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

    Werner, Salah or KDB as captain.

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

      Salah

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

        Yer, I reckon.

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

      Salah or KdB, coin toss.
      Werner yet to prove.

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

        Prove what? There's an argument!
        I could put up an argument here, supported by the mainstream stat merchants that will put Werner in CR7 .Messi territory_ but I won't.

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

      KDB, Werner close second.

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

      Got a three-sided coin?
      I doubt any future gameweek will have as tight a decision as this one.

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

      KdB, Arsenal will set up solid to try and nick something I reckon...could be a tight enough game. Whereas I'm confident City will put a few past LEI with Ndidi & Evans out

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

      As an Arsenal fan, I have to captain Salah.

      Arsenal were poor v West Ham and the defensive shakiness certainly hasn't gone.

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

    How's the wc looking

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA James Saiss (Lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Son Foden Podence
    Jimenez DCL (Brewster)

    Have 0.7m itb.

    A) Martinez > Guaita
    B) Foden > Barnes/Zaha
    C) James > Castagne (worried about lack of ndidi)
    D) Bank cash
    E) Any other upgrades you can see

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

      B. Foden will be rotated throughout the season.

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

        Foden will play a lot more this season than he did last.
        All Man Citeh players will be Smack A Mole.
        That's what we signed up for, FFS!
        Loved David Silva Me.

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

      E. Son and Brewster to Jesus and Anguissa

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

      Exactly the same as mine, apart from I have greenwood and hamez instead of son and podence.

      All in all decent well rounded team.

  3. The Neville Wears Prada
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final decision
    1) Jesus, Burke, Reece James

    OR

    2) Davis/Brewster, Hamez, Robbo

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

    Hey boys, looking to make a four man chat using a tech platform to discuss footie, fpl, tactics, etc. Need 3 gents that are interested. Leave your info to get in contact.

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

      No.

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

    Think the best differential captain this week could be Bruno.

    Happy to own and vice. Don't think I can bear to watch KDB rooting for him to blank.

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

      As a fan, no way, not this week. We are not up to speed. Another concern I'd have is if de Beek starts, Bruno might well be limited in his forward movement.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This this this

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

        Would you sell Martial for a hit this week?

        Would be for Jimenez or Jesus.

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

          Martial could easily nab a goal so nah

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

        Ole only has one speed.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KDB will and should haul!

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

        Like Martial and Bruno should have hauled in GW2

    3. Najoman86
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't mind an away goal last season, Bruno. But hard to go past a City captain pick for this GW

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

    Thoughts ?

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA Justin Saiss (Lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Son Podence Jorginho
    Jimenez Werner (Brewster)

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

      Nice team, mate. In my opinion, I would fancy someone else besides Jorginho, usually only time he scores is on pens and Timo might start taking command, dunno.

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

        I already have 0.5 itb
        Any suggestions ?

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

          There's Soucek (bad fixtures)
          Harrison at 5.5
          Neto (but already have podence)
          or hold and wait it out with Jorginho. Maybe you'll get points.

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

        Martinez (Steer)
        TAA Justin Saiss (Lamptey Mitchell)
        Salah KDB Son Podence klich
        Jimenez Werner (Brewster)

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

          There it is.

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

            Thanks mate

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much the template, I'd bin Jorginho

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

        For who with 0.5itb ?

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

          I like the Jorginho punt

    3. Najoman86
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Solid, GTG

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

        Cheers

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

    There was a very good article a season or two ago on how much team value is worth in terms of points, they factored in opportunity cost and all the rest as much as they could.

    The conclusion -if memory serves- was every 0.5 is worth an advantage of about 10 points over a season, so hits for the sake of building 0.1-0.2 are not worth it.

    I wish I'd saved it. There was another good one about how many points not going with a 3rd sub or a 2nd sub costs you a season. Conclusion = You don't really need a 3rd playing sub (it costs you an average of about 6-8 points a season if I remember right), but not having a playing 2nd sub will bite you.

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

      This was a reply fail to someone talking about this above.

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

      People stress a lot on playing subs.
      If you're not having the likes of Foden in your team who you know won't start every match.
      There is no real need to spend anything extra than the lowest amount possible.
      Check how many times did your second sub came in last season?
      Even your first sub?
      How many points did you get from those?

