Pro Pundits - Lateriser

Three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser on Aguero, Villa and a polarising FPL season

The 2019/20 number one Fantasy manager in India, Lateriser addresses a rollercoaster campaign, FPL ownership, Brighton, Villa, Sergio Aguero, his Gameweek 6 team and more in his latest Pro Pundits piece.


This season is not for the weak-hearted and there are just way too many good options in this game at present.

Before Project Restart last season, the premium player conversation primarily revolved around Liverpool and Manchester City assets. Now we have a Spurs team that have accumulated the most number of big chances in the league in the premium conversation, in addition to assets from Manchester United and Chelsea who have shown us enough in the recent past to be a part of this conversation.

You are going to have to develop a very thick skin this season as there will be many Gameweeks where players you own don’t get points and others are getting monster hauls. But on the flipside, the opportunities in this game are very enticing too.

We have Liverpool and Manchester City enjoying a decent bunch of fixtures in the next two Gameweeks and the likes of Sadio Mane (£11.9m), Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) and Sergio Aguero (£10.4m) all have ownerships of under 10% at the time of writing. Mane has looked very sharp this season and has the highest xG amongst all midfielders, and next faces an obliging Sheffield United side that have lost one of their best defenders for a long time and who just don’t look like the team from 2019/20.

Manchester City scored 95 goals in their season without Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and that makes Sterling and Aguero perfectly viable ‘differential’ captaincy options should you fancy it – which brings me to my point.

This is something I’d spoken about in my very first article for Fantasy Football Scout and it is just something I want to reiterate. Given the wide range of options that we have this season, it is very important to find your identity as a Fantasy Premier League manager. This is what I said back then:

If you are going to get sleepless nights going without Mohamed Salah, don’t do it. It doesn’t suit your personality. It’s not good for your blood pressure and you don’t end up having fun. You’re better off playing the odds and percentages game because that is where your comfort zone lies.

The game has opened up very nicely for the ‘dullards’ as well as the ‘opportunists’ with the wide variety of options we have. Given the increased impact of social media on everything mental, if you can’t handle a huge haul from a highly owned player, get that highly owned player because going maverick isn’t for you.

I never talk a lot about ownership percentages but given the nature of the season, I thought it was important to address. Seeing the high cost of transfers that FPL managers have had to pay on the ‘Rough with the Smooth’ section on the Scoutcast this season made me want to talk about this because I get the sense that there are going to be many difficult FPL decisions this season leading to a high variance in outcome. You need to be aware of your personality and tailor your FPL approach accordingly. This season, variance is a lot higher than usual and I expect that trend to continue. Be prepared for it and remember that this is only a game, one which involves a fair amount of luck and unpredictability as well.

Now that philosophy is out of the way, I want to talk about a few more objective things.

What is FPL Upside Chasing and how can I implement it in 2020/21?
1,475 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A bit of a differential to go through the season without hits? Seems like everyone is taking hits

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Seems unconventional but won't have any effect, if the hits taken convert into added points and a rank rise.

      1. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Mine haven't.

  2. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    To people here asking whether they should take hits (especially beginners),

    Now is the time where hits would probably have the best reward (especially in the case of incoming players under 10% ownership), as your rank would be less fluctuating after the first 15 GWs, and then it would be a game of avoiding a significant drop.

    Lots of upside possibilities, take those gambits.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nonsense, 4 points are 4 points irrespective of the period of the season they are taken

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        That’s not necessarily true; a 4 point hit at the back-end of a season (post GW35) gives you fewer gameweeks to turn a profit. A little pedantic, I know.

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Too true...Hits are sooo misunderstood here that it beggars belief.

  3. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A : Barnes to Zaha
    B : Havertz to Son
    C : Both for a hit

    Thinking to do A?

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do not sell off your Chelsea assets now. They just got their best 11 on the pitch, they are imminent to give hauls.

      A would be the best option, although I don't like Zaha, try Trossard/Grealish/Barkley, or try a very under radar pick of March (look at his number of crosses and position in the previous game againt Palace)

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Have Grealish. Dont fancy others tbf. I wanted JRod but he s out

  4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I've already used my FT for Wilson to Kane..
    I could have done James to Mane, did I make a mistake?
    I don't think I did because James is a good long term pick anyway..

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep him..

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ah you want that 'regret' feeling.. You already made your decision so whatever is right or wrong it doesn't matter now.

  5. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Okay, so are we using "James" for Rodriguez now and R James?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      *not R James?

