Pro Pundits

How to avoid ‘decision fatigue’ ruining your FPL transfers and captain choices

It seems like there’s a lot to think about in Fantasy Premier League at the moment. Blank Gameweeks, Double Gameweeks, chip strategies and so on. 

Because these decisions can often make or break a season, serious FPL managers tend to invest a lot of time into them. We’ve probably all felt at some point that we’ve ‘overthought’ such a decision, ending up with a worse outcome than we would have had if we’d gone with our earlier drafts and, while we generally use terms like ‘overthinking’ idiomatically, there could actually be some truth to the concept. 

Science suggests that, the more effort we put into these decisions beyond a certain point, the worse our decision-making capacity becomes. Why is this, and what can be done to avoid it? Read on.

Decision Fatigue

‘Decision Fatigue’ is a psychological phenomenon that describes common circumstances by which decision quality deteriorates the longer the decision process goes on. It’s partly why we often end up with trade-offs or decisions which appear irrational in the cold light on day. 

In fact, it’s frequently a reason why formal negotiations are so often protracted (where have we heard that in the news before?) because both parties know their opponent is more likely to make concessions the longer they drag things out.

The root of this effect is something called ‘ego-depletion’. ‘Ego’, here, is used in the psychoanalytical sense i.e. the pragmatic agent that mediates between our moral or critical standards and our more instinctual desires. 

It is not to be confused with ego in the sense of ‘egotism’ which refers to a drive to be viewed favourably by society, a trivial notion that most of us FPL managers gave up on a long time ago.

In short, ego-depletion suggests that, because rational decision-making takes effort, our ability to sustain that effort reduces as we get mentally or physically tired. Brain power (and willpower incidentally) are finite resources. As a result of prolonged effort, we end up making more instinctive and, sometimes, irrational decisions. We are also more likely to act on the basis of our emotions.

One classic example of ego-depletion in practice comes from a study of Israeli court rulings which showed that a judge would grant parole 70% of the time in the mornings but only 10% of the time in the afternoon because, the scientists running the study concluded, the judge got grumpier and less sympathetic as the day dragged on.

It’s not hard to see how this can apply to FPL, particularly around big, drawn-out decisions like Wildcarding or Free Hitting. Just thinking about it now, I know there are plenty of times where, having spent days agonising over every aspect of a Wildcard, I end up changing all sorts of things at the last minute, often to my detriment.

Avoiding Decision Fatigue in FPL

Salah building up massive power in top 10k after Gameweek 14 haul

So how can we avoid decision-fatigue affecting the quality of our FPL decisions? An obvious way might be not to spend too much time working on your FPL team in a single session. Rather than, for example, blocking out an afternoon to work on your Wildcard, try and spread that work over a longer period. Say, 15 to 30 minutes a day over a few days.

Another way to avoid decision-fatigue is to reduce the amount of decisions we have to consider through some level of systemisation. A good example of this approach in practice comes from former US President Barack Obama regarding his process of deciding which suits to wear:

“You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits. I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.” – Barack Obama

Of course, there was that time he wore that tan-coloured suit to a press conference (the sartorial equivalent of captaining Shane Duffy) but we’ll ignore that for now.

In FPL, this could mean selecting only from a select number of teams who, for example, all have a run of good fixtures ahead. This is likely to be much less mentally-taxing than rigorously comparing the pros and cons of every possible player option in each category.

Alternatively, over the course of a campaign, you could decide on a ‘spine’ of players who you deem ‘season-keepers’; players who will stay in your team irrespective of fixtures and maybe even form. 

For example, last season my FPL team contained Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Danny Ings (£8.3m) for practically the entire season. 

The benefit of this was that I had a fairly reliable source of points each week and thus I could focus my attention on getting the most out of the other 12 players in my squad. Obviously you have to be pretty careful, maybe even lucky, with the players you choose, but this strategy definitely helps reduce the decision load over the course of a season.

This approach could also work with respect to captaincy. Some people like to choose a single skipper for the whole season whereas others like to have two options who rotate well (e.g. a Manchester City and a Manchester United option). 

Both these methods are significantly less mentally-taxing than trying to choose the best captain based on the individual conditions of each Gameweek and, get the right one or two, and you often end up with at least comparable results.

