Pro Pundits

How patience in Liverpool defence can help me bounce back from FPL Gameweek 6

Gameweek 6 was one of my worst in Fantasy Premier League history but it’s not the Gameweek score that maketh the manager, it is your response to it that really matters.

When I started writing this article, I was sitting on a net score of 11 points (yes, eleven) from nine players (yes, nine) including my captain Mohamed Salah (£12.4m). Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Harry Kane (£10.9m) added 15 points to that on Monday but a score of just 27 is not what I was hoping for at all.

I know I am not alone in scores like this for Gameweek 6, so I am writing about what went wrong and how I cope with that moving forward.

Ironically, I had really high hopes for this week. Triple Liverpool at home to a struggling Sheffield Untied side, the ever reliable captain Salah, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) in great form, and appealing fixtures for the likes of Mat Ryan (£4.5m), Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.8m) and Ross Barkley (£6.0m). On paper, it was arguably my strongest-looking 11 of the season. 

So with this is mind, I think it is so important for us to remember not all good decisions lead to good results in FPL. Ultimately, we pick our teams but we have absolutely no control over what happens on the pitch. If our player gets injured, misses a sitter or gets sent off (I’m looking at you Lucas) then that not something we have any influence over. 

I decided to look at how we can look at bad scores objectively and work out how to improve our rank going forward rather than letting it spoil our weekend and make emotional decisions with regards to the next set of fixtures.

Here is my three-point plan for such scenarios.

  1. Identify the difference between bad decisions and what is bad luck. Last week’s score has no effect on next week’s score, but performances and statistics do. Rather than looking at a players bad score, look at his contribution on the pitch. The Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area is perfect for this.
  2. Try not to chase points. Jumping from player to player chasing points that have been and gone can be a frustrating circle. For example, hopping from the likes of Mitrovic, Ollie Watkins (£6.0m), Callum Wilson (£6.5m) and Patrick Bamford (£5.9m) is so tempting when we see all of these players returning double-digit hauls over the first six Gameweeks. But often we end up wasting precious transfers and missing all these points completely. I like to pick a player over a period of matches and trust they can provide me the value I am looking for. For example, I had a pre-conceived plan of sticking with Mitrovic until Gameweek 7 because of strong fixtures. I like to stay true to my game plans and if it doesn’t work so be it.
  3. Embrace the highs and lows. If you can’t enjoy a thrilling game because your captain hasn’t returned or you are secretly willing one of your forwards to score against the team you support, it is time to take a step back. After all, we play FPL to enhance our enjoyment of the game we love. Bad weeks are inevitable!

FORWARD PLANNING

A big talking point right now is what we do with Liverpool defensive assets now that Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m) is ruled out for a sustained period. As a Fantasy manager who has built a lot of success on the defensive double-up over the last two seasons, I feel it’s right I touch on this. 

What we are seeing in the first six weeks is season like no other. We have seen some freak results and it seems teams have forgotten how to defend. However, I believe we will soon see a return to normality and Premier League managers will address the defensive issues. Manchester United’s rather dull, stalemate draw with Chelsea is perhaps is a good early example of this.

I think it is important to stick to my identity as a FPL manager, to give Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) more time to deliver the returns we know they are capable of. 

As the old saying goes ‘You live by the sword, you die by the sword’. I was happy with what I saw from an attacking point of view again in Gameweek and, with Alisson (£5.9m) back in the side, I am still hopeful some clean sheets are imminent. As managers continue to ship out the full-backs in their droves, I’m hoping the patient approach will pay off once again.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM FPL GAMEWEEK 6

821 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Looking to swap Trent to chilwell, with the change I’m looking at upgrading Soucek or Brewster, who should I be looking at?

    Drifting towards either Bowen or Adams

    Have 2ft

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

      Or could upgrade Johnstone to Mendy and attack those chels cleans

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

        As a fellow johnstone owner dont bother, 8 and 5 points last two gws.

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

          Yeah agreed, isn’t the problem child I thought he was

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

            Will tick over nicely with the amount of shots faced and general bps he gathers

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d keep Trent still this week, especially if Antonio is out

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

        Help me spend 1ft

        Johnstone button
        Trent KWP Saiss Dallas Mitchell
        Mo sterling Son grealish soucek
        Werner DCL Brewster

        1. Abra Dubravka
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          If no cash in the bank I’d be tempted for the controversial Werner to Ings.
          Keep Soucek for fixture swing

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

    As a TAA and Robbo owner myself. I'm struggling to see I way I can hold both after this gw. The lure of chilwell is just too tempting.