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

        Players weren't suddenly self-isolating last season. I think that will be a factor this. Lucky it's 'only' Diop this week (oh, and Laporte for whom ownership would have been fairly substantial).

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

          Yes that is the key difference this season, which I would argue makes two starting-11 subs absolutely essential and probably a starting 3rd sub more important than ever before.

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

        Yes as long as the lowest amount possible gets you a starting 11 player. I you've got two 4.5 forwards or two 4.0 defenders (aside from Mitchell) on your bench, it isn't optimal.

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

      Yeah you're spot on, I remember it vaguely too. People only remember when massive hits pay off unfortunately.

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

      Sounds about right in terms of valuation of money in FPL terms.

      Reckon your 1st sub should pretty much be nailed (virtually first team player), and 2nd sub should just be able to play 90 mins to collect +2pts for a rare start.
      3rd sub could be bench fodder.

  8. Najoman86
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does Lampard go with Mendy right away? Could be a GK option at £5.0m

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

      I personally think Kepa doesn't even make the bench now

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

      This is probably the definition of a wait and see

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

      Is there any evidence to say Mendy won’t be Kepa 2 yet?

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

        His previous record, but that doesn't mean he won't suffer the Lampard keeper curse. I'm on a WC and have to decide on a keeper now. I'm going for Mendy, aware of the risk that he blanks this GW. Given I've got 2 points in 2 GW for my keeper so far, I'm going for it.

  9. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Foden partnering KdB in advanced midfield and Mahrez playing RW is very likely I think.
    Would you still captain KdB if he's not playing 10?

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

      or Foden being completely rested.

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

        He's just relaxed and enjoying life.

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

        I watched the game last night - Foden was terrific. So I took him out of my WC squad. He won't start the GW but I'll get him in soon when I'm sure he'll play.

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

      Predicting Pep's team, what could go wrong?

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

        I'm in a way just advising people not to trust pep.
        Some people are sure that Foden plays and KdB retains his number 10 in a 4-2-3-1.

  10. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I’m going for captain Kane. Played only 30 mins last night. Should do well against newcastle

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

      Bloodbath.
      Agreed.

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

      Kane will be fine, but he might be separated by a bench from his partner-in-crime.

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

    Meslier
    Lamptey Coleman Mitchell /((Lewis))
    Salah Sterling Klich Son Jamesrod
    Kane. Richarlison. ((Bamford))

    Captain ?
    a-Kane
    b-Salah
    c-Sterling
    what you think?

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

      Gone Sterling myself.

  12. ashisharora0094
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this g2g ?
    Martinez Forster
    Justin Mitchel TAA James Saiis
    KDB Salah Zaha Barnes JamesR
    Jiminez DCL Brewster

    Any suggestions ?

  13. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do people think about Semedo? I have no clue as to how he plays but if he's a Doherty like player, 5.5 could be pretty cheap

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

      That's a heck of an 'if' though. He never has for Barcelona.

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

        "I think many would agree that it is his attacking endeavour down the right flank that is perhaps his strongest attribute, one that was restricted a little at Barcelona because of their system and the presence of Lionel Messi frequently on the right wing, and so to play with three centrebacks at Wolves to support him will give him more freedom to attack on the overlap and take some of the pressure off him in the defensive phase of the game."

        "So I think his game is very much suited to a right wingback role, and although it’s not really a position he’s tried out before, his prior experience both as a right back and a winger stands him in good stead to be a success at Wolves."

        1. Alisson WondHaaland
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Interesting, cheers

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

          Yeah, I've also read he doesn't shoot or play through-balls, just little one-twos. He doesn't sound similar to Doherty at all. I expect him to be a great Wolves asset but I'm less sure about him as a 5.5 FPL asset. I'm sticking with Saiss and Coady until I see some results from Semedo.

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

            You have to keep playing 1-2's if you're a Barca player.
            I don't think he ever had the license to shoot from so far away when we rarely saw greatest attackers taking shots from far out in Barca.

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

              Exactly. So I don't see him suddenly firing away like Doherty. He needs time.

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

      Only conceded 8 against Bayern so quality.

