sort of thing I want to be doing as often as possible when I still feel like more teams have something to play for.

I couldn’t rest on the laurels of my big Gameweek 30+ green arrows for too long due to the short turnaround, and a new squad staring at me from the transfers page. 

The team as a whole performed well albeit for a Bruno Fernandes (£8.7m) captain fail but that didn’t prevent me from scoring 200+ points, back-to-back.

Had it not been for the FA Cup games over the weekend, I would have almost certainly used my remaining chip, Free Hit, for Gameweek 32+ because, as I said, I like the idea of making quick-fire aggressive decisions to string together consecutive rank rises.

andys-gw33-article 3

However, I couldn’t take the risk this time around, as I felt Free Hitting in Gameweek 32+ would involve loading up on players that had an FA Cup game and then a Premier League outing so soon afterwards. 

As an aside, this sort of thing shows that every remaining Gameweek has a different set of variables to those that come before and after it. 

So, rather than looking at the final games as one block, I plan on viewing them in separate sprints. 

Firstly, the primary focus for me is to strike while the iron is hot. I do want to use my Free Hit chip as soon as possible and I feel that there are favourable fixtures in Gameweek 33+.

→ Which of these 2019/20 matches saw only five shots registered, the fewest recorded in a Premier League game since detailed shot collection began?

Manchester United host a woeful Bournemouth side, Liverpool will welcome relegation-threatened Aston Villa to Anfield while Chelsea and Watford do battle at Stamford Bridge. With those three fixtures, I could form the spine of an excellent Free Hit squad, which I would hope could gain further ground. No doubt, the risk of rotation will be present once again but I feel that will increase further for each remaining Gameweek, especially as more and more teams lose motivation to either qualify for Europe or save themselves from relegation.

Secondly, the Gameweeks leading up to the penultimate Gameweek will rely massively on my wildcard team holding up. I also have two free transfers at hand after not making any changes this weekend. I will reluctantly take hits if I have to but I’m hoping that most of my players are either likely starters or still have something to play for. 

Thirdly, I am treating Gameweek 38+ as a separate entity altogether. By then, a lot of the European and relegation position battles would have been all but settled and I would need to think very carefully on my final moves.

Hasenhuttl to aid Ings' quest for the Golden Boot as Watford's FPL assets flop

I have generally not been a fan of short-term/one-week punt transfers in FPL. The game is, after all, a marathon and not a sprint. So, with each team only having at least half a dozen games left the one thing that I don’t want to do is waste unnecessary transfers. Anyone I buy now will have to be justified as someone I am happy to have in my team until the end of the season. 

I am sure this mindset could cost me a few bandwagon players but I don’t think it’s worth avoiding them in the interest of maximising my remaining transfers. I must be prepared to start all players from subsequent transfers in almost all remaining games and feel confident enough that the outgoing asset won’t do as well.

Assessing these decisions is, admittedly, harder than it was before, not least because it is more difficult to trust fixture schedules these days.

Before the Premier League restarted, the Bundesliga resumption was already in full swing and one of the early patterns that it validated was a loss of significance for home advantage in empty stadiums. 

With the Bundesliga season now completed, it is clear to see that away teams performed far better than they might have expected. 

This has already crept into the Premier League and I expect the trend to continue. It is those sides threatened by relegation who I feel for the most, as their ‘12th man’ edge has been completely eroded. In FPL’s first two Gameweeks, none of the bottom four won a home game. 

It may still be early days with the Premier League’s restart but it goes to show that fixture difficulty ratings need to be reconsidered and the aura of playing at home without fans has been greatly diminished for certain clubs.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,045 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford is so unfit. I am switching to Ings asap

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      greenwood saves a lot of money

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Its tempting to do something like
        Rashford & Pulisic
        To
        Greenwood & Mane

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          yep.

          I can do Rich+Rash->Mane+Greenw

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Before he plays Bournemouth?

    3. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Him & Guendouzi to Martial & Nketiah for me. Just looks miles off the pace and no threat.

    4. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      juuhuu

  2. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Think top 4 will be
    1. Liverpool
    2. City
    3. United
    4. Wolves

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I just don't like chelsea :p

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Wolves are scraping out wins, not looked great in attack. So think they will draw to many to finish top four. But would love for chelsea to drop out

  3. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Knee jerkers last week post martial hattrick
    Bruno to Martial

    This week
    Martial to Bruno

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      😆

      1. Lucas8406
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        If it’s one thing this game taught me, it’s to not kneejerk.

  4. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What if I did DCL + Fernandes > Greenwood and KDB :O would that be naughty :O

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Stupid imo. Bruno will play from start every game and has something to play for. Maybe the most must have player in the game currently given his price as well

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Has the highest points per match in the game...

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I know I just wanted someone to talk nasty to me. Thanks xx

        1. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          You’re welcome

  5. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Guess i got my answer Mahrez vs Bruno tonight,should get more minutes too

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I was gonna do this but was really out of by mahrez’s performance in the cup and his rotation risk

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Put off

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      United could have alot of games too

  6. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    This midfield for the run in?

    Salah Son Fernandez Mahrez Martial

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Son>KDB

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Am considering Mané - KdB - Martial - Fernandes - Sterling

      But fancy a Foden punt.

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’m looking at Salah, Kdb, Fernandes, Mahrez, Pulisic with Kane up top

      1. squits
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I want to see more from Kane before I do that. He looks off the pace so far. Let's see tomorrow

  7. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Have 2ft tell me what to do

    Patricio
    Awb doherty aurier . Lascelles holgate
    Mane kdb son bruno . Hayden
    Rashford dcl jimenez

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No

    2. bruuuno
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rash Hayden > Greenwood Mahrez maybe?

