Pro Pundits - Simon

The House’s Money: Why maintaining a good start to the FPL season is so difficult

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

  • Charles Dickens, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’.

Dickens may not have been speaking specifically about the opening Gameweeks of an FPL season (we’ll never know for sure) but his words are, nonetheless, fairly appropriate. While it has, indeed, been a tale of two Gameweeks thus far, there will be some who have done far, far better than others.

I love the start of a new FPL campaign as much as the next Fantasy manager but, I have to admit, it’s also among the most challenging parts to navigate successfully. Not only are we operating with very little information, but many of us also have to deal with the fact that some mini-league rivals have, somehow, already opened up what might appear to be unassailable leads.

Of course, this is the part of the season where we regularly preach patience and encourage people to avoid panic-driven decisions that they might later regret. Phrases like ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint’ are commonplace on FPL forums and we might also comfort ourselves with our vague childhood memories of a story about a race between a tortoise and a hare.

This article, however, will focus on why those people who have shot to the front probably won’t stay there, and why those chasing shouldn’t panic, yet.

The House Money Effect

Gamblers and investors, in particular, may be familiar with the ‘House Money Effect’, a cognitive bias first popularised by Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler. 

Essentially, the House Money Effect draws off the principles of ‘mental accounting’; the idea that we categorise money and expenditures into different accounts in our mind, and we evaluate outcomes in relation to these. 

So, for example, we might have mental accounts such as ‘beer money’, ‘college funds’ or ‘holiday money.’

The House Money Effect often occurs when we receive money in an atypical manner. For example; winning a bet, receiving a bonus or profiting from an investment. 

Behavioural psychologists have observed that people take far greater risks with such sums than they would with their savings or regular earnings. They also find that people also tend to be more generous with such windfalls than they might otherwise be.

The proposed reason for this phenomenon is that, psychologically, people don’t perceive these sums to really be their money, it goes into a completely different mental account to money earned in the normal way. It’s the casinos or ‘the house’s money’ and, thus, we tend to treat it that way. At best, we make more money from the risks we take with it. And at worst, we end up with our original stake, no better or worse off than we were before and, because we think we’ll be okay with either outcome, we’re inclined to treat it as fun money.

I would argue that, due to their windfall of FPL points, Fantasy managers who do very well in the opening few Gameweeks are substantially more at risk of succumbing to the House Money Effect than normal. 

This might translate into them spending some of those points via hits, making riskier transfers, making transfers when it might have been objectively more sensible to save them or simply being less rigorous in their selections, captaincy or transfer decisions. 

Now, this isn’t to say that high-flying managers simply got there by luck, much in same as an investor doesn’t profit entirely by luck, it’s simply stating that, due to this cognitive bias, the extra points they have scored may seem like ‘house money’ to them, and they’re likely to be more inclined to risk them as a result. 

Essentially; if they blow their lead, they’re no worse off than their competitors and this, mentally, becomes their baseline.

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

There is some evidence that may support this having already occurred too. Between Gameweeks 1 and 2, the average number of points spent on transfers via hits by FPL managers was 2.28 points overall but, among the Top 10k, this rose almost 20% to 2.72. 

Rationally-speaking, the Top 10k should have had less cause to make any transfers, let alone take hits, based on Gameweek 1 but, instead, they made more transfers and spent more points on them. 

The Top 10k also scored fewer gross points on average than the overall (53.27 vs 59.55). Naturally, in a single gameweek, this could simply be luck, but it could also be a result of less rigorous decision-making caused by the House Money Effect.

So, for those chasing, the key lessons from this are to not panic, to not make the same mistakes that the people above you probably will, and to take advantage of these mistakes to close the gap. That means avoiding hits, risky captaincies and panic moves like Wildcarding unnecessarily. 

It is worth bearing in mind that many of those who held firm with their Gameweek 1 squad profited as a result in Gameweek 2. As Guns ‘n’ Roses singer Axl Rose once said, “All we need is a little patience” though, again, it’s unclear whether he was talking about FPL specifically.

Naturally, there is also a fairly obvious lesson in all of this for those FPL managers who are doing really well after two Gameweeks, which I suppose I could spell out, but, honestly, who really wants to help those people anyway?

My Gameweek 3 Team


Former Fantasy Premier League world champion and four-time finisher in the top 7k Simon March gives us the lowdown on his thinking for the new campaign.

