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. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Boring, boring Liverpool... Defense essential

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

    Salah goal

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

    Salah taking a penalty with Milner on the pitch!

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

    Nice 12-pointer from Trent tonight

  5. Pied Mee Ince Silva
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A Bobby shocker is the only thing that stopped Trent's second assist, and a conceded penalty there stopped his third. Sellers obviously haven't been watching Liverpool games!

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Liked that chip from the halfway line he attempted on Saturday

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

    What do you make of this -4? Ha ha!
    Zaha and Brewster to Soucek and Bamford?

    1. Kindness
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Woah don't get rid of Zaha

      • LarryDuff
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Shocking really

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It was only Midgetland of course but Trent looked a lot better all round.

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

        Was he higher up?

        And did Henderson play on the right?

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

          Much higher. 6 yard box assist to Jota. Inside the box to Firmino when he should have scored. Great long ball to Salah too for a potential third before pen.

          Henderson right hand side for the 45 minutes.

      2. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Due a haul our lad

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

        Is this where Wolves got Podence from?

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

          No that was Olympiacos I think

        2. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He’s not that tall.

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

        Did they play against wolves and Podence?

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

      Wilson seems to be going under the radar here

      Ticking along nicely. Playing Everton next who have 2 players missing in defence + Pickford, and he is on pens

      Maybe go for him as my Antonio replacement over Adams

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

        Very lucky assist at the weekend. Is Antonio definitely out? If not I wouldn't be looking to ship him with West Ham's upcoming fixtures, certainly not for a Newcastle attacker.

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

          Ya all the rumours on twitter from some who have been decent in the past with WHU news are saying could be 6 weeks.

          Id keep if he is fit for week 8 but doesnt look a possibility

      2. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Possibility that Kenny will be fit to play at right back and there’s good cover at left back too.

        I’m not trying to suggest they’re any good defensively, just that there’s decent cover. More problems going forward - missing Digne, Coleman & Richi.

        1. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Nkounkou at LB is actually pretty decent

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

        It’s close on stats and eye test between Wilson and Adams. Not sure which I prefer as my Maupay replacement. Leaning towards Adams because better team but pens for Wilson... hmmm

      4. AD2110
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I think Wilson’s a great pick

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

        He was quite lucky to see points imo

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

      Sterling is my ultimate troll and nemesis - he'll never haul when in my team

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

      2FT and no pressing issues. Would you make any of the below changes? I'm playing a 3-5-2

      A) Lamptey to Kilman (already have Semedo). Kilman to rotate with KWP & Mitchell
      B) Mitchell to Kilman (will Mitchell lose his spot)
      C) Semedo to Chilwell. Only downside is loses my bank to possibly move Brewster to Antonio in a week or 2
      D) Semedo to Kilman (funds for future moves)
      E) Any combo of 2 of the above

      Other players on the chopping block are Pulisic and Trossard, but I'm willing to give them a chance

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Probably B

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

      TAA had a really influential game. I was actually quite impressed. Would definitely hold if I had him.

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

        Its an easy hold this week with Antonio seemingly out for West ham

        Week 8 is the decision, but then again City are terrible this year for underlyng attacking data ( 12th in the league ) so could hold then too...

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I keep checking online but I can't find any definitive news that Antonio is out. All I can find is that they are waiting on a scan result. Where is the source that he is definitely out? Cheers!

            1. Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Thanks mate. Will wait on the presser this week

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

        Yes I agree

        Looking for a Digne replacment at the minute, and Robertson was the go to guy. He was unlucky last week and done well tonight

        Not helping the matter!

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

      TAA, Mitro -> Coufal, Kane Yay or Nay? Have Robbo

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not for me in view of fixtures

      2. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Nice. I suppose the funds don't stretch if you were to do Robbo out instead of TAA?

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

          Would need to be Kilman or anyone up to 4.3 if taking Robbo out

      3. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah. Easy switch that. Never mind fixtures when one of the players you’re transferring in is a big hitter/captain option and in possibly the best form of his career.

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

      Have 1FT and no burning issues. Would you move Mitchell on for either Kilman or strujik, or just bank the transfer?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Save

      2. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Definitely bank the FT

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

          Thanks guys!