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

      Nothing like Doherty.

      Don't rate him at all and won't be going near.

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

      Saiss for me is the best defense to go but we can always come to Semedo when he proved something later

  14. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Martinez
    James, VVD, Saiss
    KDB, Raz, Son, Podence
    Werner, Wood, Jimenez

    Steer, Burke, Justin, Mitchell

    My nearly, but not quite template WC. Tempted to do Justin > Dunne to give me 0.6ITB so there's always the possibility of Sterling > Salah in one move. What you recon?

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

      Don’t get double City no Liv.

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

        unless VVD is transferred out, he got Liv there

  15. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just catching up, Is this KdB injury serious?

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

      There is no injury.

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

      Pale peeps had a hard time this summer.
      It takes it's toll, I'm bringing him in when Autumn fully kicks in.
      Ditching him in the Spring.
      Innit.

  16. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What's happened to the captain poll? I can't see the results?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden starting vs Leicester now a serious doubt after 90 mins last night. Anyone still going with him on WC?

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oops.

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

          Foden (c)

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

        i think i'll go and at least have some bench backup
        an on form young player and only priced at 6.5, i can afford him to being benched once in a while but if he's benched and he's playing against Leeds, i think a goal or two can make up the trade

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Fair enough. Might do the same.

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

          The main question is.
          Will he be benched once in a while? Or will he start once in a while?

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

            only Pep knows the answer to that, we can only hope and pray lol

            but i'm thinking, with Bilva and Aguero out, the main competition of Foden is Mahrez but Mahrez more like an individual dribbler and not team player so highly unlikely he's playing the cup matches or maybe 60 minutes in a league game so Foden has high chance to appear

            and Sterling is also their main attacker so Pep should rest him once in a while because they have plenty of games to be played and can't risk him injured too

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

            sorry wrong typing, i mean highly likely Mahrez will play most cup games and 60 minutes appearance in the league while Foden has high chance in the next 5 games to appear couple times for the very least 20-30 minutes and maybe 2-3 games for the full 90

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

    How secure is Dunn as a starter? Thanks

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

      He's not. He played because Mee and Tarks were out. May not start next game. Did do his cause a lot of good, mind.

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

      4th choice CB as I understand, as soon as either Mee or Tark is back he's out.

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

      Thanks guys!

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

    A) Salah 4.5 def, 4.5 def
    B) TAA, Robbo, Podence

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

      2m difference. Do they all play every GW in A)

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

      Salt and Vinegar,

  19. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So, with Foden playing 90 minutes twice in a week, does anyone think he starts against Leicester?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Idk mate. I hope so.

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

      We're extremely short of options tbf

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

        Loads of options. I've replaced him with Wood - whom I've learned is on pens.

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

          I was referring to City.

          Also Wood is a striker.

          So what are you actually on about?

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

            Sorry, I didn't realise your thinking process was so linear. Never mind.

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

              I also assumed most long time posters knew I was City. The name helps. Cheers pal. I think he has to start tbf.

              Maybe coin toss between Torres and Foden

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

                Torres? You must be a City fan who doesn't even watch the games. I stayed up until 4 am watching the whole game - Torres was invisible throughout.

                1. Rolls-Royce
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  How did Mahrez look?

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

                    Spanish

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

                    Started a bit off the pace but grew into the game. Let's say he was okay, far better than Torres but way behind Foden.

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

                  Yes I've never watched us play.

                  Thanks for reminding me.

                  Ok your eminence goodbye and thanks again

      2. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You think he starts in mid or out wide?

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

      He’s young and fit. No. But Pep. So ...

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

      Smack A Mole.

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

      i reckon he'll get at the very least 30 minutes but hopefully with a young age, he can continue his form and bang a goal against a Ndidi-less Leicester

  20. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg?

    .6 itb 0Ft

    McCarthy
    Taa Justin Robbo
    Son James KDB(C) Podence
    DCL Ings Werner

    Martin Mitchell Holding Bissouma

    I'll move McCarthy to Martinez next week for free if nothing else pops up.

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

      I like your team.

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

        Cheers! 3 hits since the start. Wildcard firmly in back pocket where it should be. That could change at anytime of course couldn't it!

