Pro Pundits

Three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser on Shaw, a strong bench and transfer strategy

The reigning FPL champion of India, Lateriser, tackles an assortment of issues in his latest Pro Pundits column.


In this season of absolute fails for me, there is finally some reason to cheer. In the last two Gameweeks, I’ve gone against the grain with my captaincy calls – and both picks came through.

I captained Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) in Gameweek 21 and Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) in Gameweek 22 and I’m finally close to breaking into the top one million for the first time this season, as my fight for respectability continues. I’m eight points away from that landmark rank, so I’m hoping to pass it sooner rather than later.

Some time ago I realised that if I was to have a respectable finish this season (so difficult from where I am sitting because the template is so strong at the moment), I will have to take some calculated gambles. Captaining Bruno ahead of the popular Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) was one of those decisions.

This wasn’t a shot in the dark as I weighed up Southampton’s injury problems, their worsening underlying defensive numbers and Brighton’s form. While we know that Salah sees a higher percentage of returns without his Sengalese compatriot, I personally thought Liverpool would find it difficult against a tough Brighton outfit without him. I was assisted by an early red card for Southampton and some dodgy decisionmaking but given the season I’ve had, I’ll take this small win with both hands.

That’s enough about me. This is going to be one of those freestyle articles where I talk about all things I find relevant to FPL.

LUKE SHAW

First up, let’s discuss Luke Shaw (£4.9m). I talked him up in this article I wrote in early January and he is currently emerging as one of the best-value picks in the game.

Manchester United are in the best five teams in the league for big chances and shots in the box conceded in the last four matches and have a decent run of fixtures on the horizon, with a potential Double Gameweek 26.

With Shaw, you are not just dependant on clean sheet points. He’s become incredibly vital to the Red Devils and is a ball progressor and an attacking outlet on that left-hand side. In the last six Gameweeks, Shaw has created 19 chances, which is top amongst all defenders. Shaw is also top for big chances created (five) in the same period and is on some set pieces and corners.

For those in the market for a defender, Shaw is a very good cut-price pick and definitely offers value. Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about rotation when it comes to him. He’s very much first choice and will only miss the odd game, which you can afford at this price point.

There is a lot of talk about people being impatient with Salah and looking at selling him, which seems like a little bit of an overreaction to me right now. He has decent fixtures coming up, including a likely Double Gameweek 26, and has very strong underlying numbers as well. In the last two matches, he is top of the league amongst all attackers for shots, second for shots in the box and third for xG non penalty. All his underlying numbers are moving in the right direction and I would urge more patience.

Macro Strategy

Kane and Son both return in new formation as Spurs breeze past Sheffield United 3

Let’s talk a little bit about macro strategy now. A lot of Fantasy Premier League managers have a lot of cash flying around with the plethora of budget midfielders and forwards in play. That said, having that cash handy is very easy only because it gives you a lot of flexibility to jump very quickly without any surgery to the premium attackers that emerge.

Tottenham Hotspur potentially have a very strong-looking Double Gameweek 26 and the return for Harry Kane (£11.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) isn’t too far off. Be patient with that cash as the timing could be crucial.

For those looking to Wildcard in Gameweek 25, there is a good opportunity to punt on Manchester United, West Ham and Chelsea assets in the next few Gameweeks. With there being a Double Gameweek 24 as well for Everton (and three others), there is the freedom to gamble on an extra Toffees player or two in the knowledge that they can be got rid of in the Wildcard in Gameweek 25.

I’m personally hoping for Brighton to beat Leicester in the FA Cup, which makes the in-form Seagulls a very attractive target for a Gameweek 26 Bench Boost, with cheap defenders available.

It looks as of now that Aston Villa, Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool are the teams to target for the big Double Gameweek 26 but anything can happen in the FA Cup and we will have a clearer picture after the fifth round in the coming midweek.

In case you don’t plan to Wildcard in Gameweek 25 (which is very much possible as it might be do-able to field a good team without it), you can wildcard after the big Double Gameweek and have a relatively thinner bench. That said, we’ve seen the bench be very useful this season and with the Champions League and Europa League coming back very soon, having one or two good substitute players might be very useful in the latter stages of the season.

