Pro Pundits - Lateriser

The best way to bounce back from a poor start to the FPL season in Gameweek 2

“Run the risk. If it works out, happiness. If not, wisdom” – Unknown

So then, one Gameweek into the new season and Fantasy Premier League managers already have big decisions to make.

For me, rolling the dice and going without Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) fell flat on its face. It would be naïve to think I was unlucky and those who owned the Egyptian were lucky ‘because penalties’ – FPL is not as black-and-white as all that. I think it was quite the opposite, to be honest. The quote above tells us one thing. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you don’t gain ‘wisdom’.

I have a sneaky feeling that the Salah of 2017/18 is back. I haven’t seen him this sharp and fit for a long, long time and that it is why it is dangerous to have ‘pre-conceived’ notions in this extremely dynamic game. 

I have spoken a lot about ‘Upside Chasing’ and ‘Big Hitter Switching’ this season but I’ve also spoken a lot about ‘Adapting’. And when Salah puts in a performance such as he did against Leeds, you pay attention. You adapt. You re-align your thinking. 

We’re not talking about any old FPL asset here. We’re talking about someone who finished in the top two overall Fantasy scorers over the last three years and has a proven ceiling of 300 FPL points (which was achieved largely without penalties). 

Salah was struggling with an injury last season and I have a feeling Jurgen Klopp was playing him through it because there was a historic title on the line. It seems like he is over it now. 

Now, I am not going to buy him this Gameweek BUT I am not going to go without Salah for a long time and am working towards a plan to get him. 

He’s fit. He’s sharp. He looks hungry. Liverpool are due some penalties. He’s got increased assist threat. 

Being stubborn will not make you a good FPL player. You have to respond to what you see on that television screen. I wouldn’t stick to a pre-determined plan of chasing fixtures by selling Salah if you had such a plan. In Gameweek 2, he’s facing Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m) for what it’s worth. His troubles between the sticks are well-documented, most recently by David in this match report of Chelsea’s win at Brighton. Shooting on sight might be enough for Salah

For those that got off to a bad start like me (43 points), don’t worry about it too much. I always said Gameweek 1 was somewhat of a shot in the dark with more unknowns than any round of the season. It is how you respond beyond Gameweek 1 that makes you a good FPL manager. 

But, just a word of warning before we draw any drastic conclusions. We only have one week of data so far this season. We don’t know what the norm is yet, meaning we don’t know which match events are the anomalies either. 

If, like me, you went all-in against Salah, don’t forget that you knew the risks and the opposition had a really good hand (not a lucky one but a good one) that came through. You learn from it and move on. The key is that you do learn from it. This is a game of temperament that you need to hold for a season. 

There are a few other things worth mentioning about Gameweek 1 that I’ll take you through. There’s no structure here. Just think of it as me writing in my diary.

We need to talk about Raúl Jiménez (£8.5m). There are so many new ‘toys’ in the market when it comes to exciting, explosive strikers that we might tend to overlook the old, dusty pack of Uno cards which have never really given us a ‘laugh-riot’ game night but it’s never been boring either. 

There is not much to think about here. Jiménez has been reliable for two seasons now. Yes, he slowed down at the back-end of Project Restart but still scored a steady four goals in that run. And it looks like Nuno has decided to go ‘sexier’ with his team this season. They looked more formidable in attack at Sheffield United, Jiménez looked incredibly sharp and it seemed like they created more than they usually do. 

This did have a little bit of an effect on Wolves’ defence though and I thought they looked more open at the back than usual. As it was Sheffield United, they went largely unpunished. The upcoming fixtures pit Nuno’s men against Manchester City (home), West Ham (away), Fulham (home), Leeds (away), Newcastle (home) and Crystal Palace (home). It certainly looks like a night of Uno that’s going to be more fun than usual without the unnecessary disruption of European Football.

How Spurs and Everton's new signings fared in their FPL Gameweek 1 debuts

Remember that year in school when one of the less popular kids came back a changed person one summer before suddenly became a changed person one summer. Over the holidays he went home bought the best gym equipment, went on a shopping spree with a good stylist and became a cool kid virtually overnight. Well, in the Premier League this season, that kid is Everton. 

Everything you knew about them last year is irrelevant. Yes, a certain Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.1m) was a troll during Project Restart and went on a horrible run. But that kid named Everton accompanied by their suave new stylist Carlo Ancelotti went shopping and bought a completely new wardrobe (read midfield) and you now need to view this team completely differently. 

Out of nowhere, the Toffees look creatively competent. Having players who can switch the side of play so easily instead of others that are incapable of making a single forward pass makes a difference I guess. Add to that, they have one of the best ball-winners in Europe protecting that back-line in Allan (£5.5m). The team deserves our attention at both ends of the pitch and you must erase every bad memory you had with this kid last year when he trolled you no end.

Elsewhere, a pair of 4.5m defenders are already standing out to me as the pick of the lot. I’ve got Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) on my watchlist for this price bracket. 

Lamptey, in particular, has immense potential. Brighton looked very encouraging against Chelsea, with Graham Potter instructing much of his team’s offensive play to travel through the full-backs. Lamptey showed us what he can do last season with an impressive performance against Liverpool and seems proficient in creating chances with great reliability.

