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. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Like it or too punty?

    McCarthy
    Trent, Mina, Egan, Justin
    Auba, Mané, Rodríguez
    Werner, Ings, Wilson

    SUBS: Steer, Mitchell, Lemina, Alzate

    1. S6 Owl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mina & J.Rod seem a bit punty with such a light bench.

      I'm holding on Everton for a few weeks until I see how the new midfield signings affect either end of the pitch

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

        Their fixtures from GW2 could catch people out. I'm tempted to gamble

        1. S6 Owl
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          The potential J.Rod price rise is what I'm wary of, so I get the logic for sure

  2. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mitchel (or) branthwaite

    1. S6 Owl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A... but both are bench fodder

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

      Ferguson if you're benching Mitchell

      Roy presser later and think you'll hear that PvA is very close. You won't get Mitchell for anything but poor 1-2 pointers

  3. vidage8
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best MID option at 8.5m max? Struggling to find any value there

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

      Havertz, Alli, Rodriguez seem like decent punts.

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        agree with James. Should be on all set plays, right?

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

      Havertz

    3. Frank Koscielny
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz, Pulisic (when fit) or maybe Alli

    4. EmmetRyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli maybe? Ziyech when he's back from injury though, I reckon.

    5. The Big Larsbowski
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz. And Ziyech when fit.

  4. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Justin (or) lamptey

  5. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    taylor (or) pieters

    1. S6 Owl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Taylor for me

  6. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not much love for Leno on here? With Martinez move to Villa looking likely I reckon he's a decent pick at 5.0

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he is still injured isn't he?

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not flagged and has played pre-season

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've got - 150 points guaranteed baby

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Arsenal will be stronger this season, I think he's a great pick

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

          Imo arsenal won't be in the top 4.

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

      Decent if Martinez leaves, think most are punting on a 4.5m keeper and using the money elsewhere

  7. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sais (or) vinagre (or) marcal

  8. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Davies nailed on?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which one ?

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

    Mitro or Wilson ?

    1. Taff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro

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

        Cheers would you say Mitro and adams- 0.5 itb or mitro Wilson ?

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

      Wilson if you can afford the extra 0.5

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

      Wilson

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

        Thanks guys !

  10. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody else have troubles opening the FPL app? already deleted an re-installed a couple of times 🙁

  11. lfcserg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT, 3-5-2

    McCarthy - Nyland

    TAA - Davies - Vinagre - KWP - Williams

    Auba - Salah - Son - Rodriguez - Pereira

    Werner - Wilson - Brewster

    1. lfcserg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli not Son***

  12. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Havertz, Werner, Doucoure
    B) Mane, Bissouma, Ings

    Got caught up with A, but leaning back towards B now

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

      Bissouma is a starter ??

    2. adstomko
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will Bissouma get minutes?

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not 100% sure, but wouldn't need to play him.
      So maybe:
      A) Havertz and Werner
      B) Mane and Ings

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

      b

  13. Our Man Charlie
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think i'm settled on this draft , could be a punt too far 😀 but the balance feels good and imo not bad price points e.g Kane > Kun , and with the current situation i feel a playing bench is definitely worth thinking about so anyway here it is ...
    Ramsdale
    TAA(vc) Justin Robbo
    Auba(c) Rodriguez Zaha Havertz Soucek
    Kane Wilson

    Nyland Bamford Saiss KWP
    0.0 ITB

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

      I could get behind that. Except Zaha.

      Reasoning?

      1. Our Man Charlie
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks Lev, Zaha will be involved in most of the play , pretty much nailed , I like look of Eze and with the Batsman back in the squad could be worth a shout , not a bad price to waver on too

  14. Hits against the machine
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    No love for greenwood? reclassification, at the moment solid starter for Utd and fixtures. 7.5 mill! Why wouldn’t you have him?

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

      Sancho

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I will do if Sancho doesn't sign.

    3. vova
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      blank GW1
      overperformed his xG last season I think
      not fully nailed on with United still after Sancho

      I do agree that he is a good option though

      1. BENOIT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        lol

  15. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this team?

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Justin
    Salah(C) Auba Havertz ASM
    Ings DCL Nketiah

    Button; Bissouma, Mitchell, Ferguson

    1. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      .5 ITB for Ings -> Martial

    2. Our Man Charlie
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like that , I had same thinking would love Martial in

    3. unclesbasement
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      take out robbo for a 5m and then you can afford werner. Nketiah not fully nailed on

  16. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Unlikely to change now I think

    McCarthy
    TAA Egan Lascelles
    Soucek Salah Son ASM Auba
    Werner Ings

    Steer Mitchell Taylor Brewster

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

    Got to be getting close now, right?

    Johnstone
    TAA, Davies, Saiss, KWP
    Salah, Auba, Soucek
    Werner, Ings, Wilson

    Button, Mitchell, Stephens, Foden*

    0,5m ITB for that Martial upgrade.

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

      Midfield a little weak for my liking!

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

        It's concern, for sure but will be up to speed in GW2 without too much work.

    2. Our Man Charlie
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I had Johnstone in for a while (love that pink kit 😀 ) but WBA could struggle and save points are great but depends on percentage of conceded goals but looks ok to me
      Is Ings a 1 week shout ?

      good luck

  18. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mitchell going to start
    a) 1-3 gws
    b) 1-6 gws
    c) 1-10 gws
    d) season long gem

    Trying to decide if I should upgrade him to someone more reliable since my bench is non existing.