Another way to systematise your FPL decisions is to establish some ‘rules’ that guide your process. There are some famous ones within the FPL community such as ‘never take a hit for a defender’ but you’ll often find that you build them up as your tenure as an FPL management progresses. 

Mine include; never triple-up on a mid-to-lower table team, never captain and vice-captain two players who play for the same team, if in doubt go with the home player, never buy an expensive goalkeeper and never, ever, own Theo Walcott (£5.8m).

While few of these rules are set in stone (apart from the Walcott one obviously) they do simplify the decision-making process, meaning that I can concentrate more on the things that will have the biggest positive impact on my team.

Finally, if you can sleep on a decision, do.

Summary

In summary, spending too much time thinking about FPL decisions or making those decisions in too-intense a time period can lead to decision-fatigue and, as a result, cause FPL managers to end up making worse decisions than they might achieve through a more measured approach.

Spreading the decision-process out over time, or systematising it through reduced options or rules of thumb can help avoid decision-fatigue and ultimately help improve your results.

1,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Everyone on here saying it's a rookie mistake captaining and Vice captaing players from the same game all the while no other than Mark Sutherns has Salah (C), Mané (VC).

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mark the rookie

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably more gamble than mistake

    3. thedarkhorse
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn’t call it a ‘rookie’ mistake, but it’s not generally a good idea to do it given the circumstances this season.

    4. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mark knows

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

        This lol

    5. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That was a mistake in my opinion. Mark - legend though he is - is capable of a mistake as well

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

      What is this guidance based on? The game getting called off? Was that really being talked about on here prior to this gameweek?

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nah but in Covid times it's always better to have capt/VC in different games.

        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It's the first time I've heard that advice. Was it discussed prior to yesterday?

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I've heard that advice for years tbh, based on the rare chance a game is called off

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

            Yeah mate I've seen it posted on here plenty of times over the last number of months.

        2. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Until today no one was thinking that his vice captain should be from a different game than his captain.

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

        I think in the season of Covid where games could be called off any given week, it’s definitely not advisable. Say if someone capped KDB and vc Sterling this week that would be horrible

        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You mean you strategised because of the one solitary game that's been called off this season prior to this gameweek. mmmm

          1. Bennerman
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I agree, it's balls that suddenly everyone knows and everyone agrees that it's a Golden Rule that you don't captain and vice-captain players from the same team.
            If nothing else, if it was remotely trending at any point it would have been all over the 'pro pundits' stuff, the podcasts and whatever else you like

            1. timmmuh
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              it is not new, but was definitely discussed on these boards multiple times since project restart began ... I think it is wise during the time of Covid.

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

            Well I mean certainly not surprising that there would be multiple games called off this season given how fast Covid spreads

            1. Granville
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              There's been very little transmission between players, they get regularly tested and pretty much all the cases have been solitary. It's not been an issue until this week so I very much doubt this guidance has been seriously discussed. I'd have heard about it before now.

              1. Rhinos
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I think it's sensible if it's tight between who the best vc is but if my 2 best players are in the same game then that rule can do one

              2. thedarkhorse
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I have seen this guidance mentioned previously, and it makes sense.

                One other time it has been discussed it during periods of bad weather, snow etc, with risk of postponement.

                1. Granville
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  It might make sense but it's never been discussed in all the years I've been playing.

                  1. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Been discussed almost every single GW

                  2. thedarkhorse
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    I have seen it posted on these boards previously.

                    1. Tony Moon
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Me too - quite a lot. I've been following this "rule" for this season, as you never know when a game might be called off.

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

              At what point was that 'not surprising', though? After one the other week, and none at all before that, going back to the restart in June or whenever it was?

    7. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks Mr Hindsight

  2. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The difference between the City game and the Spurs game is that they have a chance of second tests. It’s mathematically 90% certain that some folk are talking tosh in writing that match off yet.

    It will all depend upon tests and circumstances. It’s mathematically 90% certain that nobody on here has a clue about either outcome.

    1. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The majority of people saying it's going to be called off want it to be called off to get an unfair advantage. It's very revealing.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. None of us know....and Maybe even Mourinho doesn’t know yet.

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It’s already disadvantageous to have matches postponed without prior knowledge to the gameweek deadline. City had an outbreak = postponement. Now Fulham have a bigger breakout from my sources = postponement. How is that biased logic?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Are your sources a bit brown?