    9. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio

      Whats the injury status? Likely to be out.

      Thinking Maupay out for him. He will eat whatever defence Liverpool put out for breakfast, lunch and dinner all rolled up in one big wrap!

      Gomez..... hendo/williams/phillips..... munch munch.....

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

        Heard he might be hamstrung for 6 weeks

        1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Really?! Whered you hear that? He is big dunc in disguise.... but not seen that news....

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

        Maupay is overrated

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

      So Salah captain against West Ham?

      Surely LFC are due a pen?

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Between him and Son for captaincy for me. Will probably keep it on Mo. They had a pen just 10 mins ago

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        They got one tonight

    11. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Any suggestions - 2 FT and dont want to burn

      Martinez

      Chilwell Dallas Lamptey (KWP) (Branthwaite)

      Salah Sterling Son Rodriguez (Stephens)

      Kane DCL Watkins

      A. Sterling to KDB
      B. Watkins to Bamford
      C. KWP or Lamptey to Kilman

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

      2. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Perhaps move Lamptey on

    12. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Coufal a good pick? Thinking of switching Dallas to him

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Just got him in

      2. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He is, but Dallas to Coufal seems a very luxury move. I would bank an FT, unless you have 2 already and no other pressing issues.

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

          agreed, not worth it this week

        2. AD2110
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeahh got 2FT and 0.1 ITB

          Don’t really wanna waste a transfer but not too sure what to do with this lot. Think it’s an ok move with West Ham’s fixtures looking better after this week

          McCarthy,
          Robbo, Saiss, Chilwell
          Salah, Pulisic, Grealish, Son
          DCL, Kane, Wilson

          Steer, Mitchell, Dallas, Stephens

          1. Stormbringer22
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Looks good

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

        Sure. Not this week though.

    13. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Boro up to 7th in Championship

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bees should have joined you, but we threw it away all be a tad lucky.

    14. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Best move here?

      Martinez Steer
      TAA Robbo Konsa Mitchell Johnson
      Salah Sterling Hamez Pereira Anguissa
      Ings DCL Maupay

      A. TAA + Pereira > Kilman + Son(-4)
      B. James + TAA > Son + Chilwell (-4) if James is injured
      C. Sterling > Son
      D. TAA + Sterling + Maupay > Dallas + Son + Kane (-8)

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

      Which duo do you prefer?

      Pulisic and Robertson or Rashford and Chilwell?

    16. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Quick one here boys

      Best 4.5m defender other than Dallas/Ayling for the next 8-10 GWs?

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

        Coufal/Masuaku or Targett

      2. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Coufal

      3. Collie01
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Coufal, Targett

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

        Kilman

    17. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Play Di Maria or keep Ramos 5 pointer?

    18. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’ve had double pool defence for weeks. Why can’t you do it in the league Trent! High hopes though still holding on. Barely.

      1. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        TAA/Robbo has to be treated as 7.0-priced midfielders who occasionally get assists. They basically lets you play 4-4-2 formation with a discard mid+forward. You still need at least 3 other legit defenders.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah I’ve been playing 352 but it’s has been tough.

    19. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ding ding digne

      Digne replacements?

      Old Trenty or Robertson

    20. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Will Kane be too expensive to own if I’m not gonna captain from gw9 until gw15?

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        No.

      2. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wow, their fixtures really take a turn...

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Spurs will win the league so won’t make too much difference

    21. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson > Bamford worth a transfer? Or just Ward > Coufal? Have 2 FT

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Prefer Leeds attack to Newcastle’s. Newcastle definitely have better fixtures though.

    22. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Barnes to Son a no brainer right?

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

        Mother of all no brainers

    23. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would you do Justin > Kilman

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

        Not yet. Justin still nailed for a month

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

      Any West Ham fans here? Who is more nailed : Coufal or Masuaku??

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Both nailed at the moment imo

    25. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Talk to me about McGinn as a cheap enabler?

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

        First sub kind of enabler yeah, not if playing week in week out

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Even with his fixture run? Would be as a fifth mid.

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

        He’s a good pick for 5th mid