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. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which transfers should I make??

    A) Taylor for Dawson
    B) Stones KDB for Robbo Son (-4)
    C) Stones Vardy for Kane Taylor (-4)

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

      I like b looking at similar... thoughts below?

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

        B seems ok but robbo could score big this gw, not sure if worth taking a hit for tbh

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

        I dont really want to take out Robbo on a dgw though

  2. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys just need abit of help...

    im doing a wildcard on fanteam but when i change my players and click update team it doesnt mention about a wildcard on the screen after it just lists the transfers that are happening and theres a confirm button.

    Do i need to hit confirm first or something?

    thanks alot 🙂

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

      you need to activate wildcard, it'll then say each player costs 0 to transfer

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

    Rashford & Martial > Salah & Antonio (-4)
    No brainer?

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not a no brainer, but moves could pay off. If you are happy with them long term I would go for it.

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

        Hmm not really - had been off Salah with Livs dodgier fixtures and not sure I want 3x West Ham after this week - thanks

    2. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I dunno, feels wrong to ditch 2 united players... no other way to bring in salah?

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

        Prob not - keeping Bruno & KDB so would have to be Rash out, and Martial is risky with this ‘injury’ and the only one I’m happy selling to release the funds

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

      Nothing certain but I think Martial will get one game and Salah out score Rashford so would make up 4 points one way or the other

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

      Salah off form and Antonio not even played much recently. With man utd's gw after also, seems pretty bad to me

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

        Thanks - now inclined to agree with you - will be something duller on a FT I think 🙂

  4. OBAMA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) chillwell + martinez + non playing gk on bench

    or

    B) zouma + martinez + sanchez on bench

    Basically is Chillwell worth losing a playing keeper on the bench for?

    (on a wildcard).

    1. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B imo because zouma also has potential

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

      Chilwell IMO

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

      Chelsea an unknown quantity for me but if their cup win and two pretty good fixtures can get them back on track then I’d have a slight preference for A as I’m not into rotating keepers and Chilwell has higher ceiling. That said, Zouma is a goal threat too and got me loads of points

  5. Silva’s Left Nut
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Y/N, Kane + Son to KDB (C) + Vardy for an 8 point hit?

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

      Y

    2. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Y

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      Y

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

    Just about narrowed it down to 2. Any help will be mirrored either on your post or ask a question

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

    I've done DCL > Antonio to beat the price changes. Considering Holding > Dias tomorrow for -4 as it sets me up nice for the next few weeks. Means no KDB but frankly I've not been impressed and son and Kane have too good a fixture to ignore.

    Good luck everyone.

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

      I like it 🙂 would do the holding to Dias move

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

        Thanks. More than likely I will do it.

  8. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez-Forster*
    Justin-Coufal-Cancelo-Dier*-Bellerin*
    Rashford-Fernandes-KdB-Gundogan-Saka*
    Watkins-Kane*-Bamford*

    Which 8p hit would you take:

    a) Rashford-->Salah (C)
    Saka-->Soucek
    Bellerin-->Strujk

    or

    b) Saka-->Salah (C)
    Kane-->Antonio
    Bellerin-->Strujk

    or
    c) Rashford-->Salah
    Kane-->Vardy
    Bellerin-->Dawson

  9. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have one spot open in my team.

    Play
    A) Antonio (-4)
    B) Raphinha
    C) Holding
    Or
    D) Bench boost Raphinha, Holding and Mitchell?

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

      A

  10. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB ?
    McCarthy Adams Alioski Anguissa

    Leaning towards doing it as I planned to and I don’t want to carry value on my bench

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

      Yeah I would with that bench

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

      I'd say no

  11. EIE
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I be moving heaven and earth to get Mahrez out and KDB/Sterling in or should I just buckle up and continue playing Pep roulette?

    Martinez (Forster)
    Dias, Stones, Justin (Coufal, Kilman)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Mahrez (Bissouma)
    Bamford, Firmino, Watkins

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

      Mahrez let me down twice so have personal dislike. Having said that he’s not done much recently and I’d be more comfortable with KDB in my team. Seems to be a lot of love for Antonio at the moment; maybe for Firmino?

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

    Which one?

    A) O’Shea/Alioski —> Stones (-4)
    Or
    B) Start 1 of O’Shea/Alioski (free)

    1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      take the hit

  13. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    TC headache right up until deadline I feel....

    Been thinking KDB all week, now thinking Mo...

    Might not even use the chip and just cross my fingers and hope neither explode this week and I get away with holding it for later in the season :/

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

      I'm going to hold I think. Look at how low-scoring the games have been recently. Everyone's running on fumes.

  14. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anybody want to nudge me toward one of the below options? Totally stumped.

