Pro Pundits - Lateriser

Reigning India FPL champion reveals strategy and team for new season

Lateriser, who finished 30th in the world last season, discusses “overthinking” in FPL and reveals his Gameweek 1 team.


This time of the season is a delicate time. I don’t really tinker too much but while I am reading articles and assembling information, the subconscious is working overtime in the background debating every minute decision in our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team while the conscious is pretending hard to remain interested in the conversation on the dinner table.

I am generally a very decisive manager and normally after about two to three sessions of spaced-out, focused tinkering, I arrive at my team. Just before recording Episode 2 of our new Podcast, The FPL Wire (also available on all podcast platforms), I had one of these long tinkering sessions on Sunday night and the outcome was a team I was really happy with (it involved me not having a single Liverpool attacker but more on that later).

Monday and Tuesday passed and I was convinced that I was there. I even mentioned on the pod that I was feeling good about my team since I was so close to the final piece. Then came yesterday and I happened to watch France’s highlights versus Croatia and watching Anthony Martial (£9.0m) reminded me how much I love this player and that simply put I need him in my team.

When I referred back to my post-season notes that I had scribbled in my little notebook, I found “You Love Tony Gloves” scribbled in there. I hadn’t planned for Tony (except for a lazy afterthought that I’ll do Timo Werner (£9.5m) to Martial in Gameweek 2) until then and had Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) sitting on my bench Gameweek 1. Panic set in because I know I’m not going be happy with my team until I get him.

Gameweek 32+ Scout Picks focus on Arsenal, Wolves and Man United

This led to me immediately logging on to the FPL website and just not being happy with all the compromises. Suddenly, it all feels imperfect. This happens to most of us (we overthink way too much). Our FPL decisions (at least for me) are constantly evolving in our heads and while there’s panic at first when something strikes you, all you really need to do is put on some earphones, dig in some more (statistics + highlights + articles) and you’ll find that in some time you’ll arrive at a place you’re happy with.

The key to all of this is the earphones. You need to be away from all the noise when you’re ‘Beautiful Minding’ (as my friend Walsh likes to call it) your team and after some time and thought you’ll get there. Yes there will be some sacrifices along the way but mentally you’ll have debated all sorts of decisions and as long as there is reasoning to the team you’re building, you should be okay.

After all of this, I really think to myself: why do we even overthink? The chances of us getting Gameweek 1 right are so slim. But then I see Mark Sutherns, who is possibly the best instinctive FPL manager I know, talking on his new fabulous show “FPL BlackBox” about having a set of rules and filters for his decisions.

In my head, I just went, “Mark, don’t do it because of one rubbish season. You were careless last season. Your strength is your instinct and filtering will just stop you from being naturally instinctive and aggressive”. I might have even DMed him the same. Seems like we’re all just wired to overthink. It’s probably me doing just that with my decision to not go with a Liverpool attacker.

Let me take you through that decision and some other relevant ones while building my Gameweek 1 team.

The elephant in the room is that as of today, I plan on starting without Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) or a Liverpool attacker for that matter. There are two primary reasons for this.

What is FPL Upside Chasing and how can I implement it in 2020/21?

BEST PLAYERS BY POSITION:

3,147 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Salah, Taylor and KWP or Bruno (bench), Robertson and Mitchell?
    Rest of team is
    McCarthy,
    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, XXX, XXX
    Auba, Pulisic, ASM, Bissouma, XXX
    Werner, Mitrovix, Adams

  2. Link
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hmmm...

    A. Ward-Prowse + Jimenez
    B. Havertz + Adams

    A feels safer, both nailed for 90

    1. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A - good alternative to other teams I’ve seen

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

      b

  3. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I want to watch Spurs v Everton on Sunday, but my sister gave birth so I have to drive several hours to meet my new nephew.

    I need to get this kid hooked pronto on FPL so we can watch matches together. This kind of schedule clash is unacceptable.