2,796 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Risers

    Calvert-Lewin (£7.3), Justin (£4.7)

    Fallers

    Saliba (£4.3), Samatta (£5.9), Kenny (£4.4), Knockaert (£5.3), Henderson (£5.4), Gomez (£5.4), Garcia (£4.9), Ighalo (£6.4), Sharp (£5.9), Fleck (£5.9), Lundstram (£5.4), Alli (£7.7), Højbjerg (£4.9), Rice (£4.9)

    1. Teahupo'o
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2-0

      Cheers Sinik 🙂

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

      Justin double rise finally. Thank you for the updates Sinik.

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

      Cheers sinik !!!
      1-0

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      101.2 but it's irrelevant as I'll be shipping several risers before deadline more than likely!

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

        This

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

        who you shifting ?

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Digne, Castagne, James, Klich & Son could all leave I reckon!

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

        Doesn't stop you telling us every day though!

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          be worse if the DZ was dead and nobody commenting 😉

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers.

    6. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      get in justin.

      0.1 and 16pts banked now get the f out of my team

    7. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers Sinik.

    8. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i accidentally sold Justin beginning of the week...

      Lost my 0.1 🙁

    9. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      .1 for show, .2 for dough

    10. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Two upwards arrows for Werner on FPL Statistics this morning.

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

      Was really hoping for a Dale Stephens drop.

      He's just moved to Burnley and a 4.4m bench mid would be extremely useful to me.

      Hopefully tonight...

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

        He'll be sat on the end of 760,000 benches with an injury icon. He hasn't even changed his shirt yet, so most owners won't have noticed.

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Same

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

    A) Robbo + BARNES
    Or,
    B) TAA + FODEN
    Or,
    C)Robbo + Foden + 0.5£itb

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

      B or C, probably B is best value.

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

        sorry, I meant C is best value.

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

      A

    3. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  3. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's the deal with the captain poll? I can't see the results.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Click on "See previous responses" after voting.
      The old poll will be back next week.

      1. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oh nice, missed that the first time! Good idea to try a chart but it's too hard to see the breakdown.

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      that pie chart is dreadful

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, will be changed back next week.

  4. tokara
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we honestly think foden w play

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

      Always a tricky decision with Pep and no one can really answer. He spoke highly of Foden in post match press conference but that's nothing new. I watched last night's game and thought he still looked fresh even after final whistle had gone, like he'd been subbed on for 10 mins, not played the full 90 ! Several days rest until Sunday, I can see him playing v LEI.

  5. L'Aeroplanino
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Son + Mitro + Trossard/Podence
    B. Werner + Trossard + Podence

    1. Help Me!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Does Praet 5.5m offer same value as Branes?

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

      Barnes has explosive potential. That is his main appeal

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      no

    3. L'Aeroplanino
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like him. Not sure he is nailed with Maddison coming back though

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

        And Under will need to fit into that midfield.

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

      I doubt it

  7. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    3 Years1 day, 2 hours ago
    Currently on this:

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Dallas, Justin, Struijk, Ferguson
    Sterling, Salah, Son, Zaha, James Rodriguez
    Werner, Mitrović, Wickham

    Any suggestions on future transfers in the near future?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That defence looks like future transfers.

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

      Downgrade a mid and improve the defence

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

    Trossard is the third best captaincy option. What am I missing here?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's on 4.1%

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Salah is 3rd, hover over the graph.

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

        Oh yeah. My bad. Greenwood is the second best and Martial the best. No mention of Kdb, Salah or other big hitters. Seemed odd to me.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Hover over the graph, in order it's KDB, Werner, Salah, Son, Kane.

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

            Understood. Thanks for the help TM. I think it's better if you make a post about the captaincy poll this week.

  9. Help Me!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play as 3rd defender, James Justin or Mitchell?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James

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

      JJ

  10. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to choose for the wc team

    A) Martinez, Castagne, Foden (On this but feel Leicester will probably be keeping less cleanies without ndidi)
    B) Martinez, James, Zaha
    C) Martinez, James, Barnes
    D) Guaita, James, Foden

    1. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      D

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

      C

    3. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mart James Foden and pocket the 0.5.

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

    Pick a combo, on WC
    A- Pope Lamptey Rodriguez
    B- Ryan VVD Zaha
    C- Guaita Digne Zaha

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

      C

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

    Would you rather have

    Zaha/Barnes + 4.5 midfielder or
    Podence + Diangana/Parreira

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

      Barnes as long ss the 4.5 mid is on the bench

  13. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Dream scenario: A few from Son, Klitch, Castagne, Digne & James to rise (and bank profit) and Werner to fall tomorrow before sorting final team!