If you’ve already used your Wildcard, it might be worth saving a transfer this week so that you’re able to make your moves next week with a lot more information, as the FA Cup ties will have been played.

BENCHED POINTS

Tomas Souchek punishes doubters as West Ham move into top four 3

A lot of people have been moaning about a lot of benched points lately. Let me just give you the flip side. When the City defenders and Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) were rested against Sheffield United, most had good options coming off the bench while I had non-playing bench fodder. Trust me, I’d rather be in your position than mine and take a few points hauls on my bench. You aren’t going to get all your benching decisions right but it is a good problem to have and one that will be very useful when the random benchings occur, which they will as the season continues to remain congested and European football returns. The frustration you face is only psychological. Take it on the chin, trust the process and move on.

Those on double or triple Manchester City defence shouldn’t be too worried given their upcoming run. They are still the best defence in the league by a distance and I still expect them to keep more than a fair share of clean sheets in the upcoming Gameweeks. Since I’m on a triple Manchester City defence, I’m looking to shift one defender and get an attacker instead to balance things out. But I see no problem in holding City defenders as they are by far the best defensive options in the game at the moment and I don’t expect that to change.

That’s it for me this week with the quick turnaround and when it comes to captaincy, I will be making my decision after watching Son Heung-min (£9.7m) play tonight against Chelsea.

If you want more of my thoughts, you can watch the latest episode of The FPL Wire below. Good luck this Gameweek!

What is FPL Upside Chasing and how can I implement it in 2020/21?
824 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pulisic seems a good punt but it's weird that he's not starting games. He looks dangerous every time he comes on.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Too many sweeties in the attacking midfield jar.

  2. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best mid upto 6.2 for DGW24?

    (Own Gundo and triple City)

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Jesse might be sneaking onto the radar.

  3. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this team worth a BB in DGW24 with a -4 hit?

    Areola
    Cancelo Dias Mee Lowton
    Salah Bruno Grealish Gundo
    DCL Antonio

    (Martinez Son Cresswell Bamford)

    I will have 3 Leeds players for DGW25 who have a single game against Villa in GW26 anyways.
    So not sure if it is worth keeping BB for DGW26.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So you want to play Martinez away to bha, son away to city , bamford away to arsenal ? Why ?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure if the fixtures are any worse than having triple/double Leeds against Villa in 26.

        1. zøphar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Um they definitely are , away to mci and away to arsenal are definitely worse than home to villa

  4. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone considering Werner as a punt? 2 decent fixtures coming up

    1. BENOIT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can you be sure he starts?

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

      Still a risk but signs are good that he’s getting his confidence.

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure about who will certainly play in Che attack or defence bedides Mount, Rudiger perhaps..

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got to see him score first

  5. zøphar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Great read as always

  6. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I dont know jack about stats, but it baffles me that Salah is so high up there watching play him the last few gws...

  7. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will you be captaining son or not LR?

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. Johnstone to Pope GW23 or GW24
    B. Holding to Lowton GW24
    C. Both for free in GW24

    1FT 6.7itb
    Martinez
    Cancelo Digne Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha Soucek
    Bamford Antonio
    (Johnstone DCL Stones Holding)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone?

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A this GW and play him

    3. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  9. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What changes would you recommend with this team? Any way to prepare for GW24? 2FT and 8.8 ITB 🙂

    Johnstone*
    Cancelo | Stones | Digne |
    Raphina | Bruno | Salah | Gundo | Soucek
    Bamford | DCL |

    McCarthy* | Dier* | Lowton | Davis

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Johnstone to Pope is a no-brainer move here and roll the 2nd FT

    2. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Johnstone -> Pope as you have a transfer going spare this week.

    3. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have similar team. Are you happy playing double defence against Liverpool ?

