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

    Anyone going Sterling instead of KDB. He's had his rest now. It's also the only way I can afford Stones too.

    a) KDB + Antonio
    b) Sterling + Antonio + Stones (for a hit)

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, quite a few

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

      Me

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

      seems sub-optimal to me

    4. PogChamp
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. I captained last GW. It can't go any worse. Right?

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

        Don't let it affect your choice this week.

        1. PogChamp
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I won't. I'm all in.

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

      He should finally click it and start producing

    6. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m going Sterling(TC) alongside KDB. He was so eager to get on the pitch the other day he was warming up for about 40mins. He will be fresh and ready to make up for his mistake with the penalty. Most likely attacker to play 180mins.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I wish you the absolute best of luck with that one

        1. Mufc202020
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks! Going to need it

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

      Could go James instead of Stones.

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

      A lot of excess energy went into that pen 😀

    9. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A all day.
      Why people keep trusting Sterling is actually quite amusing, always will be to me though as I can’t stand him, awful player to own in FPL.

    10. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      im thinking sterling for free ir kdb for a hit, see below post, id love to know thoughts!

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

        Yeah mine is the other way around. Sterling is the hit but it also gives me another DGW player.

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

          personally i think city defenders are worth a hit this week, especially with fixtures after the double so good

          1. PogChamp
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Same. If I was WC theres a chance I would go triple City at the back.

    11. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a

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

    Anyone else without KDB this GW? Feel he will come good here. Might hit to take Sonny out for him then reassess

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

      Tempted

    2. Sacked in the Morning
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Considering losing Kane (have Son) to afford KDB.....

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

      I feel he is resting against crystal

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

      Going without kdb

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

      I'm going without but I understand why most people aren't.

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

    Martinez
    Cresswell saiss stones
    Sterling(c) bruno salah barnes foden
    Antonio bam

    Subs steer dallas kwp dcl

    Gtg?

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

    Lowton to Stones worth -4?
    Adams to Antonio?
    McCarthy to Mendy?

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

      First one yes if Lowton was one of your starting defenders, 2nd one maybe, 3rd no

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

        agreed

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stones: 1 CS covers the 4 points, Lowton unlikely to keep one.
      2 CS or bonus your well up.
      Best defence in the league.
      Good fixtures DGW & after.

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

    Meslier; Giroud, Bamford, Alioski

    YAY or NAY for BB?

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

      I'm not sure on giroud game time but could be gold...leeds no dgw hurt alot of us

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

        Yes I would have 15/15 DGWs I was planning for over a month.. hopefully they can trash Brighton now..

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

          Fingers crossed

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

      similar situation as me below with 3 leeds. im hearing mixed suggestions but could very well save it and hope brighton keep it somewhat tight

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

        Az is very positive about Brighton's chances and he thinks they will win. I think Leeds will humiliate them but that's just my wishes..

    3. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud & Alioski are both risks.
      NAY.
      2 definite starters are SGW.

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

    I'm not usually 1 to ask a couple of times but...

    Raphina to Foden for -4... yay or nay

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

      personally wouldnt. if foden was guaranteed two starts then probably, but you never know with pep

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

        Cheers!

        I think even with 1 start and 20min run out he could score well

        Will decide in the morning

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

    Price changes in 1h40 ish, amirite?

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

      No

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

        In 38 mins

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

      40 minutes.

      1hr 40 mins would be if the UK were in BST.

      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

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

    Is KDB gonna outscore Kane by 8pts or more in this gw?

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

      Yeah I think so. Sheff u spurs could be tight game

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

    Final question before I resign.

    A.) Sell Son for KDB which allows Ferguson to Dias (-8)

    B.) Sell Raphina for KDB, start Son and forego City defence (-4)

    Whilst keeping Son may appear obvious I so mindful of City's defensive potential (Pal, Avl, Wba, Shu, Bur).

    Weird to think Dias will outscore Son over medium term?

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

      id prioritize city defender over kdb this week personally

  10. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    PLEASE HELP

    1. Origal73
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Team is

      DDG
      Dias Stones Coufal
      KDB Bruno Son Soucek Madisson
      Kane Bamfod

      Bench: Johnston Dier Holding Benteke

      1) (TC) KDB
      2) Kane and Benteke -> Vardy and Antonio for -4 and BB Johnston, Dier, Holding, Antonio.

      Will appreciate your help!

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

        2

      2. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I guess 2 for me.

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

      OK?

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Loud noises!!