    1. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's unforgivable that your sister would do such a thing.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Selfish of your sister!! Congrats on nephew. My wife is due our second in 4 weeks so can’t see me getting a chance to watch too many games

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Congratulations Pat!

        (It's yours, right?)

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Haha I hope so!!

  4. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    been tinkering all day - down to these two drafts. Any comments much appreciated!

    A.
    McCarthy Nyland
    BDavies Saiss TAA Justin (Ferguson)
    Auba(c) Salah (vc) Son ASM Stephens
    Ings Werner (Davis)

    B.
    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Justin KWP Mitchell (ayling)
    Auba(c) salah Son ASM Soucek
    Ings Werner (davis)

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer A

  5. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How’s this looking guys ?- Luke shaw to start gw2

    McCarthy
    Justin Doherty Robbo
    Havertz Auba Pulisic
    Adams Kane Mitro

    Bench: Mitchel Shaw Burke

    1. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son pulisic auba havertz **

      1. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Keeep an eye out as Telles ir rumoured to ManU

        1. Nando7
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Will doo how does rest of team look ?

          1. Muller Reus Corner
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Looks really good

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      3-3-3 formation is a first

      1. Nando7
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I may be the next biggest thing... Son havertz pulisic Auba***

  6. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think this is the most settled on my team I have ever been the day before deadline. Now just to put my feet up and watch the choas unfold on here. (Cue press conferences throwing my team into disarray)

    1. Pedersen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cant say that and not post it 🙂

  7. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thought on this one folks. To start the season....

    A) Pereria
    B) ASM & 0.5ITB

    The 0.5 would be used to potentially upgrade Mitrovic or JWP to one of the other lower tier bandwagons

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      b

    2. @FPL_Chess
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

      • Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sorted. Cheers

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

      What do you guys think?

      A. Trent, Calvert and Ings
      B. Dier, Richarlison and Vardy

      1. Sotamendi84
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        a

      2. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

        1. Snikii
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Why do you think that? Do you see more value in A or is it because of them being more popular picks?

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wonder if many people are secretly hoping for injuries to the main Man Utd guys in their friendly vs Villa this weekend.

      That'll teach the Man Utd GW1 benchers.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hadn’t thought of that, but yes that would be delightful

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I am always wishing for UTD injuries. Not secretly either 😉

      3. @FPL_Chess
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I hadn't thought of that either. Good thinking.

        • Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          😆

        • Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Hope all you like mate

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I know someone who can make the injuries happen. Someone very close to us.

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

        For GW1

        A) Alli + Son
        B) Alli + Havertz
        C) Son + Havertz

        Next week, one of them will become Rashford

        1. Sotamendi84
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          c

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

          c

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

          I wouldnt get Rashford as he has looked effected by his injury post restart....either Bruno or Martial for me...

      5. Sotamendi84
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        so who will play left back for leicester?

        does justin have a chance to move there when ricardo is back?

        Lewis or Justin to start the season?

      6. KDB > Henderson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Final team done, would love anyone’s thoughts on improvements or money that could he shaved off.

        0.5 in the bank to do Ings to Martial for gwk 2

        Ramsdale
        Trent Saiss Saliba Davies
        Auba Salah Ali ASM
        Werner Ings

      7. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is Ward the best CPL def asset for GW1

      8. Il Papera
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How's it looking, .5 itb for Ings to Martial potentially.

        McCarthy
        TAA Robbo Doherty
        Auba Havertz Alli Soucek
        Werner Ings Adams

        Button Mitchell Bissouma Dallas

      9. EWH2020
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This is how I am shaping up. After much tinkering I think I am there.

        Ryan (Walton)
        TAA, KWP, Justin (Mitchell, Burr)
        Salah, Auba, Son, ASM, Soucek
        Werner, Wilson, Mitro

        £1.5m ITB.

