Pro Pundits - Simon

How holding on to your chips and transfers can lead to long-term FPL success

There is a lot of talk in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) community about the importance of patience and knowing when to act and when to wait is widely accepted as a crucial element of success.

But even a casual perusal of the desperate lamentations that echo across fantasy forums on a Saturday evening will illustrate that, while we fantasy managers often fail to act when we should, we very often act when we shouldn’t.

In fact, it’s very hard not to act, it feels good to act, especially after a bad Gameweek.

So why is patience such a virtue when it comes to fantasy football? What does science have to say about this? The answer might involve marshmallows.

The Marshmallow Experiment

Aside from perhaps the Stanford Prison and Milgram experiments (1971 & 1963 respectively), few psychological experiments have gained the notoriety of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment (1972).

In this study, young children were sat in a room with a marshmallow placed in front of them and were told that they could eat the marshmallow now or, if they waited 15 minutes, they would be given a second marshmallow.

Inevitably, some of the children ate the first marshmallow while some avoided temptation long enough to receive the second marshmallow. And some of them just cried.

Salah benched as Matip returns for Liverpool's Palace visit

What was most interesting about the Marshmallow Experiment is that they followed up with the children 10 years later and found that those who had resisted eating the first marshmallow had largely scored better in their SATs, performed better in school generally and even had healthier BMIs.

While there is some debate as to why this correlation between the ability to delay gratification and these various measures of success should exist, it exists nonetheless.

Much like tomato ketchup and a certain Irish stout, good things come to those who wait.

While the results of the Marshmallow Experiment are still debated, the idea that there is a link between ability to delay gratification and improved prospects of success in humans has, for years, been supported by high profile and influential figures ranging from psychologist Jordan Peterson to motivational speaker Tony Robbins, both of whom, in fact, consider this ability to be among the most important indicators of success in both children and adults.

Applying the Theory to FPL

So can we as FPL managers learn anything from this?

Well, one very obvious parallel exists if you replace marshmallows with free transfers.

You can have two, but you have to avoid using the first one.

I’m a huge believer in saving the second transfer whenever possible and, while I’m not aware of any studies on the subject, I know that there is a fairly strong correlation between the success of my transfers, how well I’m doing in FPL generally and how often I’ve been able to carry a transfer.

The most obvious reason for why this might be is that, whereas with one transfer your options are limited to players within the same price bracket as the one you’re getting rid of, with two transfers you have far, far more options.

A second reason might be that waiting a gameweek to make two transfers instead of one per gameweek gives you more time to think and reduces the likelihood that you will make some sort of knee-jerk mistake that you end up regretting.

A similar principle could be applied to when you make your transfers. This season, perhaps more than any others, has shown the benefit of waiting as late as possible to make your changes.

It’s generally accepted that access to more, and more current information will typically improve decision quality and FPL is likely no exception.

Of course, being patient is easier said than done, especially off the back of a bad Gameweek where the temptation to make a change, any change, is huge.

Here, we might take a leaf out of the children of the Marshmallow Experiment’s book in that some, in an attempt to avoid temptation, simply put their hands over their eyes.

In an FPL context, this might mean avoiding looking at player prices or even spending too much time thinking about your next transfer until a day or two before the next Gameweek begins.

The principle of delaying gratification could equally apply to when you use your chips.

Serious FPL managers have long been distinguished by their tendency to keep their wildcards and chips until later in the season and, while it doesn’t always work out as intended, this approach confers all sorts of benefits including the opportunity to take advantage of Double Gameweeks, a typically higher team value to invest in players and more knowledge of who the best teams and players are.

Of course, there are also disadvantages to being patient.

Just as cautious cavemen in the Paleolithic Era were less likely to be eaten by sabre-tooth tigers, they were also less likely to find food themselves, particularly if they were too cautious.

The benefits of delaying action in FPL must always be weighed against the benefits of taking it and distinguishing which is the correct course and when, is and always has been a big part of the skill to this game.

However, knowing that a bias towards patience generally (be it natural or forced through will) is likely to produce better results overall, should be a positive step in the direction of making better and more deliberate FPL decisions.

1,918 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gauzah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason to not triple cap Salah? Other than him not being the best of form?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That's pretty much the only reason why I won't TC Salah.

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

        I feel like whenever triple cap is played at the most “optimal” time it’s always a let down. For me, a double gameweek where he’s going to play both games 100% is just to good to ignore. I think KDB gets benched in 1 of City’a DGW.

