Pro Pundits - Lateriser

‘Enjoy the ride, adapt and stop planning’ – FPL’s reigning India winner says to focus on the short-term

The Double Gameweeks are here.

But it hasn’t been a smooth ride. Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have had so many unexpected detours (a lot of off-roading) on the way, but battered, bruised and with a lot of dents, we’re finally here.

Just know that you are not the only ones facing these twists and turns. It won’t be the last time unexpected rescheduling happens either.

FPL managers all over the globe have been meandering their way through these unexpected times and you’ve just got to enjoy the ride and adapt. It’s the only option you have really.

So what do I intend to do differently? First off, stop planning. Be more short-sighted. Normally, when making moves, I look at the next five to six Gameweeks.

Instead, I am going to play for the points available and have a more short-term approach when planning my moves.

This means I’ll likely look at the next three Gameweeks when making my moves and no more than that.

Why? We could literally have unexpected cancellations and changes (Double Gameweeks) at any time. So planning mid-term doesn’t have much value in my opinion.

Secondly, and I have said this multiple times this season, I’m all for wanting to chase price rises, but honestly, I can’t say it enough, this is the season to delay your transfers as far as possible.

The fantasy landscape is changing daily and new bits of information are appearing on a daily basis, which might drastically affect your transfer strategy.

You might think that your transfers might not be affordable the next day, but when you look closer, there is always another way.

Has the recent Double Gameweek news for Aston Villa and Newcastle and the lack of a double for Leeds United and Southampton changed my plans?

FPL Transfer Traps Gameweek 6 1

I currently own only Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) from the two teams and before Blank Gameweek 18, I sold Jack Grealish (£7.7m) and Che Adams (£6.0m).

I had heard murmurs of the Leeds vs Southampton game being called off and I just don’t trust the fitness of Villa’s players and the lure of two premium Manchester big hitters was too much for me.

It was a gamble and it won’t be the last time I’ll need to roll the dice this season.

It just seems like a season of difficult decisions given the sheer number of consistent big hitters but it is what it is.

Just a small note on Aston Villa, the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak is unknown at the time of writing and we don’t necessarily know how the squad has been affected.

It is a very thin squad that is very reliant on 10 to 14 players and if the majority of the first team squad is affected, I don’t know how much I’d trust them.

Keeping this in mind, their players come into the don’t buy/ don’t sell category for me until we know more about them.

Auto Draft 1

Speaking of difficult decisions, one big decision that FPL managers will likely be making this season is whether to sell Son Heung-min (£9.8m) or Harry Kane (£11.1m) for a premium Double Gameweek asset in Gameweek 19.

The one thing I’ll say is if you’re doing it to get in a premium big hitter like Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) or Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) who are genuine captaincy options, then it makes sense to me.

If not, it becomes a very difficult decision (one that might not necessarily be the right one) given their fixture in Gameweek 19.

Then it comes down to gut and the kind of FPL manager you are.

If I was to hold one of Son or Kane, at the moment I’d lean towards holding Son primarily because of the price difference.

I see a lot of people selling their Arsenal and Leeds United assets for Double Gameweek players.

It is important to not have the blinkers on for the doubles because both of these teams in addition to Spurs have very good games in Gameweek 19 and it might not be the smartest thing to sell them just to buy additional minutes in the Double Gameweek.

You need to look at the next couple of Gameweeks while making these decisions and then make the call.

A few things I have noticed in the last few weeks is that players like Son, Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) and KDB have looked very tired in the last 30 minutes of games and I feel like in comparison, Liverpool and Chelsea both having some time off will play into their hands.

I’m personally expecting an upturn in performances for both of these teams in the coming weeks.

Having some time on the training ground with the full team without playing games can be underestimated and I think that will show.

It is worth noting Chelsea have all their players fit now including their full-backs and it’s easy to forget that when they, along with Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) were fit, Chelsea were creating chances for fun.

They have a decent looking Double Gameweek (both Leicester and Fulham are in the worst five teams for big chances conceded at home this season) and I quite like their fixtures in the mid-term as well.

There are some good picks in that team both in attack and in defence should you fancy it.

Some of you are wondering about whether you should Bench Boost or not.

In my opinion if you have players from the likes of Leeds who have a good Gameweek 19 fixture, I’d still use the chip and play the Bench Boost.