Someday, we might even get to purchase a nailed-on defender from Arsenal at £4.5m or below. Now that the Gunners are much more solid at the back, I will be keeping close tabs on William Saliba (£4.4m) and Rob Holding (£4.5m) to see who emerges as the better option long-term. It is worth noting that Arsenal’s fixtures don’t become incredibly appealing until Gameweek 8, so we do have time to judge them, which is helpful.

After a major captaincy-fail last week, I really hope this week is easier on me. I am currently having a major heart versus head debate as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) seems like the obvious captaincy pick, but I also happen to be a Manchester United fan. I know the Arsenal man has an easier fixture, based on the defensive prowess (or lack thereof) displayed by West Ham last season and in Gameweek 1 but I also own Anthony Martial (£9.0m) and Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m).

My co-host Zophar told me on this week’s episode of The FPL Wire that West Ham made Steve Bruce’s Newcastle look like prime Barcelona on Saturday evening. I trust his opinion and that has me worried about how much damage Aubameyang can do in Gameweek 2. That said, Manchester United were really effective going forward last season once Fernandes joined the team and Paul Pogba (£8.0m) was fit.

So, with all that to consider, I haven’t yet made up my mind about my next captaincy decision. Traditionally I always like captaining a Manchester United player in the first good home game of the season. And we do play this game for fun, right?

*Looks through post-season notes*

 “You love Tony gloves.”

1,967 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good that spurs out of europe, now they can focus on epl

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

      Try again

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

    Feel bad for Doherty. Moved away from a better team.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He looks sad every time I see his face

      1. Teddy Steddingham
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm sure he can dry his tears on his extra cash

  3. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA - Justin - Holding - Davies
    Salah - Auba - Son - ASM
    Werner - Ings

    Nyland - Bissouma - Davis - Mitchell

    A) Save FT
    B) Ings > Martial or Laca
    C) Ings > DCL
    D) Son > Rash
    E) Ings + Son > DCL and Bruno (-4)
    F) Ings + Son > Vardy + Willian (-4)
    G) Davies > Shaw

    Cheers!

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      C

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      E

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

      A

  4. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    BREAKING: Gareth Bale to Tottenham is OFF after the player comes to his senses and realised the club are a mess. More on this story shortly...

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

      He stops off on the South coast and signs for Bournmouth instead.

      1. Teddy Steddingham
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would love to see Bale tearing up the Championship

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

      😆

  5. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Keep Southampton assets!

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol glad I kept Ings!

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

        Yeah he scored great yesterday

    2. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ings captain locked in

      • Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        McCarthy CS.

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

      Why people think Podence is better option than Neto?

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

      As I’ve already said, Soton Spurs will end 0:0, both are tragic right now and will have mid week games in legs

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Isn't it better to wildcard after the transfer window comes to a close? I really don't see why some are rushing into it.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        People have problem to solve in their teams

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Problems*

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

        To get city and united mainly

      3. Party time
          3 years, 6 months ago

          WC active. It is just the way I play the game. WC every 2nd gw of a new season. People aren’t rushing, there are simply many ways to play this game

        • Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pre-planned strategy to do it after GW2

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

        Although I've been suggesting people to keep TAA, now I am thinking of going without as there is so much value at the back this season in the lower priced brackets.

        I would like to know the cons of going without TAA?

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

          Based on one GW?

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

            No based on other value players

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

              And their performances on one GW?

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

                Performance has been poor ever since Watford loss tbh

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

          Here. . . . . He will get 200 points for 7.5m . . . .

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

            This.
            Although he can always be brought back with 2 FT’s or a WC at any time.

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

            I can rotate two 4.5s and get 200 points

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

              There is 0% chance 2 rotating 4.5's get 200 points.

        3. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I’ve started the season without him and still didn’t have Digne lol.

          5m defenders look incredible this year.

        4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Cons.. more money in attack

        5. COLLIN QUANER
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It's his high ownership that would scare me. Over 50%

        6. tm370
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          The cons are all the points he will score.

          1 GW is counting for too much atm. We've had the best part of two years of TAA scoring brilliantly. Unless Liverpool change their system I'm not sure it makes sense to go without him. It's better to save elsewhere.

          1. Teddy Steddingham
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            TAA losing half his corners to Robertson I think is enough of a 'change in system' to consider going to Robertson, but not the wholesale removal of liverpool from the defence.

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

            Thing is you can rotate 4.5/5s (loads of good options) get the same points or maybe 20-30 less

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

          I would go robbo personally

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

        Can't wait for the next excuse Mou gives this time!!

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

          Spurs losing to NINE men !!!! ( Farmers )

      6. William.gallant
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Anyone have a stream for the spurs match?

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

          try ronaldo 7

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

        Ok I'm sure theres a perfectly good explanation, but can someone tell me why Alli dropped but son etc didn't?

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

          He's a lazy bum

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

        Mourinho and the team celebrating on the last matchday as well.. 😀

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

          Makes it even funnier 😀

      9. Pukkipartyy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wich combo is better GW3 -->

        A) Jimenez, Martial, Pulisic
        B) Werner, Callum Wilson, Bruno

        Thx!