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

      Can understand the others but not Son, why?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        0.1 gain then sell it seems.

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        some people are going without

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

          Well obviously but feel he's a good option on WC.

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

            He played 90 mins in Macedonia last night. If he keeps doing those Thursday night jobs, he's going to be compromised in his PL games - off early, rested.

          2. jia you
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            not fully happy with any draft with him in it so he'll likely go...a very good option no doubt though

    2. Gleys11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      And a Soucek drop for me.

  14. Wardinator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Im 50/50 on this last wildcard decision

    Martinez
    TAA. Digne. Saiss. Mitchell. ______
    KDB(C). Son. JRod. _____. ______
    Werner. Brewster. ______

    A) Robertson. Zaha. Jimenez. (+4.5 fodder)
    B) Justin. Salah. Podence (+4.5 fodder)

    A or B?

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

      I suppose A for flexibility. Havinf 2 4.5 forwards would make me very uncomfortable.

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What formation are you WCers playing this GW/mainly in the future?

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

      343

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

      3 4 3

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

      3-4-3. TAA, Robbo, Saiss there for a good long time. Lamptey to support.

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      think with the amount of viable strikers this season it makes sense to stick with three strikers (even though I'm set up with Brewster in a flexible 352/442 atm) in a standard 343 set up

    5. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      3-4-3

    6. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Expected some 352

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

        I've got 14 active players that I'm happy to use. So in defence between 3-5, midfield normally 4, attack 2-3.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Very nice.

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

      I started on 3-5-2 but there are too many good options up front, I'd play four there if I could! Now on a 3-4-3 that can be 4-4-2 (or possibly 3-5-2 if Soucek drops and I get really lucky with another price rise tomorrow).

  16. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Damn that captaincy chart really hurt my eyes!

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

    Do I just
    1) Start Barnes
    2) Chance it with Burke as my 5th mid and start him
    3) Take a punt on Zaha/Grealish and then look to Barnes/Foden next week?

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

      1

    2. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

  18. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Annoying that Werner's price didn't drop.

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am hoping Martial follows suit and stays 9m.
      Must be annoying for wildcarders chasing Werner.
      Great fixture.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      hopefully tomorrow!

  19. klopptimusprime
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    WC G2G?

    Martinez
    TAA Saiss Mitchell
    Salah KDB James Podence
    Jesus Jimenez DCL

    Forster; Burke, Lamptey, Dunne

    Thinking of getting Barnes next week for James, but should I bank an FT next week?

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

      Mitchell, Burke, Dunne setting yourself up for some low-value transfers at some point I think.

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

        yeah shout, might make Barnes trade, and add 0.7 to bench

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

      Personally I would just start with Barnes. Who knows what could happen next week: injuries, reds etc.

  20. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just curious how much of a -4 do people think is worth it to gain price rises .1 or .3 etc?

    I played the the price rises when I wildcard gw2. Already at 101.1 team value. Even took a -4 after WC playing the prices bringing in J Rod and Son
    I figure is basically allowing to get Brewster (4.5m hopefully sheff utd fwd) in future as if he is a 4.0 defender as I will have the difference made up in the rest of the team value for example.

    Is chasing prices deluded or worth getting that value even for a -4.
    At what point is it not worth it to chase Team Value?

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

      I don't think about it much tbh. Even if you miss out on a player, there is always another option or a differential. But obviously it's smart to try and catch some rises if you can.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Every year I try and be aggressive with early transfers.
        Particularly at start of season because I find that I invariably want to make the moves anyway - but can be priced out if I wait Really annoying being priced out and you have to rethink a plan.
        I am wondering if it is bad way to play as many fpl managers suffer drops and wait.

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

      It's not my thing so I don't pay much attention, but for those who advocate it I think the idea is to build up as much as possible until your second wildcard, then focus on points only.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I try and look at fixtures as well as price if possible. But I got Son early this week after his 4 goals literally, mainly because I knew his value will rocket quickly and 8.9m could be the bargain of the season. I am not great for ignoring price drops though, got lucky with WC gw2 and none came back to bite me.

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

      I think it's a good idea to have most of the squad on the rise (in terms of price).
      Then after one more good game, you could ship them off for an extra 0.1mil.
      One or two core players (e.g. Salah, KDB) should always be in the squad regardless of price rises.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I am going to try the KDB/Salah thing and keep it simple. Plan to try and be loyal to quality and form players barring injury. Just transfer around the edges after that.