  11. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Johnstone
    B) Areola

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  12. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Johnstone
    Cancelo Dias TAA Coufal James
    Salah(c) Bruno Son Soucek
    Bamford

    Bench: Fabianski(doubt), Raphinha, Rodrigo, Adams

    I think im going to Bench boost, right??? with that in mind.....
    a) Son > Sterling for free
    b) Adams > Cavani for free
    c) Son TAA > KDB Chilwell -4pts
    d) Son Adams > KDB DecordovaReid -4pts

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save transfer or do Fabianski to De Gea to guarantee 2 games

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

      Adam's to Antonio?

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

        already have 3 west ham. not sure what transfer and if i should BB

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

          Missed that

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

    Which 1?
    A. Grealish & Adams to KDB & Brewster (-4)
    B. Bruno & Taylor KDB & Stones (-4)
    C. Just Taylor to Stones (no KDB)

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

      Tough but maybe just C. Grealish could score well

  14. fieldmicemk13
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A.) Kane to Stones & Bednerak to Watkins
    OR
    B.) Bamford to Jesus & Bednerak to Stones

    1. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is that with a hit or FT??

      1. fieldmicemk13
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I messed up my post sorry it was supposed to say

        A.) Bednerak to Stones & Bamford to Watkins
        OR
        B.) Bednerak to Cancelo & Kane to Jesus
        For a -4

        My bad!

        1. Mufc202020
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I would say A

  15. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Apologies for the repost

    Would any of you take a hit for either

    A)Kane to Vardy
    B)Neto to Barnes
    C)Both
    D)Neither

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      D

  16. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For the DGW and beyond

    A) Soucek & Stones (Keep Adams)

    B) Gundogan & Antonio

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

      A could last you quite some time. Adams can be moved on later on anytime

  17. FusionFC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    FH team:

    Mendy
    TAA Stones Coufal
    Foden Bruno KDB Soucek Salah
    Vardy Antonio

    Forster Strujik Mitchell Davis

    Obviously a Spurs blowout could kill me, but any significant upgrades?

  18. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Just need Mitchell to avoid this price rise until tomorrow, any chance?

  19. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    0.0ITB.

    Martinez
    Dias Coufal Justin
    Salah KDB Soucek Son Bruno
    Wood Antonio

    Steer R James Bamford Dallas

    A) Son + Steer --> Foden + Mendy (-8) and BENCH BOOST
    B) R James --> Stones (-4) and play ahead of Justin
    C) BENCH BOOST this team now for free (without a playing GK)

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

    1FT. Bench boost not really an option.
    So I think I will do Adams--> Antonio, which leaves me with this bunch of misfits. GTG?

    Martinez,
    Zouma, Cresswell, Konsa
    Fernandes, Salah, Son, Grealish
    Antonio, Vardy, Bamford
    Bench: Forster, Allioski, Taylor, Bissouma

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

    Planning Kane + Raphinha + Dier --> KDB (c) + Stones + Brewster (-8). Bench order and XI correct?

    Meslier
    R. Dias* -- Coufal* -- Justin* -- Stones*
    Salah* -- Fernandes* -- Son -- Soucek* -- KDB*
    Bamford

    McCarthy -- Adams -- Holding -- Brewster

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

      Looks good 🙂

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks smooth

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

        Thanks both

  22. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zaha > Grealish?

  23. Bounce
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A. TC (Salah)
    B. BB (McCarthy, KWP, Dallas, Raphinha)
    C. Save chip

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

      C

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

        Cheers

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

    Points prediction for:
    A) Vardy
    B) Antonio
    ?

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

      Hopefully lots for both

  25. Aidan269
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood to (A) Antonio. (B) Watkins or (C) save transfer?

  26. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sorely tempted to do Son to Ziyech for a hit

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

      I wouldnt

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

    I've hit the - 12 folks. Good luck to everyone. Bb team below! Let's see what happens!

    Martinez johnstone
    Cancelo dias chilwell coufal dallas
    Salah kdb bruno grealish soucek
    Antonio watkins Bamford

    Thanks for all your help!

    1. Aidan269
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Beautiful team

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

        Cheers mate. Good luck

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

    got no City players at all.
    -12 + losing Kane worth it?

  29. Crouch Potato
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi there,
    To enable Son to Salah (own Kane) would you prefer?
    (a) Grealish to Foden,
    (b) Konsa to Mitchell,

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

    Start Bamford over Justin? Really don't see Justin getting much out of this gameweek with SOU and CHE

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

      I think I would.

    2. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it's even. Bamford has higher ceiling, is on pens