        This allows me to do:

        Son to Bruno
        Salah to Bruno
        or
        Salah, Mitro or Wilson to Bruno & Martial -4

      10. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Any news on Brewster's loan?

        The only reason I am playing only 2 upfront is his likely loan move.

      11. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A) Son & VVD
        B) Bruno & Davies

        I'll have Martial if it helps. On A at the moment.

        1. Snikii
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          a

      12. Nando7
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A) Doherty Son Mitrovic
        B Doherty dele DCL

      13. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        great article once again from LR

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          woof!

        2. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fair play on actually reading the articles....I just presumed it was plugging some game/gambling site

          1. Lev Yashin
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            So young and yet so cynical.

      14. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        When is ricardo pereira expected back?

        1. Sotamendi84
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          gw4

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

        I’m currently on this in a 3-4-3.

        McCarthy
        TAA,Dier, KWP
        Aubamayang,Alli,Havertz, Rodriguez
        Ings,Werner,Wilson

        Button,Soucek,Taylor,Ferguson.

        Option 1. 3-4-3 above.
        Option 2. 3-5-2 Wilson > 4.5. Soucek > Barnes
        Option 3. 4-4-2. Wilson > 4.5 Dier > Doherty, Ferguson > Egan
        Which option?

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

          0.5 itb in all options for Ings > Martial.

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Second year in a row we're next to identical

          Have a Vardy variation

          Auba Havertz Rodriguez Soucek
          Vardy Werner Ings

          May turn Soucek into Henderson

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Like Vardy for fixtures in all but 3 and as a handy captain choice, he also gives a second route into Martial if needed in GW2

            More flexibility I'm thinking

            Will look over your options in detail. Running through various scenarios to see what is most reliable

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

              Yeh Vardy is a good option. I can’t squeeze him in.

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

            Nice.
            I do like the idea of Martial and Werner been there permanently with a 6-7m striker in a 3-4-3 but just toying the idea of just having Werner and Martial upfront by themselves and either strengthen the defence or midfield with the 2m.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              See further below

              Very tempted by slotting Robbo in as a secret mid for GW1-3 and then allow him to revert to defence from GW4 on

              Gives me a very odd looking midfield if I ditch Rodriguez 😀

              Who scores more 1-3 Robbo or Rodriguez. See similar attacking potential really

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

                Robbo probably scores more.

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  That's how I see it too

                  Leaving me with Soucek third mid. Ultimate template bust 😀

        3. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fancy Liverpool to comfortably account for Leeds at Anfield, 3 or 4 nil. Does no Salah/Mane not worry you OR and behind the right ball from GW1?

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            50/50 which mid scores 🙂

            But thinking of adding Robbo in as extra mid for this scenario, Thinking Chelsea defence could be all at sea in GW2 with no settled formation especially down the wings where TAA and Robbo are.

            Liverpool defence looks gold from 4 on if you overlook the two derbies

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

              I could do Wilson > 4.5 Dier to Robertson but that would mean me playing KWP and finding an alternative to Taylor for GW1.

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                The other variation I have is Justin who should be good for 1-4 anyway I hope

                I'm thinking of binning Werner in 2 for Martial and getting Puli as second Chelsea option if they are looking good by 4 or maybe 3

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

            It’s Auba or Salah in my team. I can only captain 1 this week.

            Would rather spread the funds with the one I’m not going to captain.
            Since Arsenal have the easier game in gw 2 I’m currently on him.

        4. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Option 2 of the ones you have

          Have looked at similar choice. If Vardy is good so might Barnes be. Problem I have there is 3 between 7-8 in midfield. Looks a tad inflexible or putting a lot on players who are very 50/50 for returns.

          Still prefer my Vardy variation tbh

      16. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        How does this look?

        McCarthy
        TAA | Dier | Saiss | Egan
        Salah (c) | Auba | Havertz | Rodriguez
        Werner | Wilson

        Steer | Mitchell | Bissouma | Brewster

        I'm keen to have a fairly stable back line, which should hopefully allow me to focus my transfers on attacking players.