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

          Absolutely!
          Tough start for all I reckon.

  21. KING KOUNDER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you swap Salah to KDB for a hit?

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

      No

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

      No

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

      although it's hard but i'll say yes
      the ceiling of KDB in the next 3 is far higher than Salah against ARS and 2 away

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

        Selling Salah for a hit: is this what we've become?

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

          i'm saying it's hard but i see no haul of Salah in the next 3 and KDB can give monster return in 3 games, at least the probability is higher.

          I could be wrong but it's a game of risk taking so that's what I think. I might go VVD as a Liv cover for occasional header goal and grab Salah back in GW6

          What do you think mate ?

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

            I'm not arguing with the logic. I'd definitely prioritise KDB - and have as I'm captaining him.

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

      Only for a rhythm stick if it's slow and not quick.

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

      disaster waiting to happen

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

      Would be silly

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

    What's best? Bamford to DCL OR
    Bruno for Salah/Sterling (have Kdb and Martial)
    Zaha to JRod
    Martial to Timo (and keep Bruno)

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

      Bamford to Dcl for me

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

      Bruno to Sterling for me

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

    Ballers G2G?

    Ryan
    Keane, TAA, Saiss
    KDB, Bruno, Son, Podence
    Wood, (w)erner, Jimenez

    Nyland, Taylor, Mitchell, Romeu

    Plan will be Son and Bruno to Salah and 7.5 mid in GW6.

    TIA

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

    How’s this look?

    Ryan
    TAA Robbo Saiss
    Salah KDB Podence Burke
    Jiménez DCL Wood

    Forster, Barnes, Lamptey, Ferguson

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

      Like it. Seems very good.

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

      1) Avoiding Martinez - AVL terrible defensively during the restart and happy to have Ryan/Lamptey
      2) Burke against a high Leeds line for 1 week to enable Barnes

      Could go TAA/Wood > James/Werner or Jesus

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

        I don't know how long will James play. How about something like Taa to Keane and upgrade Wood?

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

          Surely could do that. For some reason I’m just not all that concerned at not owning Werner. Hasn’t had a sniff at goal, Chelsea yet to click, I know WBA and all.

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

            He seemed good against Liverpool. Quite unlucky to not get the points I'd say. Think of the long run and keep him I'd say. I don't know how long you would like someone like Wood in your team. But TAA is also a great option. So tough choice there.

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

    Oh yes, you're right. I think B is 1m less right?

    Both would need to play yeah

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

      Reply fail to TM

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

        Yes, 1m, thought Podence was 4.5m

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

    a) Podence for straight swap
    b) -4 for Jimmenz

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

      also, wolves had a different formation against city where podence performed...
      not sure if they will change formation when playing against weaker teams

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Who to captain? Don't have KDB....

    A) Salah
    B) Werner
    C) Son

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

      A

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

      I’d go for Werner

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

      Werner could be a explosive so maybe he's the one to go out of those 3

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

      Werner vs worst defense in the league, c'mon. Next Hat-trick hero.

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

      B

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

    Sterling or Mane?

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

      Cherry or apple pie?
      Custard or cream?
      Stck up or stick it in....!

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

      Sterling for the next 4

  29. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does anyone know if TAA price is going to drop before Saturday morning?

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

      Unlikely
      I think higher chance for Doherty and Werner to drop but guess not TAA

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        578947 have sold TAA and no price drop. How do they even decide that?

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

          It's done on percentages. He was just about the most highly-owned asset, so needs a larger raw number to sell than a player owned by a smaller percentage (ie all of them).

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

          based on ownership.
          Normally if so many people own him, it needs more people to dump him so his price can go down

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

    I need a 4.4 (or less) playing defender. Have Mitchell. What are Cooper's chances of starting regularly? Anyone know what his situation is? Thanks!

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

      He's the club captain and could be decent value at 4.4
      He missed the first game through injury and conceded 3 in the next largely due to his partner Koch who isn't up to speed. You'd expect Bielsa to work on the defence, and they've got an easy-ish game defensively up next.

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

        Really appreciate your knowledge here Andy. Had 4.4 left for def on WC. I know they are not sound defensively...but am ok with that for now.
        Cheers and all the best mate!