Community Submissions

How Mindfulness can help with your FPL decisions


The Community Trials is part of our ongoing mission to support the wider community of creators and expand the scope of our own content.

We are continuing to monitor everything submitted during this initiative and we thought we’d bring your attention to a recent article on Mindfulness and FPL from domwatts23, which received some excellent feedback.

For more information on the Community Trials, click here. If you want to read more article submissions, click here.


We’ve all been there. Logging on to the Fantasy Premier League website just to have another look at our team. It’s beautiful, a masterpiece. The only issue is that we’ve already looked at it today. Why are we looking again? The answer is very simple really, and it’s mainly dopamine.

Just as Facebook used ‘psychological hacking’ in order to (and this is a genuine quote) ‘take as much of our time and attention as possible’. FPL innocently and unknowingly exerts a familiar influence over many of its managers.

I’m not that good at FPL. I always have a good start but things get messy along the way and I end up somewhere in the top 10 of my mini-leagues, occasionally in the money. I also have an addictive personality by nature, and so ordinarily FPL takes up too much of my time.

I’m a Mindfulness trainer by trade and my aim for this season is to use my knowledge of psychology and mental health in order to have more fun and less stress. After speaking to lots of friends, I see that this seems to be a good recipe for many others as well.

I’ve seen more and more talk about the psychological blunders we all make with FPL, and reactive transfers is a great example of the relationship between Mindfulness and this dear old game. Reactivity is perhaps the number one trait we try to address in mindfulness and meditation courses.

There are a few other nuggets of wisdom within the principles of Mindfulness which relate quite nicely to FPL and the unnecessary issues it can cause. I thought it might be helpful for readers if I summarised a few of the key ones here:

CONTROL

How De Bruyne's new Man City role affects his FPL credentials this season

Perhaps the most important source of FPL suffering is the illusion of control. Despite all the statistics anyone can possibly muster, the truth (however hard to hear it might be) is:

You don’t know what’s going to happen in any of those football matches.

It’s worth reading again because this is vital. We really don’t know. We are guessing. Yes, of course, there are trends, and of course, there’s a high probability that Kevin De Bruyne is going to get quite a few points against Fulham at home, but we can never know for sure and it is totally out of our control.

The follow up truth from this is:

How many points you get this week, or across the season, is not in your control. 

Strange to consider, isn’t it? I bet some people reading this beg to differ, but think about it. Every single point you have ever gained in FPL has been because a random human being miles away from you did something with a football, and it had nothing to do with you. 

Remembering this should be a relief. It takes away a lot of the grasping and clinging to what you think you definitely know, or how well you should/could do this week. Perhaps the most important consequence of remembering this first principle is that we remember to enjoy the game.

FUN

Did you forget? FPL is supposed to be fun! We all started playing this game because it’s enjoyable to try to guess what’s going to happen in the future, and to be rewarded when our guesses are correct. Enjoying the thrill of the unknown. 

This year, with more advice, news and FPL services available than ever before, there is a real risk of many of us losing sight of the enjoyment of the game more than ever before as well. If you really think about it, do you want to give so much energy and time to something which you are not enjoying? None of us do. So it’s in our interests to understand those factors which suck the fun out of the game and attempt to address them in our own relationship with FPL.

Mindfulness is great for this. Any time you notice that you’re miserable or stressed out because of FPL, it’s a good chance to stop and take some time to investigate what’s really going on. Slow down and pay attention to what’s happening in your inner world; bring it into the light. This is a form of meditation, and it doesn’t need to be done sitting on a cushion with your eyes closed. Rather than letting negative emotions drive your behaviour, be ruthless in remembering the above two points: it’s not in your control, and it’s supposed to be fun. Let go!

CONSCIOUS CLICKING

FPL relaunches with/without unlimited transfers for all managers

I started this article by mentioning the relentless checking of the website which many of us have fallen prey to. This behaviour takes place because we get a dopamine hit released in our brain every time we look at our team and remember that we might be rewarded in the future for those players doing well this weekend. Just like Instagram, Twitter etc, this is creating a feedback loop which is incredibly addictive.