        My draft going forward plan is to do Salah and Wilson to Rashford and Martial, although that may well change, since I'm tempted to go all out on Chelsea and bring Pulisic in as an alternative to Rashford.

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

          Looks very nice.

      17. Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Which 2 to pick?
        A) Mitro
        B) Nketiah
        C) Adams
        D) Batshuayi

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A D

      18. Muller Reus Corner
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is it too risky to go without Salah and bench Bruno, but have Robbo and TAA?

      19. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A) Son (Becomes Fernandes on GW2)+Adams
        B) Alli+Jimenez+1FT

        Have Martial.

      20. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wonder how many people are just straight up copying Laterisers team this year. Or any of the other ‘pro pundits’

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm pretty sure a lot from my country are going to copy his moves.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Kinda depressing

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

          Where’s the fun in that.
          Just like copying someone’s homework or googling the answer in a pub quiz.
          Just cheating yourself.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yep. Although I imagine many dont care and just want to win their minileague and pretend they did it themselves

        3. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I hope they do and he trolls everyone by completely changing it pre-deadline.

          "First off, I’d just like to say that this is my team as of Thursday afternoon and I have no clue how many more moments of inspiration I have ahead of me."

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            😆

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            He doesn't need to. Here's where we can rejoice in their downfall - UC inflation.

            Lateriser makes his move. He has just enough money. He prepares his podcast. Two days later he broadcasts it, and the braindead go straight to FPL to make the transfer. The one to be transferred in has risen 0.1 and they're bu99ered. Lovely.

        4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Quite a few I'd think. We seem to now have FPL Gods and blind worshippers. Mirrors society in general though really.

          One thing to read opinions from those with a good track record and another to believe everything they say imo....

      21. steven8991
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is it wise to go big on mid and fwd like this?
        McCarthy
        TAA KWP Lascelles Mitchell
        Mane Auba Havertz ASM
        Kane Werner
        (4.0m 4.5m 4.5m)

        1. VinMar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          plans for manu?

      22. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Very settled here. Copy if you want to do well.

        McCarthy
        TAA Davies Vinagre Justin
        Salah Auba Havertz
        Werner DCL Mitro

        Nyland Foden Bissouma Mitchell

        1. Jink
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          200k OR last season, no thanks!

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            All great managers have an off season, however, thanks for taking the time to investigate.

            1. Jink
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              In 8 seasons I’ve never finished outside the top 100k, you must be doing something wrong!

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Says the gravless non linked team 😆
                Please refrain from posting such dross

              2. Pat Bonner
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Let’s see the link then?

        2. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Looks good. Are the 2 4.5m def nailed? Is Foden better as a wait and see. I like Bowen as a 2 week play and then can see how Foden looks

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Should be with an early WC in mind. Man City by far the best attack in the league and at 6.5 and hopefully playing the David Silva number 8 role, he is a no brainer imo

            1. Pat Bonner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Sure Foden will be good, just wondering if you could wait a week or 2. When you thinking on wcing?

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I guess I could wait but the other options in that price bracket (ASM/Armstrong) etc. don’t really inspire me. I always tend to deploy around GW3/4. How’s your squad looking?

                1. Pat Bonner
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Not far off yours. McCarthy/taa Egan 4.5 4.5 4.0/salah Aubameyang Alli Soucek 4.5/Ings Werner Mitrović

                  With cash to do Ings to martial gw2 if needed

                2. Zimo
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  What about Matheus Pereira? Or Jarrod Bowen?

        3. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Nice. GL for the season!

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks mate. You too!

      23. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Havertz or Ings?

        Ings a better martial placehholder

      24. Dosh
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Coleman worth the 1m saving over Digne?

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Competition from Kenny also

        3. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Some chat he might not even play