        2. thedarkhorse
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          What is your source. Looks like complete guesswork to me, like it is for the rest of us.

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            ‘Yet with Fulham understood to have a number of tests returning positives results on Tuesday afternoon, the match with Tottenham could now join Manchester City and Everton’s fixture, which had been due to take place on Monday, in being postponed’.

            It’s all through the media mate. I have knowledge that they have equal to or more cases than City

            1. thedarkhorse
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Ok - makes sense. So we’re all in the dark then - no one knows yet if it will be postponed, that’s the bottom line.

            2. HashAttack
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              From the BBC Sport - Tottenham v Fulham article

              "On Tuesday the latest round of Premier League coronavirus testing found 18 people had the virus - the highest recorded in the testing programme. Sheffield United have confirmed they had "numerous positive tests" in the latest round of testing"

              So that's 18 positive tests (Players and Staff?), numerous for Sheffield United
              Allowing at least 2 for SHU, that only leaves 16 for at least MCI and FUL - 8 each at most
              Hardly seems enough to claim that neither side can put out a squad of players

              1. Neves say Neves
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I think even if players test positive they have to isolate for a certain amount of time if they have been in contact with the infected people or something like that

      3. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm confident football is done, by the end of this GW at the latest

        I have Salah (C), Kane (VC), TAA and Son and have a good chance of smashing 3/4 of my ML this week having topped 40 already.

        I hope they call it off before the games tbh

        1. thedarkhorse
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          What do you mean by ‘done’?

          1. Pacer.
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            They will introduce the circuit breaker and it will last longer than two weeks

            1. thedarkhorse
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              There is no chance of there being an indefinite break. There might be a break for a couple of weeks, but it won’t be for longer than that.

      4. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sadly, agree with this

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's all propaganda and wishful thinking mate from those who want them cancelled.

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It will be the usual lark of those with Spurs players saying it will be played and those without saying it won’t. Subjective bias.

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

      It depends on the results of the remaining tests. which no one will know the results of unless they came from the future

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. I was just referring to some nonsense posted by somebody previously. I’m only in a two man league now....my opponent has Kane (c) and Son (vc)......Crikey.

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

          I’m sure you’d rather beat him fairly instead of relying on a postponed game

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Oh aye. It’s a mockery otherwise. The odd defender won’t matter too much because they have a habit of letting us down. A (c) pick is another thing altogether.

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

              Hear hear

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

      I’m hurt by the change. But Im thinking it’s gone.

      Fulham is requesting it like Newcastle did for two dang weeks

      I need Kane and Son and Reguilon to play

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Where is the source that Fulham have made a request?

    6. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You can't use any previous game as a precedent because the conditions outside of football are changing daily

  3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Long term best option and starter for next 2?

    A) Holding
    B) Holgate

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For next 2 Holding

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

      Holding for sure

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

    Planning to FH18, so theoretically only have 2FT until TC19. Which option do you fancy here:

    A: *Anytime* DCL --> Martial/Ings
    B: *Anytime* DCL + Soucek --> Rashford + 4.3m striker (-4)
    C: *GW17* Kane(LEE) --> Vardy(new)
    *GW18* DCL + Soucek --> Rashford + Brewster (-4)

    Essentially C gives me a tiny bit better bench cover for losing Kane to Vardy

  5. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    10 points off qualification (after bench points) with just Salah (c) and kane to go. I'm screwed aren't I?

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cup qualification*

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You can concentrate on the league.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What’s the qualification score set at?

    4. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's rubbish anyway, you'll eventually be knocked out by a dead team with Auba (c)

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This

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

        This

      3. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know but there's something about it that I really enjoy. Ah well, next year

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

    My favorite FPL team this season is Leeds.

    Least favorite by a mile is Manchester City. Absolute garbage picks.

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

      Leeds has been so fun to watch

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Am loving what Leeds have brought to the Prem.

      1. Bennerman
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm a Man United fan (old enough to remember our enmity with Leeds) and when I get a choice of games at the same time, I always choose the Leeds game. Great intensity! All the way through

    3. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Goals in games with Leeds: 60
      Goals in games with City: 33

      No contest

    4. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hope we get to see Spurs v Leeds before a lockdown. Total contrasting styles

    5. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Leeds is like a team of Lundstrams from last season

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not quite the same as Lundstram is actually totally crap.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I more meant his price point and over-all returns. He was a hero last season

    6. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Such a shame their fans haven’t been able to see them. Quality team.