    1FT 0.3m ITB

    Johnstone
    Robertson Justin Lowton Coufal
    Soucek Bruno Salah Son*
    Vardy Bamford*

    McCarthy* - Raphinha* Dallas* Adams*
    * SGW

    A) Dallas > Stones
    B) Robbo + Son > Stones + KDB (-4)
    C) Robbo + Lowton/Dallas > Double City def (-4)

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

      Tempted by b myself

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

        C will sort you out long term I reckon. KDB's output is not quite what it should be this year for his price IMO

    2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping Robbo so A

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think B also

    4. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lovely assortment of answers there, cheers. Robbo is a player I'd love to keep for the GW, but would probably sell shortly down the line. KDB becomes tougher to get if I go A or C

  15. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB active, lookong ok?

    Meslier, Fabianski
    Robertson, Stones, Justin, Coufal, Alioski
    Salah(c), Bruno, Rashford, Maddison, Soucek
    Firmino, Bamford, Giroud

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

      Lovely. You take many hits!

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

        Yes but doing alright this season. 250 OR and attacking with bench boost..

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

          250k* sry

    2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      different....but you be you.

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

      I like your Giroud pick. If he gets game time he should get goals

  16. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    concerned about Grealish, and always been hit happy. so....

    A: stick with no hit
    B: Grealish to Foden (-4)
    C: Grealish & Son to Foden & KDB (-8)

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

      C could be v naughty

      1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        naughty in a good way, right?

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

          Oui

          1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            cheers

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

    Thoughts on the following for a -8:

    Lowton > Dias
    Son > KDB
    Kane > Antonio

    Opinions appreciated!

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

      Looks good

    2. Genji3lade
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, will be making the same moves shortly

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

    Just about narrowed it down to 2. Any help will be mirrored either on your post or ask a question... would love a few responses thanks

    1FT 0.3 itb Current team:
    Johnstone
    Coufal Justin Robo
    Raph Soucek Son Bruno Salah
    Vardy Bamford
    (McCarthy, Lowton, Adams, Dallas)

    Two options:
    A) Mccarthy, Robo, Lowton, Adams to Martinez, Dias, Stones, Antonio (-12) and Bb

    B) Son, Robo to KDB, Stones and save bb.

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

      Wouldn’t be doing Robertson out

      Also how sure are you that Martinez is fine to play

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

      I would lose Son for KDB

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

        Need funds for that which seem to be only possible by doing Robo to stones :/

    3. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A -12 is far too much to justify bench boosting. 12 ponts is a lot to make up.

      On your second option I would not take robbo out for a hit when he has a double and one of them looks a banker.

      So not really keen on either, although the idea to get kdb in is right I reckon.

    4. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldnt seel Robbo either, but if that's your thing B

    5. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think robo, lowton to dias, stones for a -4 would make some sense. personally dont think martinez and antonio are gonna be worth those extra 8 points

      also my question is above your previous comment 🙂

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

        Hmmm sounds decent tbf. No bb then?

  19. OleBall
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) DGW GK + Pieters
    B) McCarthy + Stones

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

      B

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

    Repost..

    Raphinia to Maddison/El Gazi/Barnes on a free transfer?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would lean towards one of the Leicester players personally.

  21. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi Any advice please on son, dunne & Wilson to stones, Gündogan & Vardy -8? Cheers

    1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      wish it would be for a -4 but go for it if you feel it.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers v tempted

  22. Don Rogers FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy > Martinez foe a -4 ?

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

      I think I’ll do it for a bb

      1. Don Rogers FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’m avoiding BB now, can only get 10 DGP out but this -4 would give me 11.

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

      Are you confident that Martinez is OK to play?

      1. Don Rogers FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’m not. That is partially why I am asking.

      2. Don Rogers FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not totally confident in McCarthy either.

    3. Don Rogers FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez fixtures from wk 20 also a consideration.

  23. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. Kane, KWP > Vardy, Stones (-4)
    B. Son, KWP > Foden, Diaz (-4)
    C. Son, Robbo > KDB, Stones (-4)
    D. Kane, Raphinha > KDB, Brewster (-4)

    McCarthy - Johnstone
    Robbo - Coufal - KWP - Justin - Dallas
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Soucek - Raphinha
    Kane - Adams - Bamford

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

    Rashford or Son from now onwards?

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Easy Son

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

    What to do here lads, cheers! 0.1 itb, 1ft

    Meslier, Button
    Coufal,Justin,Chilwell,KWP,Mitchell
    Salah,Kdb,Bruno,Son,Soucek
    Wood,Bamford,Che

  26. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Alioski to Ayling worth -4?

  27. damiang2233
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one of the below?

    Saiss
    Dier
    Son
    Kane

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dier

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would agree with Dier here.

  28. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Alright gonna enjoy the ride

    Sterling TC just 2 days after he gave me my first negative captain score in almost a decade of playing this game

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

      i'm on sterling too (but BB, not TC)

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

    Do I go without Salah and keep Son and just do Lacazette to Firmino for Liverpool cover?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure Firmino is who'd you want but he's a better option that Lacazette for sure

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

    A - Dier

    or

    B - Soucek (-4)

    ??