The case for you to Bench Boost is even stronger, especially if you have used your Free Hit chip in Gameweek 18.

I say that is the case because if you wildcard in Gameweek 25 for the Double Gameweek in 26, your bench spots will need to be likely focused on Blank Gameweek 29 and that is something to consider while you’re making your decision.

Otherwise, one of the prime advantages of having used the Bench Boost chip is so that it’s out of the way and you can focus funds on your starting 11 (plus two bench spots) rather than spreading them over 15 players.

It is very difficult to give an answer with regards to this conundrum because it is very team dependant but generally when it comes to using your chips, there will be many more mini Double Gameweeks in play the way the season is going, so there are going to be more opportunities than you think for chip deployment.

I intentionally decide to just talk a little bit of macro-philosophy with this article ahead of the Double Gameweek but all of you are aware of the numbers and the good picks so I thought it might be worthwhile to outline a few things that might not have caught your attention.

I’ve been making steady progress with my season after a terrible start.

Despite having games called off for my Manchester City and Spurs assets and despite not deploying my Free Hit chip in Gameweek 18, I’ve climbed from a 3.1 million Overall Rank (OR) in Gameweek 12 to a 1.54 million OR at present.

I was very happy to get a 300,000 sized green arrow in Gameweek 18 despite taking a hit, owning nine players and not deploying the Free Hit chip which tells you that quality matters over quantity.

If the odds are stacked against you in a particular Gameweek in terms of numbers of players, it still isn’t the end of the world because if you have the right players, you could still climb up the table.

Also, it is worth mentioning that Zophar & I had the pleasure of interviewing the creator of LiveFPL.net recently and it was a pleasure getting to chat with Ragabolly.

He’s a PHD in quantum physics and still claims to not be a genius.

He’s a very humble guy and it’s an interview worth watching if you haven’t already. You can see it here.

We also did our standard podcast of The FPL Wire where we talk about Double Gameweek 19 in depth which you will find below. Thanks for reading and good luck this Gameweek!

5,989 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi.....Taken a - 4 for this bb squad. 0.4mitb

    What to do with balbuena?

    A....balbuena to holding - 8

    B....robbo and balbuena to Chilwell and cancelo - 12

    Martinez Johnstone
    Robbo dias coufal dallas balbuena
    Salah bruno kdb grealish soucek
    Antonio Watkins Bamford

    Thanks

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      Why not just do Balbuena > DGW defender. There are loads to choose from.

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

        I only have 4.8m to spend. There are no options.

        Not keen on Lowton

        Shaw has 4yc and may only play once

        I have soucek and dallas.....cheers

  2. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1) dcl to Cavani ( play Bamford )
    2) dcl to Antonio ( play Bamford)
    3) dcl + Brewster to Wilson + Watkins (-4)

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

      2

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

      2

  3. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB TC anyone?

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

      Yup see below

  4. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB or Salah captain. Go!

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

      KDB tiredness and missing big chances concerns me, so slightly leaning toward Salah.

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

    Locking in with this tonight, may swap Wilson in for Son tomorrow if I’m feeling brave/foolish

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    KDB(TC) Bruno Rashford Son Soucek
    Martial Antonio

    Areola Wilson Holding Mitchell

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good. I would play Son.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would transfer out Wilson.

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

    Would you consider any hits with this team? Grealish/Taylor to Gündogan/Chilwell not worth -8 right?
    Would you use any chip?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Coufal Holding
    Fernandes KDB Salah Grealish Soucek
    Vardy Antonio

    Macey Bamford Alioski Taylor

  7. ralfb
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would u do bench boast with
    Dallas bamford anguissa on bench ?
    Or tc salah?
    Or nothing?

  8. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Never usually take hits but does this -8 make sense for BB? Current rank 5k so keen to keep season going!

    Dier, Grealish, Son —> Stones, KDB (c), Gundo

    Johnstone McCarthy
    Cresswell Coufal DIER Pieters Dallas
    Salah Bruno Soucek GREALISH SON
    Kane Bamford D-Reid

    1. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you captain KDB then yes but not sure about selling Grealish

  9. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TC Salah cause looks like Matip might start?

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

      What’s the connection?