The good news is that this means the remedies are the same and there are many. We should consider why we are checking the website and our team and begin to transition to consciously checking when we have a reason to do so. When we pay attention to our behaviours, we begin to transform them.

This is another strategy which can alleviate stress and bring some fun back into the game. Less time wasted is only going to be a good thing. Gradually bringing consciousness into the checking of the website will filter into your thinking processes as well, and before long you will be wasting less energy thinking badly about your transfers during the week and confusing the issue.

Who would want to be addicted to looking at a teamsheet of players from random football teams who you think are going to do well on the weekend? None of us do, and there’s no reason why we need to.

CLEAR THINKING

I was interested to see how well Magnus Carlsen did in FPL last year, and having just started learning to play chess, I think I can see some of the reasons why. Besides having a superhuman memory (which must really help when it comes to remembering stats and transfer options), chess requires extraordinarily clear thinking and decision making.

Magnus is incredibly good at blitz chess, which is when you have only a small amount of time to make your move, and this means he is very good at making decisions without wasting energy. This must be so useful for FPL. When he looks at his team and realises a strategy isn’t likely to pay off, I presume that he immediately discards it at light speed as he would do in a chess match, instead of ruminating over it as most of us would. This clarity of thought, unfortunately, isn’t something we all possess! However, we can still learn from this and try to bring some of it into our own play.

An example of this in relation to Mindfulness is to notice when you are thinking badly about FPL. If it’s just in the back burner of your mind, ticking away throughout the week, this isn’t necessarily helping you.

It would be better to consciously think about it for a short amount of time and make clear decisions which you understand. Make a routine for doing transfers which gives you enough time to gather the info you need and then make your decision, but doesn’t allow you to waste lots of your week. As you practice thinking more clearly and not wasting mental energy, you get better at it. That can only be a good thing.

MEDITATION

Perhaps the most important aspect of practising meditation is that it allows us to access a deeper state of mind. When we are in a deeper state of mind, everything is better. It brings clarity to our thinking and makes it more difficult for negative emotions to hang around and ruin our day.

Really slowing down and allowing the mind to rest fills it with energy, which is more powerful than the kind of energy we use on a day-to-day basis. This energy is likely to help us make much better decisions and enjoy our FPL season. So take a deep breath (or 100) before burning those four points!


FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 2

2,172 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Great article. One of the best I’ve read about FPL.

    1. 11 smelly shirts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Completely agree. I enjoyed reading it and so much more relaxing than thinking about transfers.

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

    How likely are Werner and Martial to drop tonight?

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

      Werner looks close but I actually doubt either will drop tonight, think all the WC's are having an impact.

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

        Cheers

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial cannot drop- even if injured for 8 weeks and playing Liverpool and MCI inside of those weeks. When he does drop, it is without logic and after he has risen by 0.5

      Seen in previous seasons there are players that can lose half their ownership and don’t drop

      Salah is another

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

    Wildcard nearly sorted but a few decisions I'm stuck on. Any help appreciated.

    Martinez - Forster
    Castagne - Saiss - Digne - Lamptey - Mitchell
    Salah - KDB - Son - Foden - Klich
    DCL - Mitro - Jimi

    a) Castagne, Hames, 4.5
    b) Castagne, Foden, Klich (benching headache until Foden proven nailed)
    c) VVD, Foden, 4.5

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      c. you need a pool defender.

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

      Wouldn't bother with Digne

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

        Why? Still has some set pieces and looked dangerous so far. Who do you prefer?

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

      D but also Digne to Castagne and Lamprey to James

  4. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    James nailed for Chelski?

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

      Some risk from Azpi if they revert to 3 at the back but playing well so should hold his spot for now.

      1. gomez123
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks

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

        If we go 3 at the back, James is even more lethal because he'd be the RWB.

        As it stands I very much doubt we'll be playing that formation, anyway.

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

    A descent 5.5 midfielder imo is Schlupp.Really good performance against ManUtd and good fixtures are coming.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Useful type until he's dropped. There are some nailed at that level inc Klich that may offer longer-term value.