  3. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Digne owners holding now he's only out for one match? Or still sell for Chilly ?

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

      Depends if you have bench cover, I’d be tempted to hold if you can bench him this week

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bench cover is Mitchell, Taylor or Lamptey, so no expecting too much from them

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Selling for Chilwell

  4. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    'How doubling down on a bad decision will ensure that I slide further down the ranks'

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

    Well that fabinho injury has feked it up. No chance of cleanies now

    1. King Carlos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Did it look bad?

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

        Nope, doesnt look to be serious

  6. dmcnam12
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best captaincy option?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Captain Morgan

  7. KUN+10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What are you owners doing If Reguilon starts Thursday? Shipping? If so...to whom?

    Other defenders: Chilwell/Saiss/Mitchel/Taylor

  8. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    is Kilman best 4.1 defender currently ?
    Or there are some other playing options like Casey from Leeds ?

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

      Maybe, but no idea for how long. Yet, does a def at that price even need to play?

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

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Chilwell Saiss Lamptey Mitchell
    Salah Sterling Son Foden Podence
    Jimenez DCL Brewster
    2ft. 0.3 itb.
    Dont wanna lose anyone of my player this week. Maybe Lamptey to WestHam defender? Or just get Kane by downgrading TAA?

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

      You can do the latter for free.

      1. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        But means losing Jimi before home game to Palace?! Harsh on Jimi

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

          Palace are no push overs and wolves havent been in spectacular form either even as a Jiminez owner

  10. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best forward for next three from..

    Adams
    Mitro
    Maupay
    Watkins
    Bamford

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

      Adams. I'm seriously regretting selling him for maupay two weeks ago.

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

        I did exactly the same

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

      Adams has the best non penalty data of all strikers in the league after Kane and DCL.

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

        Noice. I have Kane and DCL and plan is to do Maupay to Adams

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Doing the same mate I think!

  11. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best use of 2FT:

    1. Sterling >> KDB (save 1FT)
    2. Sterling Watkins >> Foden Kane

    Thanks.

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

      Dont let city cloud your judgement, theyre not in form

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

        feel i need to get Kane in though... and Foden looks appealing in that price range (6.6)

      2. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looking decent tonight with KDB back

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

    I have just discovered that FPL manager of the month awards do NOT have hits deducted from the total points. This is causing an argument in a league i manage. Did anyone else know about this!?

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

      Anyone who knows this information is probably too heavily invested in fpl

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

        Haha, we are writing comments in a forum buried on an article in a website dedicated entirely to FPL tactics.

        We are ALL too heavily invested in FPL

    2. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That can't be right

    3. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes it's been like that for years..

      1. pablo discobar
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wow never knew that

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

          I just found it in the rules. It only applies the the first gameweek of the "phase" (month) as those transfers may have taken place in the month before.

          But then which "phase" are those points deducted from?

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

        There was rule change last season imo.

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

          If it has been reversed, that is something I didn't know.

        2. Ragabolly
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          As far as I remember, the following hit-related issues have been there for years and they all don't make sense to me:

          - GW rank doesn't take hits into account (this is particularly frustrating as it affects cup qualification)
          - If a league starts at say GW2, hits taken at GW2 don't count
          - Monthly rankings don't include hits for the first GW of the month
          - The average shown on FPL page doesn't include hits

    4. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Someone posted here about the problem they had in their Mini League last season. It was discussed a bit after project restart. You scrolled past it.

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's been like this forever and the reason is perfectly logical.

      If you want a monthly league, players who start in the first week of the month shouldn't have an advantage (they basically have a wild caddy

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Great point that Brosstan. You got a special advisor now? ha ha!

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        F this site not having a cancel option when you click post before you're finished writing...

        (they basically have a wild card because it's their first week) therefore old teams are allowed unlimited transfers in the first week of the month to be on fair level with new teams.

        If you didn't inform the league about this then that's on you

  13. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My defence is

    GK Martinez

    DEF Justin, Saiss, Robertson, Mitchell, Lamptey.

    Tempted to do Lamptey to Kilman before the rise tonight as that allows exact funds for Saiss to Chilwell or im priced out.

    Good idea or madness?