  7. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Watkins to Antonio?
    He's back but will he start?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d wait right up until GW19

  8. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So ehm... What is the deal with City? Do we sell our assets or? Been away for quite a while.

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

      They will have a lot of fixtures, KdB may go but I see no point to sell Dias or Stones now.

  9. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So spurs game gonna cancel? What about liv?

    I have kane capt and vice salah

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Spurs 50/50
      Liverpool game likely played

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pool likely on

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on today’s further test results for Spurs v Fulham game but Newcastle v Liverpool should be fine- we would have heard if any likely issue.

  10. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Honestly, I would rather have had a hundred this gw (like gw14!) but my 36 points (only 3 to play) is not going to affect my day.

    It’s just a game gents. If you reach the point where a bad week or even season is getting you down, you probably need a new hobby.

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This is all that I needed to hear.
      I always kick myself over transfers I make that seemed logical when I made them.
      As you say it's just a atupid game with plenty of luck involved.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I did an mba a few years back.

        One of the courses was focussed on decision / risk analysis.

        You can make a perfect decision every time, based on the data you have, and still lose out at least sometimes.

        It’s just the way it goes.

        If you can’t afford to lose, don’t play.

        That counts double from a psychological perspective.

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

      On the other hand, if you feel nothing with bad luck, can you enjoy doing well? Naturally within healthy limits.

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

        And if I have bad luck, it doesn't really matter. It was impossible to predict MCI match being cancelled two gw:s ago. Sometimes you just have to laugh. This game isn't chess, luck factor can be big sometimes.

      2. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Your last three words are the pivotal ones mate.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can’t tell if serious or not. 36 with 3 to play is a good score this week.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers TS.

        Serious in the point I was making

        Not too bothered either way about the weeks score.

        One hundred does not a summer make...

        Hope you did ok

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yep, understood the sentiment, just not the “I’m having an awful week too so can empathise...” viewpoint.

          Glad you’re doing ok though, genuinely. I’m middling at the moment.. 2 steps forward and 3 back.

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Tbh I didn’t bother checking how my score compared to the average. 36 with a max of 3 left, even if one was captain Mo, didn’t seem too big.

            Keep your approach balanced and I’m sure you’ll do fine mate. You know what you are going.

            “If you can keep your head when all about you...”

  11. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Own Zouma, coufal, Taylor, kdb, dcl with Son c. Dallas and bamford saving the gw.

  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For GW19:

    A)Maddy, Wood
    B) Grealish, Rodrigo

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Neither. B if you had to pick though

  13. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Soucek (eve) or Raphinha (tot) next GW?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      tough but probably Soucek

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha- such an exciting and attacking player to watch.

    3. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinha

  14. @Bryan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just to confirm, I played a 5-3-2 formation this week with 3 city defenders at the back. I take it with auto subs it will revert to a 3-4-3 formation as the closest one and so I won’t get my third sub on (is a midfielder) since you can’t play a 2-5-3 formation in the game?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Correct - autosubs must make your new formation a legal one.

      1. @Bryan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, was fairly sure that is how it worked!

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why didn’t Coufal play tonight?

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's a knackered new dad.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m sure there’s a “playing away” joke here somewhere.

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

      "Paternity leave"

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Are you saying this and doing the universal quote sign in the air with your fingers?

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rest

  16. Purpledog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1. (a) Soucek or (b) Raphina.
    Although GW17 for both teams not particularly enticing.

    2. If I don’t use FT in GW 17, and use Free Hit on GW18, does that mean I still have 2 FTs on GW19?

    Thanks!

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

      No.
      The week after free hit you will get just 1FT

  17. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anything needs changing here? (Oshea/Johnstone/Adams/Justin)...who would you replace with? Playing FH-18,BB-19

    McCarthy - Johnstone
    Justin - O’Shea - Alioski - Coufal - Balbuena
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Rashford - Raphina
    Firmino - Adams - Bamford

    (1FT &0.0ITB)

  18. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do here? Seems like BB19 is ruined for me.