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How does Matip affect Salah?

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

        The last time Matip started, Pool won 7-0 at cpl and everyone thought they were essential. Since he got injured they've been shite.

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

        Pushes Hendo in midfield, but CB

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

          Not* CB

      3. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think because Henderson will move into midfield and the kids the more effectively service the attacking trio ... is my guess.

  10. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Absolutely agree with his article.

    Enjoy the game. Take risks.
    Great game this.

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

    Bamford to Antonio or roll FT for next week?

    De Gea
    Dias / Stones / Coufal
    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Son* / Soucek
    Wilson / Bamford*

    Steel / Adams / Dallas / Mitchell
    0.0itb

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

      same dilemma

  12. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which move would you do?

    A) DCL—>Antonio
    B) Son, Kane, DCL—>Salah, Vardy, Antonio (-8)
    C) Kane—> Vardy

    Cheers!

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B; time to go for it

  13. Cahill
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I lads!

    Is PVA -> cancelo/dias worth (another) -4?

    or just play dallas?

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

      it is

  14. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know when leeds might have their double gw? Is Bamford to Antonio worth it for a ft? or save ft?

  15. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Harvey Barnes?

  16. MikeS
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son and Kane > kdb and vardy -8?

  17. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any recent news on Antonio?

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

      Not mentioned as not being available by Moyes

  18. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I only have two big hitters in midfield right now: Bruno and Mo. I am content with my squad with a -4, but I haven't been impressed with Mo of late. Worth another hit to get KDB in for Mo? Hasn't he looked tired in recent games?

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

      For Bruno if anything in my opinion

      KDB and Salah top 2 picks this DGW

  19. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane -> Antonio
    Pieters -> Cancelo
    for -4?

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

      yep

  20. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is this - 8 worth it?

    Kane, Adams, Raphinha - - > Davis, KDB, Antonio

    It would leave me with a 5 man midfield of Mane, Salah, KDB, Soucek and Bruno

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

      think so

  21. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, which combo you would prefer as a part of BB?

    1) Antonio - Sterling - Lookman - Dier for -4
    2) Antonio - Sterling - Saka - Shaw/4.8def for -4
    3) Brewster- Salah - Souchek -Dier for -4
    4) Brewster - Salah - ASR/Rice - Cancelo/Chilwell for -8

    Current Team is:
    Johnstone - Martinez
    Dallas*- Stones - Coufal - Justin - Dier
    Son - KdB - Bruno - Stelring -Saka
    Laca - Bamford - Brewster

  22. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Konsa (DGWer) in for Bamford? Konsa currently benched.

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

      nope

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

    Which combo scores more?

    A) Soucek & Son (salah C)
    Or
    B) Raphina & Kdb (Kdb C)

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

      B

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

      A

  24. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So Leeds double is back on then?

    1. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How?

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

      Huh?

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

      ?

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

      If Shrewsbury game off but not confirmed yet

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

      No. Pretty much been debunked now.

  25. Bob.
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane, raphinha and Robertson to Antonio, kdb and Dias for -8?

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

      Some players out there... could work obviously still

      1. Bob.
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know. I really need to get kdb in

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

          I'm going without... massive gamble i know

          1. Bob.
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Good luck man. I think he's the best captain option so I feel I need him

  26. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For the next few GWs which pair do you prefer

    Firmino & Wilson
    Vardy & Wood

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

      B

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

      B x 10

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

      B easily

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

    A. Raphina
    B. Foden-4

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

    Well this is ridiculous. I dropped my phone and somehow that pressed transfer.

    Martial and Robertson to Vardy and Zouma it is...

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

      It's fate

  29. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Balbuena to Coufal
    Or
    B) Take a punt on Son, Mccarthy & Balbuena to Ederson, Foden & Coufal for 8pts?

    Already have Stones

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

      A

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

    Someone stop and convince me, or at least some answers?
    Mendy Coufal Bamford Brewster worth a BB?
    1 hit taken to upgrade Steer to Mendy.

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

      Why take that hit unless you were gonna bb?

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

        I havent yet. Sry, wasnt clear enough.

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

          Ah sorry. Bb with Brewster doesmt fill me with confidence... came close the last night

          Coufal and bam are too good for bench tho