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

    Best defender for 4.5m? Already have Justin.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ayling

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

      Lewis looked good. Fixtures look good

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

      Lewis for me too. Or Lamp.

  2. Mr Bird
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bale completes Spurs medical... should be interesting

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

    Anyone on Mo(C)? I see people selling him???!!!

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

      Its the only way they can get KDB

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

        Yep. And that makes sense. KDB the best player in his best years at the club that scores the most goals period. He is the man

  4. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bit of a weird one here. Depending on Chelsea news of course.

    Which one would you start?
    KWP (TOT)-H
    Pulisic (LIV)-H

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

      Captain America

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

        ugh. It makes me cringe when you call him that. Also I think he'll still be injured

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

          Sorry, Captain Dthinger. If you don’t mind me calling you that

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I take it those are your only viable options? Personally don't think Pulasic will start, so a fairly likely one pointer there. Wait for news, though...

      1. Will J 256
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ok thanks very much

  5. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo looks better? (on WC)

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Digne Saiss Justin Mitchell
    Salah KDB Klich ----- Bissouma
    Martial ----- -----

    A) Fernandes, Calvert-Lewin, Davis (4-4-2)
    B) McCarthy, Richarlison, Werner (4-3-3)

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

      a

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You think Fernandes+Martial is a bit much Berbs? I also feel like Richarlison is heaps better than Calvert-Lewin. Fernandes on pens is amazing though. Also worried about not owning Werner. Going back and forth between both!

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

          I think United will do well next few weeks to be honest

          Prefer DCL to Rich too

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Hmm, you got me thinking. When a Liverpool fan says that, there's probably some truth to it 😉

            Richarlison looked so involved, if he wasn't a complete donkey he would've had at least a brace. The 1.0 can do a lot though so its tough

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

    Best £4.5m defender of these?

    A) Justin
    B) Lamptey
    C) Targett
    D) Taylor
    E) Lewis

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

      b

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamptey looked really good

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

      Lamps is cute and promising.

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

      B & E

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

    So we are waiting for bale till the end of the week ??

    1. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 6 months ago

        fk Bale

      • The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        don't want him....great potential to be a troll

      • Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        To be flagged?

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

      Mccarthy
      Trent Robbo Ayling
      Salah, Auba, Alli, ALM
      Werner, Adams, Mitrovic
      Bench: Steer, Bissouma, Mitchell, Vinagre
      0.5ITB

      Alli > Rodriguez a good move?

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

        You have the exact same starting eleven as me except I'm rotating Lewis and Taylor and you have Ayling.

        I did Alli to Rodriguez last night to beat the price drop. Imo it's worth a role of the dice giving Everton's fixtures. No better fixture to start with to get ahead of the curve.

    3. @Bryan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Three questions and some food for thought.

      Any news on Pulisic?

      2nd, am I missing something on Zaha? He seems to be a very solid option at 7m after his switch back to midfield in FPL. He is the main man and in form in a side, you can probably bet on a baseline score of 140pts I think accounting for his switch back to midfield and past history. Scope for a higher ceiling.

      Finally would it be too risky to captain J Rodriguez this weekend? Vs a bottom side team, at home and he is clearly a class player. I think he has potential as a good pick.

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

        Zaha seems good but it was only one game. Last season was not great.

        Hamez has not yet provided enough data for c.

        1. @Bryan
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think maybe Rodriguez stats from previous teams shows he is a good player when he plays.

      2. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Zaha a good option. But neither Eze or Batshuai have started so it depends if this will effect him well or negatively.

        1. @Bryan
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          True, I think I'd give him a miss this week vs Utd but in next few weeks he appears to be a proven player with some good fixtures. I don't think crystal palace will become a high scoring team but he should be involved when they do!

      3. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Honestly first zaha and then cap Rodriguez!

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

      I really hope Leicester's new signing is not an underachiever.

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

      Are people going over the top to get Utd assets in?

      I've seen crazy hits, WC and someone suggesting Salah to Bruno?

      I don't get it. I'll look at getting Martial and Rash in but I'm happy going into the weekend without them.

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

        Martial and/or Rash (eventually). Still prefer the combo of Salah and KDB, rather than stretching too much to get Bruno.

      2. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Fernandes covers them until they hit their stride

      3. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Salah - KDB - Fernandes is easily achieved

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

        Given the attacking prowess of United's front 4 + the threadbare nature of Palace's defence right now (e.g. picture Dann vs Martial), maybe not.

        That said though, I've also gone with United assets this week, but I know full well that I'm taking a big risk.

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

        Imo yes. I think some people forget they had such a nice run of fixtures for project restart. I'm like you and I'm personally going to keep Auba till possibly the Sheffield United home game and make a decision from there after I've assessed the United assets.

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

      Werner and Moura > Martial and Greenwood or hold?

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would only W to M
        Moura is interesting if he will start

    7. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What times have price changes been this season so far?

      Hoping that Pulisic a drop survives tonight.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        2am or something

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

        2:30am I believe.

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

        Thanks

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

      So decided to change my intiial plan to go with 4 big mids on WC and the all in on leeds defence.