        1. unclesbasement
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          for who? Im not buying this kdb bench rumours

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

      Nope, don't think so. I'm doing it most likely.

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

      No. And he was out of form pre season then got a 40 point haul against Leeds.

  2. Toplad
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GW19 who and why:

    A) Firmino
    B) Antonio

    Thanks in advance

  3. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    West Ham presser is on now.

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

      Cheers, following Pep's at the moment as well

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

      Please say: Balbuena is now 110% fit and will start next 2 games.

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

      Anything on Fab?

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

    Interesting article..

    So who's playing using a chip this weekend?

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

      Planning*

    2. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Still minded to press BB. Don't think I'll ever have a full playing bench regardless of whether they have a DGW

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

      Not me.

    4. unclesbasement
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      TC kdb

  5. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy scoring better away from home. Is this a new thing for this season and will it continue?

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

      Yes, has been better away from home because the home team is aggressive and Vardy is decent on counter
      But he has hauled against Brighton at home so same could happen against Chelsea and Southampton since they are not just going to sit back like other teams travelling to King Power

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

        Can't see him blanking in both of those matches

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        My thoughts too regarding opponents for the double. Thanks

  6. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    No City as of yet...

    A) - 4 (own Robbo)
    TAA, Taylor > Cancelo, Dias
    TC Vardy

    B) -8
    TAA, Burke, Kane > City, KDB, fodder
    TC KDB

  7. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son + Bamford >>> Rashford + Antonio (-4)?

    Will be bringing Bamford back next week for Watkins

  8. gart888
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best DCL replacement? Can't afford to upgrade him.

    Watkins, Antonio, or Wilson?

    I find Antonio the most intriguing, but I question his fitness right now.

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

      Antonio is the only worth it

    2. Did you see that throw-in?
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who are West Ham buying to replace Haller? Watkins has just as good stats and isn't made out of twiglets.

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Watkins also may have Covid though. And has terrible finishing lately.

  9. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal Konsa
    Salah KDB Bruno Raphinha*
    Vardy Bamford*
    Meslier Adams Anguissa Taylor

    0 FT 1 ITB

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly Raphinha to Soucek, or Adams to Antonio (and start over Raph)

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

    Are we likely to get any updates on Villa players before deadline?

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

      Same thought and probably no as their game is on Wed.

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

        That's make me wary of getting in any of them

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

    Any news from Villa?

  12. gart888
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth using a BB if your bench is:
    Johnstone, Bamford, Adams, KWP ?

    Would have been really nice if the southampton leeds game wasn't cancelled. 🙁

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s so annoying 🙁 I would just about

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I'm getting 2 games out of a keeper, and 3 games out of decent players using it this week. Not fully optimized, but I'm not sure that I'll get a better opportunity later in the year.

  13. The Colonel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more?

    1) Grealish and Firminho
    2) Son and Antonio

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

  14. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to downgrade to do McCarthy, Adams to Martinez/De Gea, Watkins/Antonio?

    A) Robo to Dias
    B) Salah to Kdb or sterling

  15. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TC Salah is my choice over BB cause i dont wanna go -12. I will WC as soon as we know the gw26 dgw fixtures in order to build a good BB and also keep transfers to manage gw29.Do we think Mo starts both games? He has to... after a whole rest week for Pool players. But it worries me that the play ManU and Spurs between 7 days right after the Burnley game, Do you think Klopp is gonna rotate his squad for the BUR(H) game?

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool aren't in form and need to start winning to stay in the title race. I can't see why Salah wouldn't start both games. No Jota in the picture either.

  16. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A B or C guys?

    A- KWP to Stones
    B - DCL to Antonio
    C - Something Else?

    Martinez Foster
    TAA Robbo James Maguire KWP
    Salah Son Fernandes Burke Bissouma
    Bamford DCL Watkins

  17. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nice article but doesn't necessarily apply to a season plagued with rearranged games and players testing positive.

    Good advice for a normal season though.

  18. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Expect more points from A or B?