    2. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hames

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rodriguez

    4. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jamez

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I use Big R

    6. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James David Rodríguez Rubio

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        da Silva Nascimento

    7. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      JRod (Mid)

    8. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Surely R James and James R

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        this makes most sense

    9. PartyPooper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Id say Hames for the Everton bloke. Much clearer, if you ask me

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

    A Barnes/Greenwood > Havertz/Puli
    B Barnes/Greenwood & Brewster > (4.5) & Werner -4

  7. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Ings -> Kane
    B) Jimi -> Kane
    C) Save FT

    1. AnfieldLad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A or B

  8. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimi to Kane (-4)? Viable move?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for -4 IMO

      1. PartyPooper
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This. Im probably doing the same move myself, but on a FT. And I'm still fearing it might backfire 🙂

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say so

    3. lindeg
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easy backfire

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have.. No regrets

  9. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo - Saiss - Chilwell - Lamptey
    Salah (C) - Son - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    Subs: Forster - Mitchell - Stephens - Hamez

    1 FT, 0.6 ITB.

    I'll keep Hamez for sure as it sounds like he's out only this week.

    Stephens lost his place, Mitchell is about to lose his place as PVA nearing a return, so I might end up with a completely non-playing bench.

    To avoid this, which one would you prefer?

    A) Mitchell -> Strujik
    B) Stephens -> Bissouma
    C) Save

    Thanks in advance guys!

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

      B

  10. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    (A) Werner > Kane

    (B) Coleman + Justin > Robbo + Struijk (-4)

    (C) A and B (-8)

    (D) Coleman + Werner > Bellerin + Kane

    (E) Coleman > Chilwell

    1. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      (D) is for -4

  11. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hamez + Pulisic -> Sterling + Grealish?
    Or just hold?

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

    As a McCarthy owner i feel a little more optimistic.

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      U can get help for that

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

        I am just fine don't worry.

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

    Lol ffs. Of course I brought in J-Rod this week 😆

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You and 250,000 others

  14. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start KWP or Brewster?

  15. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    With Hamez, who to play:

    A) Soucek (MCI)
    B) Dallas (avl)
    C) Mitchell (ful)
    ..?

  16. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Not getting DCL in after Hamez news.

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I got rid last week for Kane and feel fine about it. Will re-assess Jimenez to DCL in a few weeks.

  17. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rodriguez's ownership is way higher than I expected it to be

  18. Pepeye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB and Laporte both back in training.

  19. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    TAA, Hamez and Werner OUT for Ayling, Mane and Ings IN for a -8?
    Maddness or calculated risk?

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Madness...utter madness.

  20. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    “He had a mistimed tackle with van Dijk at the beginning of the game. I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton."

    'Think' being the keyword there.

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

      I think that says hes only out for 1 game so no need to get him out

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't buy, don't sell

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Does sound interesting. Especially after son hauled at 25%.

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

        Yeah just have a good first sub and you're good

  21. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which move do you prefer of these please? Ta.

    A - R.James & Podence > Struijk & Barkley
    B - R.James & Podence > Struijk & Trossard
    C - R.James & Burke > Struijk & Jorginho

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  22. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This is why you don’t use early transfers. Kane or Son might also break a leg in their fixture tonight..

  23. dark91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Worth replacing Coleman this week with my free transfer or save?
    Other defenders are
    Saiss Mitchel Justin KWP

  24. Ginola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC and am wondering what to do with Hamez (bought him for 7.5):

    A. Get Pulisic
    B. Bench and play Kilman

    1. RealSocialDads
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep imo

  25. RealSocialDads
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    First sub in case J. Rodriguez misses out:

    A. KWP (EVE)
    B. Bissouma (WBA)

    Already playing McCarthy

  26. Fantasy 11
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would like your input on this?

    Jimi & Bruno > Kun & pulisic for -4 a good option or save the FT?

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Awful moves tbf. You have better players in your team already.

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

    Come on Rodriguez, do a Son 😎

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldnt be suprised tbf. I was set to do Barnes to JRod but this "injury" changed my mind...

      Still dont know should i do that move.

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

    Keep James on wildcard having bought at 7.5m?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yep

  29. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Pedro Neto an option at 5.5 ?
    He started all 5 games and only once was taken off before 70' minute.
    Perhaps better than Podence imo.

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimenez or nobody else from Wolves apart from defence.

  30. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you sell Barnes for Zaha or no? Thinking to keep him. I think Arsenal could be good match up for him, right?