  10. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I mad to bench the city lads and Robbo from this? Justin and Watkins closest on the chopping block:

    Pope
    Dallas (CRY), Coufal (ful), Justin (wol)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Soucek (ful)
    Watkins (ARS), Bamford, Antonio

    McCarthy, Gundogan, Stones, Robbo

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Based on City form

    2. bored by december
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      form over fixtres is usually the go-to for me, but this week i will be benching stones and playing cancelo...i think the attacking city assets are the most favourable

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Agreed! Cancelo better pick than Stones - less reliant on CS for returns

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would probably start Gundo over Watkins. Keep Stones and Robbo on the bench

    4. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all! Gundo closest to coming in!

  11. The Ilfordian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I love Lateriser’s balanced approach to this game.

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

    Bench
    A) Robbo
    B) DCL
    C) Both and bring in Shaw for Stones free (have Dias)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A - I would rather use a FT in preparation on the upcoming doubles

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

        Currently on this as well. Thanks

    2. bored by december
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      keep 3x city for doubles, laporte may play one of them, who knows, but safer to hold on to them i reckon

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

        True true how about Robbo to Shaw?

        1. bored by december
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          tricky one, Shaw is a great pick! But you may want Robbo for later doubles. Personally I'm carrying no Pool assets as they're not worth the dollar right now.

          I'd say go for it, have some fun!

  13. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    major bench headaches this week, need to bench 2 ...

    a) TAA (MCI)
    b) Dias (liv) note- already playing Cancelo
    c) DCL (mun)
    d) Soucek (ful)
    e) James (shu)

    1. Ëð
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C definitely. Then either A or B

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

      A and B

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      CA and gamble for a City CS

    4. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AB

  14. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pull the trigger on Johnstone -> Pope now and play him over McCarthy? Or wait until next week?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you are definitely getting him in then I don't see why you shouldn't do it now. Pope has Brighton at home which is the better fixture out the three GKs

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm waiting personally, would do it if I had 2FT

    3. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      pope in now

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I had 2 FTs so I did that move.

  15. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Zophar - I think you had Dier or someone at FPL wire did.

    Do you think he can get dropped after the horror show against Chelsea.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Both bakar and I have him. I think he could get dropped , not out of the question , playing him anyway

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Stones will play if he doesn't, that makes it double City against Pool, I think you are in the same position.

        Are you thinking of Dier to Mee in preparation for DGW?

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      According to SofaScore he was on of the better performers along with Son. As far as the stats go.

      Didn't watch the game closely tho.

  16. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC, BB and TC all remaining

    1FT 4.5m ITB

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Coufal Cancelo Justin Stones Lowton
    Soucek Salah Son Gundogan Bruno
    Bamford Antonio Adams

    With the DGW announcements I'm considering saving FT this week, then Johnstone > Pope and Adams > DCL next week for 6x DGW24 players.

    Will assess chips after the cup games, but likely looking at WC25, BB26. Sound like a reasonable plan?

    1. yanky
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      great plan!

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        +1

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks chaps

  17. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best moves to make? Think I need to get Chilwell out and maybe Son. Thanks for your help.

    2.2 ITB
    2FTs

    Martinez
    Cancelo | Cresswell | Mee
    Sterling | Soucek | Gundogan | Bruno | Son
    Watkins | Bamford

    GK: Steer | Chilwell | DCL | Digne

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son is got to be a keep for the WBA since you already have him. I wouldn't be bringing him in though. Chilwell to Dallas in preparation of DGW25

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate, think I will do that. Might bring in Pope for Martinez as well

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I wouldn't be losing Martinez for Pope. Use the funds from the Chilwell transfer to do Steer to Pope. This will also open a Villa spot for you

  18. mrelpea
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Great again mate. Keep up the good work!

  19. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What are our chances of knowing the GW26 doubles before the GW24 deadline?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      My question too. Makes life so much easier.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It is possible. FAC round 5 finishes on Thursday. Give EPL to make an announcement of Friday before the Saturday deadline

  20. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which option do I go for:

    A) Do Davis to Antonio. Bench DCL. And play this in def and attack:

    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    Antonio Bamford

    B) Do Mitchell to Mee. Bench Stones. And play this in def and attack:

    Cancelo Mee Coufal
    DCL Bamford

    Thanks!