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

    Any CP fans ?
    Tyrick Mitchell is taking over whose position ? due to injury or is he first team ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      PVA

      1. Gleys11
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        And is Ferguson likely to be straight back in the team when he is fit?

  22. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi All - Help please!

    McCarthy
    TAA, KWP, Mitchell, Davies
    Salah, KDB, Son, ASM
    Martial, Werner
    4.0 | Justin, Davis, Bissouma

    A) Good to go
    B) Davies -> Saiss (-4)
    C) ASM -> Podence (-4)
    D) ASM & Davies -> Podence & Saiss (-8)

    If I don’t do it this week I’d do Davies -> Saiss next week for free. Does your decision change if ASM and/ or Davies are confirmed out?

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

    Its my great dilemma now:
    ROBBO + 0.5£itb
    Or,
    TAA

    That 0.5£itb could be handy in near future.
    Is TAA worth 0.5£ more?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well here's to you Mrs Robinson.!
      Heaven knows; but I suspect with the amount of dead balls entrusted to Trent that cometh the end of the season the .5 will indeed justify the outlay.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I asked this before.

      I think the 0.5 is great if you want to swap out Salah/KDB/Aubameyang for example.

      But if you are only going to change your team around the edges 4.5 to 4.5 etc and keep value players you don't need money itb.

  24. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Martial to werner for a hit ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not for me.

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

        Werner is due , dont u think TM ?

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

      No way

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial is one of those players that will bang or bust all season.
      I think he's an over rated Muppet myself and should be binned along with that other fraud that's stinking out Utd.

      Dunno about Werner as yet, I wanna see more but I'm swaying on a yes tbh.

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

        Agreed.
        Pogba, Martial, and Maguire, overpriced frauds

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

        Okay thnx !

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

    Who is the best 4.5 back to go with? Going Ryan in goal, but still thinking Lamptey. Looking ahead, want someone to cover Saiss 8, 10, 11.

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

      Limited options there, either Brighton or Burnley 4.5ers.

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

      I have Lamptey, really rate him

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

      Palace and Newcastle have the easiest fixtures those 3 GWs. Options there. Possibly Ferguson for 4m.

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

    Who to start:

    1. Justin (mci)
    2. Mitchell (EVE)

    Thanks

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

      Justin for possible attacking return

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

  27. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Armstrong over podence if he drops to 5.4? Was all the rage in pre season

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

      Southampton was all the rage pre-season. Then that high D-line happened.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It was like watching a computer game set at beginner level.

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

          It was mental especially after how they defended so well v City and others last season. Think Ralphie has lost the plot and that fragile confidence post Leicester is shot again

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I think it will be between Ralph or Moyes for the early sacking. At least the saints have the fixtures West Ham's look awful.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Southampton are actually fourth (!) in the league table on points from GW14 to GW38 last season with only Liverpool, City & Man Utd getting more points over those 25 games (they got 44 - more points than Spurs, Wolves, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Leicester during that spell for example)

              Would probably be odd if they sacked Ralph after two or three (or four or five) bad results & bad performances

              1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Interesting stats. Will be a test of man management now if Ralph can lift the players. They must be embarrassed.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  It's a bit mad when you sort the league table by GW14 - 38 form - they're even higher post restart (third!)

                  https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/formtabelle/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2019&min=14&max=38

                  They'll surely give him benefit of the doubt - probably deserved after driving a team that are basically a Danny Ings injury away from relegation fodder into such a strong 25-game stretch of results

                  Maybe the 5-2 was this season's 9-0 & they have their come to jesus session & come back stronger a few games down the road

                  But if we're 10 games in & they're sitting on 2 or 3 points then yeah things start to look untenable or that something's maybe broken behind the scenes/in dressing room etc

                  1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 6 months ago

                    Wondering if the Hojbjerg sale will have a real negative effect?

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 6 months ago

                      Was an important player for them for sure

    2. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No Podence easily.

  28. derdourily
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Martinez - Steer
    VVD-Saiss-Justin-Mitchell-Taylor/Lamp
    Salah - KDB - Son - Rodriguez- Burke
    Jimi - Werner - Brewster

    Cheers

    1. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. No Trent/Robbo is risky though.

      Also wouldn’t want to play 2 of Burke/Mitchell/Lamptey/Justin each week.

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

        You re right about playing 442 every week will not be easy with this team

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

    Thiago (LIV), Reguilon, or Diangana for draft team waivers?
    I go second, so won't get Bale.

  30. Merciless Destroyers
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys WC active. Which pair would you choose?

    A) VVD + Werner
    B) TAA + Jiménez

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

      B

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

      B