    A) KDB + Vardy + 4 points
    B) Martinez + Dallas + Maddison + Wood + Bamford

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      B is too difficult to predict with so many variables. I would say A

    3. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

  19. McSlu
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A: Cancelo, Soucek
    B: Stones, Foden

    Have Dias already

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

        TY

    2. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  20. Gudge
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    Thinking of doing a BB this week with the following transfers.if I did 3 transfers it would give me 11 double and 4 single game week players. Some advice please

    McCarty Forster
    AWB stones Dallas cancelo coufal
    Son grealish Fernandes De Bruyne soucek
    Kane bamford Davis

    A Forster , son, Davis > Martinez, rashford, Antonio -8
    B: Forster, Kane, Davis > Martinez, Vardy, Antonio -8
    C save BB and son > salah

  21. FPL Panda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would u prefer for the next 6 weeks

    A Son

    Or

    B Robertson

    Formation - 352 vs 442

    Cheers

    1. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

  22. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this team with 1FT to use:

    Johnstone McCarthy*
    Dallas* Justin Coufal Lowton Robertson
    Soucek Son* Salah Fernandes Raphinha*
    Adams* Bamford* Kane*

    Currently have 7 non DGW players

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

      Wtf!? Looks exactly like mine posted same time...

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

      I would absolutely save BB

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

    Current team:
    Johnstone-McCarthy
    TAA-Justin-Coufal-Dallas-Stones
    Salah-Bruno-Son-Soucek-Raphina
    Kane-Bamford-Wood

    Would you do:

    TAA+Son+Wood to Holding+KdB+Antonio (-8)??

  24. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Really want Salah but struggling to see a good way to get him in: any advice greatly appreciated!

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal Dallas
    Bruno Rashford KDB Son
    Kane Bamford*
    Forster Adams Mitchell Burke. 0.5itb

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

      Ditching two of Rash, Son and Kane seem the places. Son and Kane to Antonio and Mo might be worth it

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Would you think Rash and Son to Soucek and Salah might be a decent option also? So many questions marks over Antonio.

        Problem is any if these moves would need a hit

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

    Spurs should give Villa a kings ransom for Grealish

    Can you imagine Kane and Sons goals tally with an incredible playmaker behind them?

    Pay Jack the wages flushed away on Bale. Then give Villa Nbombele, Sánchez, LoCelso, Lamela, and Bergwin

    Yeah, that’s a big pile of trash but they are professional players. They would do ok at a sub tier club. You can always sign new bad players to replace them

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

      Ndombele has been much better this year.

      Sanchez is worse than Villa's current CBs, so pointless. Lo Celso is alright (when not injured.) Lamela wouldn't be of interest to anyone. Bergwijn is meh, but needed for wing cover.

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Spurs are challenging for the title and half of their forward 4 has to consist of Bergwijn, LoCelso, Lamela, Ndombele. Any combination of them is just dreadful. They don't do anything. No wonder there's so much onus on Son and Kane.

  26. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    any idea on the Villa first teamers who have had covid and therefore might be doubtful?

    I am wondering if its too risky to bring in Watkins when there are players like Wilson (dgw) who are 'safer' picks given the situation?

  27. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Right, I think I'm saving my BB for another time.

    McCarthy
    Robertson / Cancelo / Coufal
    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Soucek / Raphinha
    Vardy / Bamford

    Forster // Alioski / Taylor* / DCL*

    A) McCarthy/DCL > Martinez/Antonio
    B) McCarthy/DCL > Martinez/Cavani
    C) McCarthy/Taylor > Martinez/Stones
    D) Forster/DCL > Martinez/Antonio

    All include benching Raphinha. C keeps DCL, who could then be back for NEW.

    D is more so for if I want to keep SOU coverage handy, but honestly SOU fixtures aren't all that across the next few weeks. This is why I feel McCarthy > Martinez is worthwhile (given fixtures & future doubles too.)

    Thoughts?

  28. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one:

    A) Son + Bamford >> Rashford + Antonio (-4)
    B) Son + Watkins >> Rashford + Antonio (keep Bamford)
    C) Bamford > Antonio (Keep Son)

    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Literally none of these

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So just keep Bamford and Son?

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

          What's that, an antiques shop?

    2. Dichio24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Watkins to Antonio? Would keep Bamford

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I like this move. Cheers mate!

  29. Bedok
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Jordan Peterson? If I start to actively consider Jordan Peterson's ideas when making transfers, I guess it's time to bail on FPL. Tony Robbins and the Peterson references aside, I generally agree with the article that paying attention, careful consideration and not acting rashly are good for long-term FPL success. Jordan Peterson...

  30. Dichio24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Don't like the idea of going without Spurs, but this arguably look quite good:

    Son, Kane, Lacazette to Salah, Vardy, Antonio (-8)

    Yes or No?

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

      Yes