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

      4 weeks max imo, likely 2-3

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

    Not seeing a lot of Jamal Lewis in peoples teams? Think he’s the best 4.5 defender personally

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really? 1 goal 0 assist last season. Can we expect more?

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

        Cmon he was at Norwich... will be playing as a wingback now most likely and Fraser/Wilson are definitely an improvement from what he had at Norwich

    2. AgentRed
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Had him in a few drafts but want to see how sturdy Newcastle are at the back generally first

    3. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Terrible player at a relatively poor defence. I don't think he is even the best 4.5 defender at Newcastle.

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

        To be fair not terrible at defending, but terrible in terms of attacking abilities. Even Byram was a big upgrade from him in terms of offensive support from the left wing at Norwich.

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

        Wouldn’t say he’s a terrible player. Norwich defence made him look bad and his attacking potential is what I’m after, couldn’t care less about his defensive skills

  20. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Keita worth a shout?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They're signing Thiago

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

        Thiago to Barca isn’t he?

    2. adstomko
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Possibly, but I think Minanino could start in a 4-2-3-1

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

        Ah ok. Cheers, mate.

  21. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How much for Sancho if he does end up in PL ??

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

      11m? Between Sterling and Bruno.

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

        Can’t see him being higher than Bruno at all

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

        Too much
        9.5 for me

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      10m. Deal is done, expect news about transfer Monday/next week, paperwork left

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

        Really? Last I read they had agreed terms w/agent + personal fees, but a bid had yet to be handed in

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

        I doubt that. United won't throw 120m€ so easily

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

      10.0

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

      9.5 would be good, same as Rash.

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

      9.5 is what I feel

    6. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      8.5 - 9.5 (either in-line with Havertz or Rashford)

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

      9.5-10

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

        I have a sneaky feeling deal will go through Karan

    8. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      10m probably. Anything less would be irresponsible imo, considering he had the second highest goal involvements per 90 mins in Europe last season

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

        Wow
        Didn't know that

  22. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If you look at Harry Kane’s chance created heat map, a third of his passes come from a holding midfielder role, that’s so off putting

  23. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    just a reminder how brilliant liverpool have been under klopp ,not a pool fan btw but they are a great watch,nothing better than trent and robbo bombing down the flanks and feeding salah and all for just 26.5 m, to my mind a bit of amnesia setting in around these parts ,they are by some distance the best team in the land...

    1. Y26 Royal
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Indeed! I do think Man City will be closer to them this season. Chelsea and Man Utd will be much improved too.
      There's no way i'd consider going without Liverpool assets.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Most people think the same!

      I'm a little more sceptical tbh - they'll probably be top but I think it'll be a lot closer this season. One thing they have been very fortunate with is injuries.

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

      Still expect them to be very good but think they'll fade a bit. I reckon City will win the league this year.

  24. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is there any site that gives you FPL mini league history? Past winners and scores and that.

  25. lfcserg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Repost

    RMT, 3-5-2

    McCarthy - Nyland

    TAA - Davies - Vinagre - KWP - Williams

    Auba - Salah - Alli - Rodriguez - Pereira

    Werner - Wilson - Brewster

  26. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    One with most votes I go with

    A) Soucek + Son + Mitrović

    B) H.Barnes + ASM + Ings

    1. danlynch13
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) give me +0.5itb

      1. lfcserg
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

  27. Y26 Royal
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gonna go with this i reckon:
    Ryan
    TAA, Doherty, Coady, KWP
    Salah (c), Auba, Pulisic, Son
    DCL, Wilson
    (Steer, Ayling, Brewster, Bissouma)

    I'm not making any plans after this GW. Yes i want Manchester players but every time i make a plan something goes wrong so i'm refusing to do it this year!

    1. danlynch13
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Great midfield

      1. Y26 Royal
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks man. Hoping by bargain Forwards pan out though!

  28. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last call

    A) Adams + 0.5 ITB
    B) Antonio

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for me

    2. Y26 Royal
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A due to B's fixtures

  29. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to drop to a 4.5?

    A. Saiss
    B. Egan
    C. Davies

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

      Davies or Egan

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, love Wolves but with the new signing Marcal I'm not sure if he is nailed anymore

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

      A

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

      Saiss. Marcal is a worry at LCB

    6. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, due to early fixtures. Gives you a chance to see how Wolves lineup

  30. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doing some extensive planning up to GW3 and I'm finding myself 0.5m short very often.

    Looking at preparing a frontline that looks like this come GW3:

    KdB Fernandes Son Havertz Foden
    Martial Wilson

    Would only cost me -4. But I'll need to free up 0.5m from defense which I really don't want to do or else use another transfer to downgrade Wilson which costs an additional 4 points and something I might not even want to do.

    1. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No rush to get Foden, might not even play. ASM and you can have Werner instead of Martial.

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

        I don't want Werner over Martial though. If they both had a game in GW1, I would have Martial and no Werner.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson to a 6.0 striker is probably the move with least impact to free up the 0.5.

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

      Mitro vs VILLA will have to do for me in wk 3

      City up in the air...Kun/Sterling/KdB

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

      Will have something similar by gw3 but won’t even need to take a hit. Early WC is completely unnecessary

    5. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I guess the easiest options are either
      Son > Alli/Pulisic (risk on him starting)
      Wilson > 6m option before gw1 to save you the transfer