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

        Yeah i guess Eze will take his place soon.

  6. Tony Two Tone
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone with any informed thoughts on who's going to partner Silva in defence for Chelsea. Zouma or Christensen?

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

    Son or Jesus on WC?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm still avoiding Son until I see how Reguilon operates down the left flank.

      Jesus is a great pick right now.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The other 2 parties in this choice?

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

        probs just 4.5's

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

          Son Brewster or Jesus 4.5 mid

          1. Netley Lucas
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Got it, positional change. Jesus.

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

        Jimenez Werner. Can just have 2 of those 4. Currently have Son and Jimi

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry, I meant which players remain in the positions vacated?
          Are we talking the 8th attacker in a positional change?

    3. Tony Two Tone
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on how long you want to keep said player. Aguero is supposedly on course to be fit for after the international break, so Jesus immediately then becomes a rotation risk after the next two games.

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

      Having both

      Martinez 4.0
      TAA Saiss Justin Lamptey 4.0
      Son Havartz KDB Foden Burke
      Jimenez Jesus Richarlson

  8. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    g2g or you think it’s worth doing Auba to KDB (-4)?

    Ryan
    Digne Saiss KWP
    Salah Auba Son Podence
    Richa Werner Mitro

    McCarthy Justin Bissouma Ferg

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

      Yes and captain

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

    Who's the better pick between Klich and Costa for Leeds?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      klich as on pens imo

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

      Roberts?

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

          What do I win?

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not much in it so go with the gut. Klich may offer steadier returns with the pens but Costa more of an attacker.

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

      ^This.

  10. Tsssst
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who we all using as enablers?

    Think the likes of Klich Podence Bamford are too good to be enablers aren't they?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well you can't go much cheaper

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well, you kill 2 birds with one stone if the enabler is good eh 😆
      Klich here.

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

      Gabriel, Saiss, Lamptey, Justin, Mitchell and Brewster.

      I don't really know what you mean. What is an enabler to you?

  11. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    thoughts on this wc please ?

    think i m getting there 🙂

    Ryan steele
    TAA James Justin/taylor (mitchell)
    Salah kdb barnes zaha (burke)
    werner jimmy watkins

    ?/10

    any input more than welcome !

    thanks and gl

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

      Not to tempted by Watkins and Ryan. The rest looks good

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

    From 1 to 3,how would you prioritise Son, Werner or Jesus on a WC?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1 werner
      2 son
      3 jesus

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

      Same dilemma. Currently on Son but others might be better short term. Jesus soon rotstion risk a worry for him but can see 2 big hauls there

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

      1. Son
      2. Jesus unless you have kdb
      3. Werner

  13. Ludde
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMWCT? 1.3 ITB. Where to upgrade the team?
    Martinez Steer
    TAA Saiss James Justin Mitchell
    Salah KDB J.Rod Podence Reed
    Werner Wood DCL

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      you re 0.2 away from son by upgrading j rod. wood to a 6 striker ?

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

        Mitro and Son over James and Wood?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          v tough. son wont score 4 every game but fixture is great. wood also has a good game. maybe stick with your initial plan 🙂 care to rate my team above?

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

    Is Nkounkou not in FPL or does he have a different name?

  15. Squib
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Pulisic?

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

    a) Son + DCL
    b) Rodriguez + Werner

  17. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?

    I presume many won't be fond of it, but I think I might just go with this.

    Guaita
    Saiss • Reece James • Vinagre/Cooper
    Salah • KDB • Havertz • Foden
    Jesus • Jimenez • DCL

    Steer • Burke • Lamptey • Mitchell

    Have EXACT cash for this rn, and honestly, I really love this squad. Yes, the defense sucks, but I think that's compensated with the quality upfront?

    Thoughts?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James, Vinagre, Burke, Mitchell all have the chance of being dropped. Lots of risk on a WC.

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        James is a calculated risk. I think he'll keep his place honestly.

        Vinagre can be Cooper. Burke can be Reed or any other starting 4.5m option.