  8. Trilogist
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno is the new Lampard.

    1. Hammarby IF
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Different type of player...no late runs into the box, but definitely the same result in terms of Fantasy points. A legend in the making.

      1. Trilogist
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He makes plenty of late runs on the counter.

        That Volley!!

  9. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else have Bruno captain and switch to Rashford after seei the cup game? Ah well, what can you do

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Only if they have hacks.

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

      Cup game was after the deadline

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Was it? Oh right, so I just changed for the sake of it then lol

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nice try, narc.

  10. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    When does Martial get to play against Moore, Robinson & Jagielka again?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Son will play them soon no?

  11. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    50 pts behind in ML.Can i still make it?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Of course.

      Captains alone can catch that.

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hope you are right,he got so lucky with captain choices.Thinking of TC TAA..

    2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Easy

  12. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If there's no injury and Son has 0 touch in the box again I might do Son + Ayew > Foden + Jesus.

  13. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Auba to Greenwood/Nkei
    Hayden to Mahrez? Bench boost -4.

    Henderson McCarty
    TAA AWB Lascelles C Taylor Boly
    Salah KDB Bruno Sarr Hayden
    Auba Jimenez Ings

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Or..

      Auba to Rash/Jesus
      Hayden to Foden?

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        This with Rash,dont rate Jesus .

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Don’t like first option ?

  14. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford and Son ----> Greenwood and Salah thoughts?

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’m thinking of putting rash in

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        doing it for cash, I like rash

      2. squits
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Did you watch tonight? Rash basically played LM and had little touches in the box

    2. FPL Bielsa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I’m thinking of Rash and Grealish to Greenwood and Salah

  15. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thinking of hitting WC for next gw with the intention of BB the week after. Team doesn’t need it mind.

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

    Anyone captain Martial & Bruno for their hauls last week & tonight?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes I did. The other way around.

  17. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If you were to bring one in now, Maguire or AWB?

    Still leaning Maguire. That goal he assisted was all Greenwood really.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He’s still playing very high up.

      Classic open play chances vs a set piece goal.

      I’d go AWB.

    2. Hammarby IF
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd favour AWB. More chance of Bonus points.
      Maguire might get 1 big haul between now and season end, but AWB will outscore him in the long run.

    3. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think this will be all down to chance. Maguire has real goal threat with Bruno on set pieces, but with the few games left it is impossible to predict wheter or not he will score one or possible more. I think he will have to score atleast omce to beat out awb.

      I got maguire on my wildcard and will comfortably hold him

  18. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Greenwood guaranteed 3baps with winning goal bonus?

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

      Yep

      Bruno 2
      Awb 1

  19. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Don't take Rashford out before BOU ffs.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He looks absolutely off the pace though. Form over fixtures and he ain’t got it atm.

  20. FPL Bielsa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    So do we think Greenwood is a safe starter now, looks far better than James to me ?

    1. thegame983
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

  21. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Son to Mahrez with my FT this week?

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Fernandes captain last game

    Martial captain tonight..

    Think ill go fernandes v Bournemouth

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Me too brother x the interactions with Pogba looked much more promising for him today

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Many people in the same boat

  23. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford & Sarr -> Greenwood & Son could be brilliant right?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Really, really good mate

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You think Greenwood is nailed on?

        My bench is Saka, Fernandez, Holgate so I guess there isn’t even a real issue if he doesn’t play right

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd keep Rashford

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I need a way to get rid of Sarr - help me out!

    3. FPL Bielsa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think the Rashford to Greenwood has to be considered because of how your team is improved with that amount of cash, the question is will Greenwood play most games, I think he probably will, can’t see James keeping him out.

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      cue rashy hetty vs bournemouth

    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Greenwood played 90 minutes today- you don’t think might be benched v Bournemouth given schedule?

  24. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Ngakia to?

    A) boly/saiss (have Doherty)
    B) holgate
    C) c.taylor (don’t have pope)
    D) Justin

    1. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Wolves double-D has been working for me

  25. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What’s your planned front 7 for the last 3 GW’s?

    City, Everton, Southampton all have lovely last 3 fixtures a few of these 6 could pay dividends

    KDB, Mahrez, Richarlison
    Ings, DCL, Jesus

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Defo getting Ings but not sure who for Poss Rash, think I’m going

      Son/Mahrez/Fernandes/Salah
      Ings DCL Jimenez

  26. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any chance of a Mahrez/KdB no show?

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      It's Liverpool

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

      Not really without injury

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe against Southampton

  27. Zebrahimović
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What other GWK’s do we think stand out for FH?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      38.

      City vs Norwich.
      Chance of early team news.
      Revealing pressers tend to occur.
      Wolves/United/Leicester/Chelsea playing eachother - popular in the current template.

  28. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    juuhuu Rashford blank

  29. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    When the heck are we supposed to play a FH? I don’t even want to use it. Anyone want it?

  30. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone thinking Rash won’t be in on the goals sooner rather than later is delusional. If you’ve got him, it wouldn’t make an ounce of sense selling him at this stage. Only very few strikers set up better for the duration. Only few I’d want over him are Jimmy, and maybe Jesus. Ings has a tough run of fixtures upcoming and I don’t want to hear the “matchup-proof“ load of crap.

    Can’t wait for the scenes here

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I agree but he was total and utter dogsh1t as a striker tonight

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lol. You clearly like a fight