    Cheers

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

    Really good advice in this article makes me feel better about my awful GW.

    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The fabinho injury changes things

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The part where he admitted to owning Mitro?

      Also Kane and Son scored 16 pts, not 15.

  15. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ferran Torres playing as a striker hmmm

  16. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any early thoughts with 2 FT 1.2 ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA - Justin - KWP
    Salah - son - soucek- Grealish
    Kane - jiminez - Ings

    4.0, Mitchell, bissouma, Taylor

    Thinking
    TAA > chillwell
    Soucek > zaha

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

      Good transfers

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate

  17. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Worth getting Kane if getting rid of TAA?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would think so. TAA just hard to justify atm but he could score any gw

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

        Agreed, however at that price im expecting assists and cleanies but only gonna get assists n occassional goal

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

      Its tough this week. And Jimenez has good fixture also. See above, Im very unsure what to do but Kane can do damage next 2 games if we dont jump

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

        My transfers would get rid of Jiminez, Podence and TAA to Kane, Zaha and Targett probs for a -4pts. Seems worth it. Cant see Liverpool keeping many clean sheets tbh to justify the price tag. At that price you want assists and clean sheets not just the latter imo.

        1. Abra Dubravka
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Weeks predictions: Jimi - 9, Podence - 3, TAA - 7.
          So do you see Kane, Zaha, Targett getting 23+ ?

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

      I dont see how theyre connected, but yes worth getting Kane

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

        See reply above

  18. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This Liverpool display against these farmers is solidifying my instinct to captain Son over Salah.

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

      Non of the front 3 started...

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Salah & Mane have been on for the best part of half an hour though, and they've not looked much better.

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

    Which sounds better? Can get either for free

    A: Grealish and Ayling

    B: Barkley and Chilwell

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      b

  20. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    full 90 for Foden, any other owner worried by that?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Worried about sterling full 90.

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He has 3.5 days to rest and they are chasing. No Pep roulette yet.

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Hope your right.

          1. Tinkermania
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            You could replace by Klich. No faith? 😉

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

      He was rested for last midweek game and still didn't start. Pep just does what he wants. Doesnt matter who played 90 or who didn't play

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What are you talking about? He started all games except the EFL cup this season.

  21. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Just watching the Scout cast
    I cant believe Joe has not achieved a sub 100k finish
    He seems such an intelligent articulate guy

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

      ?

  22. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    De Bruyne was excellent tonight. Back to his best.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lol, way to hook those KDB buyers in 😉

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

    Which would you recommend in 3-4-3?

    A) Cresswell + Bissouma (5th Mid)
    B) Coufal + Soucek (5th Mid)

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

  24. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    First captain haul of the season... shame it was in CL

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      who did you cap?

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Raz

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

      How are you playing FPL that you didnt get a captain haul yet?

      most of the weeks had the highest underlying data based projected top points scorer do well

      These were the pre deadline top captain picks based on underlying data and what they scored :

      Week 1 : Salah (40 points)
      Week 2: Auba (10 points)
      Week 3: Sterling -blank (4)
      Week 4: Salah + Sterling ( 26 , 18)
      Week 5: Sterling ( 22)
      Week 6: Salah - blank ( 4)

      Next week the clear pick is Salah again.

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

        Son is the pick for me. Stats can suck it

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

          He is scoring (i.e finishing chances with low probability at a rate better than Messi which nobody could sustain ever since stats started) so will regress. Still a very nice pick when he does regress, but not a captain for me this week.

          Salah the clear favorite.

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

            Mane? West Ham weaker down that side, just like Sheff Utd.

      2. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You said taa cap was the clear pick

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

          I dont follow the underlying data 100% each week

          Sometimes you have to use it + consider the opposition. i thought sheffield would limit Salah and Liverpool which they did , and expected TAA to get a cleansheet and maybe contribute in attack (almost happened)

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

            Where do you find the underlying data? Thanks

  25. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Does Foden start the weekend ?

  26. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB and Sterling, 3 GWs too late and in the wrong competition.

    Thanks lads.

  27. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Has Firmino just forgotten how to shoot? Awful miss.

  28. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool only one shot on target. Looks like they might be grinding out wins for a while?

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

    Liverpool why can't u keep clean sheets in england! Why do u reserve it for Europe

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rhys Williams 4.0 defender. Get him straight in! 😉

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah pen