      Have settled on this. Decided to drop Kdb and spread the cash since i feel id want to captain Sterling in the city fixtures which look nice ( leeds and west ham away)

      Targeting the fixture swings of Everton, United, Wolves for now.

      Meslier 4m
      TAA, Saiss, James, Shaw, ( mitchel)
      Auba, Sterling, Rashford, Hamez ( bissouma)
      Jimi, DCL (brewster)

      Flexible transfer wise for week 3 onwards

      Either Auba to Salah if he is on it
      But if WBA are spanked again i like the look of Auba + Brewster to any 7m mid + Werner (c) and wait until SHU at home for Salah.

    9. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone have the link to the mods and cons league.

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

        Front page bottom right

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm on a phone I can't find it

        2. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          OK found it thanks

    10. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial is better than Bruno, massive season for him.

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

        Shame he’s losing 1-2 ppg for being a striker though

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Will he do better with bonus?

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

            No he will do a bit worse

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

              Diagree

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

            Yeah more bps for goals

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

            If u mean he'll get more bonus being classed as a forward then yes

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

            Yes he'll get more bonus but he loses a point for a midfield goal as well as clean sheets so the net is a loss.

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

              I do believe he would have been priced higher as a mid though so i guess that balances it out.

    11. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Evening all

      McCarthy
      TAA - Davies - KWP (Saiss - Mitch)
      Auba - Bruno - Son* - Kai - ASM
      Werner - Mitro (Davis)

      A. Save FT
      B. Son 》James Rod. before price drop for Son

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

        I’d be more worried about double Southampton defence

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

      Can't get into the members area. Anyone else having that problem?

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

        Yep

        Maybe due to me not being a member though 🙂

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

          That would explain it

        2. Tommyg
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

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

      Best 4.5m GK over the season?

      A) Martinez
      B) Ryan
      C) McCarthy

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe A

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

        Over the whole season, probably B.

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

        Meslier imo

    14. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Did Alli play tonight? Chances he will start against sou?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Didn't even travel. Maybe.

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

      Current side is this -
      McCarthy (TOT)
      TAA (che) - Lascelles (BHA) - Egan (avl)
      Auba C (WHU) - Salah vc (che) - Fernandes (CRY) - ASM (BHA)
      Ings (TOT) - DCL (WBA) - Mitro (lee)

      Steer - Bissouma - Mitchell - Johnson

      Have 0.5 itb, with a mind to do Ings > Martial. But with Jimi looking good and spurs not, thinking of keeping Ings and deciding whether to move to Martial or Jimi.

      So A) Ings > Martial
      B) hold

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

        A. I think having Fernandes in good enough Man U cover for now

    16. FPL Dancer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I made a GW2 Wildcard Video for those who want to get Man City and Man Utd players in NOW!! Check the video below 🙂

      https://youtu.be/uVBeTufbplE

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Lol

    17. TripleHHH
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bottomed

      Used my FT for alli to greenwood this week

      Thought about wildcard but may stick for now. Team for this week:

      Ryan (McCarthy)
      TAA, Dier, KWP (Mitchell, Douglas)
      Auba (c), salah, Greenwood, saka
      Werner, ings, mitro

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

      Lamptey's xG/xA stats were surprisingly mediocre last season.

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

        Was in a back 4 no?

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

          Back 3 in some games, back 4 in others with latter being used more often. It will be the same this season, Potter changes formation and players based on the match.

    19. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who would you sell out of Robertson or Trent? Obviously in an ideal world neither, but I want Fernandes and need the funds.

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

        Trent

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

        I'd rather have robertson tbh. Trent was only a better option because he was on setpieces. Yes he will score 2-3 direct freekicks over the season but i think in terms of assists robertson is better from open play and now he also takes a lot of setpieces. So they will be at a similar level of points by the end of the season imo. And Robertson is 0.5 less so sell trent.

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

      With fixtures I’m considering waiting for gw3 and getting Jiménez instead of Martial this week.

      Am I Over thinking it?

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

        There's no right or wrong answer, both good options with good fixtures

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

          Cheers!

          Think I’ll wait on United and see how they look

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

            Sounds sensible. Best of luck!

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

      Alli to Foden worth it with 1 free transfer
      I presume Alli is on the way out and won’t feature at the weekend?

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

        Foden might not feature?

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

        You'd just be taking out someone who may not play for someone else who may not play

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

        K fair point but I really don’t know who to get in. It seems stupid to let Alli sit on the bench when I could have someone play instead and that’s even if he doesn’t drop again.

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

          Understandable, but if you're going to use a transfer I'd want to get someone in for the long term. You could end up wanting rid of Foden next week and then you're back to square one

    22. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      G2G
      Mccarthy
      TAA KWP Taylor
      Salah Son Havertz Aubam(c) Ceballos
      Werner Mitrovic

      Nyland Saliba Mitchell Davis

      Debating Havertz and Werner to j.Rod (Everton) and Martial

      Cheers

    23. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      New article

    24. spamking
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would you suggest any changes to this WC team?

      Martinez (Nyland)
      Digne. Shaw. Lamtey.
      Aub(c). Salah. James. Bruno. Bisouma.
      Calvert-Lewin. Martial

      Bench: Saiss (vs City), Mitchell, Fodder