    1. Mmm mmm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For me, A depends if you have captaincy pick. I'm currently on Antonio for this GW and benching DCL.

      Also, I'm benching Stones and bringing in a Burnley def ahead of their double is a good move.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Antonio will be my captain if I go with A. Bruno/ Son if it is B.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          For this GW Antonio has the upside so I would go with A and bring in Mee next GW

  21. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mendy
    Stones-Cancelo-Justin
    Bruno-Soucek-Barnes-Gundogan
    DCL-Bam-Wilson

    4m-Salah-Konsa-Mitchell

    2FT

    The plan was Dcl > Antonio. But with Everton’s DGW I should hold.

    ut What move now?.

    a)Wilson > Antonio instead
    b) Mitchell >mee
    c) Foster > Pope
    d) any recommendations?

    1. Mmm mmm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  22. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How is Salah/ Son to Rashford next week for WBA? Not too crazy for a one week punt ?

    Salah plays LEI and Son plays MCI

  23. Mmm mmm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do I bench Cancelo and Coufal over Maguire and AWB?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dont bench Cancelo

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Would play Coufal over Cancelo, just.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Nah no chance. Cancelo is a beast

          1. Gabbiadini
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            West Ham more likely to get a CS.

            1. Bubz
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Not necessarily considering Liverpool have failed to score at home in their last 2 and city keep clean sheets every game

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nope

  24. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone got a solid link to the upcoming fixtures to say gw26, or have they been updated on fpl?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No doubles in GW26 have been announced. Follow Ben Crellin for permutations for possible teams to have doubles

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        alright, cheers.
        just the talk of people wc'ing in gw25 was giving me confusion.

  25. FPL-Eoin
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Alonso an option as a punt for the next few GWs? Is waiting one more week to see who starts at the weekend for Chelsea a good idea?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He's done well but Chilwell won't be benched forever.

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What's the logic behind 2 goalkeepers in the captain poll?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why not? Good to see.

  27. Mighty Wings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Since I have no WC or FH left, which of the DGW 24/25 teams are most likely to have a DGW 26 too?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Save FT this GW. You'll know about this after the FA Cup fixtures that happen the midweek before GW24.

      1. Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I know, but I already have 2 FT. So need to spend one for a DGW player

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      wow that is an awfully risky position to be in, some gameweeks coming up could be a nightmare.

      1. Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes it is. But the FH und WC propelled me up the rankings, so I would call it a success (which I immediately destroyed by 2 awful decisions last weekend)...

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          well others with these chips still in use are yet to be propelled themselves.
          gw29 could be very tough.

  28. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How was Sterling's performance last GW? Worth an upgrade from Gundo for captaincy in DGW24, 26, 27?

    1. Mmm mmm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got himself in tap in position a few times and didn’t take them. As an owner of both I would get rid of Sterling before Gundog

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        But would you be surprised next game if sterling gets a goal and an assist and gundo nothing becuase he was pushed back?!

  29. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez owners. Are you bringing Pope in as your 2nd keeper or just doing Martinez —> Pope?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not losing Marty. Got plenty spare cash to get Pope as well. One will go later.

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

      I did Johnstone > Pope last night.

      Had 2 FTs and lots ITB so it was quite an easy decision.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah i have 2ft and 2.6 itb. Did pope go up last night?

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That's the big question yes. Would be as second keeper, as Villa has a couple of extra dgws coming up too. Thing is, my second keeper is Areola who also have dgw24 + possible dgw26, albeit worse fixtures. And assuming Villa will have dgw26 I can only play one gk anyway (bb wasted in dgw19).

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Undecided. I'm definitely keeping Martinez. Just undecided to use a FT on Johnstone to Pope or use a FT for Holding to Lowton then keep him on the bench after the doubles

  30. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT, 6.5 ITB, thoughts?

    Martinez, Johnstone

    Cancelo, Dias, Dallas, Coufal, Mitchell

    Salah, Fernandes, Son, Gundogan, Anguissa

    DCL, Bamford, Antonio