        Mitchell until PVA comes back looks good.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      you said it, defence sucks 🙂

      I think it s a HUGE mistake to go without taa or robertson. imo

      front 8 looks ace though.

      may as well go for it. gl

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate

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

      I like it

      Might be best to keep Werner this week though then swap to Jesus GW4

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think City will run riot against Leicester as well.

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

      Looks great but I'd avoid havertz it might take him some time to get used to the speed of the EPL.

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Chelsea have great fixtures and with Havertz playing central like he did today could do wonders.

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

      I think it's a good team. Vinagre over Leeds defender if Marcal confirmed out for a while. But why Cooper over Ayling or Dallas if you go with Leeds defender?

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cooper is 4.4m. I've got the exact cash.

      2. Bring back Rafa
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cooper is cheaper

  18. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Leno Button
    Digne Dier Justin Ayling Mitchell
    Kdb Auba Pereira Podence Bissouma
    Kane DCL Werner

    Did Adams + ASM > DCL + Podence for a hit. Should I wildcard instead?

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

    Who is selling werner ahead of playing WBA the worst defence in the league? And if he scores a brace those weak sellers will buy him back and push his price back up. Same thing happened with Son.

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am selling on the WC. He's a great option. Can't have them all and wouldn't captain him myself.

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

        He's the top captain pick on scoutcast

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

      Punting on Havartz now with the option of Puli when fit. 2 Chelsea attack bit much until they start to really click but could start this week

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

    Who would you prefer?

    A Foden Mitro
    B Podence DCL

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

      b

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

      b

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

      Cheers

  21. Rover
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    Robertson AWB Dier (Vinagre Egan)
    KdB Havertz Rodriguez Podence (Burke)
    Martial DCL ???

    Not WC-ing anytime soon; who should take the final striker spot? Have 10.5m ITB, and leaning towards one of Jesus or Jimenez.

    If Jesus, then Egan > Semedo next GW.
    If Jimenez, then Egan > VVD next GW.

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

    a. Son + Jesus + Burke (benched)
    b. Salah + Foden + Brewster (benched)

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

      a

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

    Calls for Digne to be moved to cente half for the new lad at LB?

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

      Obviously not great for Digne if it happens but he gets majority of his attacking returns from set pieces so shouldn't impact his output very significantly. I think their defensive performance in the last 2 games is a bigger worry though.

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

    Mitro and Son or Wood and James? Already got DCL.

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

    Can't decide on these, all great options imo, who would you go for?

    A) Sterling
    B) KDB

    1) Klich
    2) Podence

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

      B2. Easy!

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

        this!

    2. Shteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B2

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

      B1
      Penalties!

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      b2 if you dont have jimmy
      b1 otherwise

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

      I'm on A2

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

      Pretty unanimous

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

      B2

  26. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    TAA & 1 playing GK (Martinez)
    Or
    Robbo & 2 playing GK (Martinez & Ryan)

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

      Robbo looks better value but don't waste money on two keepers, better to keep it ITB if nowhere else to invest.

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

    A: Reece James and Foden

    or

    B: Taylor and Harvey Barnes

  28. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Podence

    B) Klich

    1. Offside Trapattoni
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Klich offers terrific value, he's at the core of everything Leeds - do plus pens.

      Podence could deliver some surprising returns in the fixtures near term but bear in mind if Wolves add Douglas Costa from Juve, and it's being talked about, then he takes his place in the XI.

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

      In starting with Pod with those fixtures. If he does not get mins there are now several around his price to swap to, including Klitch if you have 0.1 over.

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

      A

    4. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thank you all.

  29. reason17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Bamford be replaced by rodrigo?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think so.

  30. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA James Niles Justin
    Salah Auba Bruno(c) Son SaintMaxim
    DCL

    (Button Mitchell Davis Vasilev)

    What would you do with this team? Iv got 1 free transfer and 0.4 in the bank. Im thinking Auba to Kdb(c)...

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

      Yep, Auba to Kdb is the obvious one

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

      Yes, I would!