    2 FT 0.6 itb

    Martinez
    Matip* Cancelo (?) Balbuena (?)
    Salah KDB (?) Fernandes Son Grealish
    DCL Bamford
    ___
    Forster; Dallas Brewster Fodder

    Any suggestions?

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

      Just wait and see, ignore price changes right now

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wont have time to do transfers the 31st... Dilemma! Guess I can wait another Day at least

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I see the ? by Balbuenas name. I too am not convinced by him now, I think there's a good chance Dawson keeps his place after today based on performance and fans and Moyes comments. What do you think about him now?

  19. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Surely must be an argument to cancel Champions League and Europa League this season. Players traversing Europe nonsensical risk. Allows countries to complete domestic leagues and be ready hopefully for Euros. Later stages of FA cup could also be pushed back and used as preseason competition.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. Bonkers the European competitions have been going ahead. Money talks.

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

      Won’t happen because UCL makes too much money for them to cancel

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2022 World Cup is in the winter, so there is an opportunity for a bit of calendar shifting for sure, both domestically and in Europe.

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

    KdB to Rashford?
    FH18

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      maybe

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking the same

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did it a few days ago

    4. BATISTUTA ®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chances of Rashford bench next gw?

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably not.

        But really, who knows?

        1. BATISTUTA ®
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Its a good pick, just wondering if better to do it after next gw. I was also looking to do the same...

  21. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any chance Antonio actually drops in price tonight or has he been stuck on -100 for a while now?

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not too long to find out now.

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I literally just watched Eddie the Eagle last week! Didn't know the story

  22. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son -> Rashford with one FT?
    FH GW18

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why would you take out Son?

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because he will want Rashford in Gw19 for two games and if he doesn't use a transfer this week, he'll lose it do essentially making the move one week early.

        I'm personally going to captain Son. I was going to anyway but especially if they get an extra few days rest

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks! This is the reason.

          Do you still trust in their attack?
          Looks like Spurs are more focused on 'parking the bus' than attacking imo.

          1. Viper
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Surely he'll move the bus for these next two games

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

      Why take out son before leeds

  23. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How many hours do you spend thinking or working on your FPL team?
    Cheers!

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Far to many and this is my last year for a little while.

    2. @Bryan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      About 10 mins a week, give or take. Scout picks at end of week, fixture ticker and a jump to the end of podcasts..

      I just want the key points each week and make a decision.

  24. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth a bench boost in gw19:

    Martinez, Holding, Dier, DCL

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd just wait until gwk26 to be honest. Who knows if there will even be a gw19 at this rate

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That was my plan. Just wondering as I would only be 1 transfer away from this bench without really trying.

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gw19 could be months away, wouldn't bother thinking bout it yet

      1. Hart-ake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Fair.

      2. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It could also only be 2 weeks away. No reason to stop planning and be ready in case the games do go ahead.

  25. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best Taylor replacement in this defence? Budget 5.5m. Fh in 18.

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo zouma Dallas coufal Taylor

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am between Justin and Balbuena.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looking at Justin as well. Thanks.

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones or James. Cresswell also a good shout with dgw19 in mind.

      The others are better long term

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Justin for me

  26. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Benteke punt incoming. Palace might be a bit rubbish but he fits my strategy

    1. Bennerman
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If there was that biceps imoji, I'd be using it. Bold.
      Have always believed in there bing a player there, though. Used to score a lot of goals once.

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

      To finish as low as possible?

  27. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Irbox is an Aussie Optician so is bound to have a mate who is a Premier league board member. He also owns James, Cancelo, KDB and DCL but no Spurs. I reckon the only valid percentage is that his posts are 100% wishful thinking

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He is a troll now. Hasn't always been as far as I recall. Guess he saw how much attention it brought to other people on this site and decided he wanted some of that attention as well.

  28. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Prolly gonna need to take two hits to play BB in 19. Doesnt seem to be worth it rn

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wait and see - don’t need to decide now

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn’t BB now with all the uncertainty around games and players.

  29. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on the spurs game tomorrow?

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

      Media saying there are chances of it getting called off. No one really knows though, depends on the test results and whether Fulham make a request for postponement

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pending results of today’s further testing there won’t be

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

    Apart from the covid issues, could have been my best ever week.
    5 players played, none blanked

    6,6,6,8,12