        1. Werner Bremen
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          B

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

            More i think about, A looks so much better to me...

      10. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Spurs still losing against 9 men - 2 red cards

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Equaliser 1-1

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

            Bale?

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

          And a team that are 10th in the Russian League...

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

            Bulgarian imo

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

              I got the wrong Lokomotiv 😆

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

            6th in Bulgarian League

      11. Ghost Ship
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I was feeling down about having Ings this week but then I saw spurs are playing away in the Europa league with most of their first choice defence. Glorious!

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

          Lol, like he scored yesterday against Championship team

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

            Attack doesn’t seem to get damaged so much by these mid week games. But playing away to a team called Plovdiv will break those spurs lads. Just hoping for a goal then it’s Jimi time.

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

        Wtf two red cards for Plovdiv and pen for Spurs

        Goal for Kane

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

        Insane scenes

      14. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        At least after this Alli is back on level terms with everyone else.

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

          if it goes to extra time maybe Alli starts

      15. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Locomotiv down to 9 men. Surely Spurs cannot just draw to the 6th team in the Hungarian league.

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

          Bulgarian imo

          1. Botman and Robben
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks for the correction.

      16. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        When is Mou getting sacked? I think before Christmas

        1. Teddy Steddingham
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Soon - he needs to re-evaluate his coaching method. Players don't seem to respond to it anymore even if he was a great a few years ago.

      17. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Kane's penalty taking is incredible

      18. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A. Pulisic to Rodriguez/Greenwood
        B. TAA & Pulisic to Digne & Fernandes (-4)
        C. Save FT

        McCarthy
        *TAA* Robertson Justin (Mitchell)
        *Pulisic* Salah Aubameyang Soucek (Bissouma)
        Werner Wilson Mitrovic

      19. Werner Bremen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Finished. What do you say?

        Pickford
        TAA, James, Saiss
        Salah, Auba, Podence, Soucek
        Werner, Martial, DCL

        Button, Justin, Mitchell, Bissouma

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

          No city could hurt

          1. Werner Bremen
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            GW3 - Auba to KDB/Sterling

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

            No Auba could hurt
            No Salah could hurt
            Someone has to miss out.

            1. Werner Bremen
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              They are there?

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

                I know.
                WiltonJ is saying “no City could hurt!”
                Have to make a sacrifice somewhere, can’t have everyone .

        2. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Nice. Do you plan to get City assets soon?

          1. Werner Bremen
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes, GW3

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

          Looks like point chasing to me

          1. Werner Bremen
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            You wouldn't say that if you had McCarthy, Vinagre, Taylor and Davies at the back

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

              I do....

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

          The Podence and Soucek double up does not appeal to me

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

        Even if it goes to extra time, even Tottenham won't lose to 9 men.

        ...surely.

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

          Is extra time possible? Please!

      21. GW2 Fixture and clean sheet odds
        G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        GW2 Fixtures and clean sheet odds

        GW2 fixture odds can be found here:
        http://prntscr.com/uj1sku
        (Provided by Betbrain)

        GW1 clean sheet results
        LIV: 47% ❌
        ARS: 40% ✅
        WOL: 39% ✅
        CHE: 38% ❌
        TOT: 38% ❌
        LEI: 34% ✅
        WHU: 34% ❌
        SOU: 33% ❌
        SHU: 31% ❌
        CRY: 29% ✅
        NEW: 25% ✅
        WBA: 22% ❌
        EVE: 21% ✅
        BHA: 17% ❌
        FUL: 16% ❌
        LEE: 10% ❌

        GW2 clean sheet odds
        MNU: 49%
        EVE: 43%
        LEE: 43%
        LEI: 43%
        MCI: 40%
        ARS: 39%
        NEW: 34%
        AVL: 32%
        BHA: 32%
        SHU: 32%
        TOT: 32%
        LIV: 26%
        SOU: 25%
        CHE: 20%
        BUR: 19%
        FUL: 18%
        WBA: 16%
        WHU: 15%
        WOL: 15%
        CRY: 12%
        (Provided by Betbrain)

        Whoever you have in your team, hope you have a great GW people!

        G

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

          I have Dele Alli , great weekend aint happening

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            😆

            You never know, football's a funny ol' game...

        2. Ghost Ship
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It exactly an impressive set of predictions.

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

            Meant it isn’t...

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              They're not predictions though...

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

          Wow that GW1 Pool percentage is so high..

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Was 😆

        4. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers G-Whizz. Hopeful of some defensive returns with Everton, Leicester and Arsenal.

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I fancy your chances more than mine 😉

        5. Game of Throw_ins
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Wow.. those odds proved way off mark. Only 3 of those top 9 CS odds came through while 3 of the bottom 6 did well (LIV, TOT, SOU, SHU defence owner :P)

          1. Game of Throw_ins
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            bottom 7*

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

          cheers

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

        Rip Spurs up 2-1

      23. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ndombele 2-1

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

        should think so...

      25. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Gorgeous goal, Ndombele showing what he's got

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

          against 9 players whose team wouldn't make div 1 😛