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. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’ve currently got TAA, Salah, Cancelo, Sterling and Gundogen. That’s far too many for the one game this weekend!

    Cancelo and Salah definitely to stay, but who of the other 3 should go?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hard to get rid of such quality players.
      TAA if you must. Keep City for their DGW

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

      I would start Gundogan and Sterling.

  2. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I can genuinely see Spurs losing to West Brom.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      As long as Son scores a hattrick I'm ok with that.

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

    Were Spurs complete dire against Brighton and Chelsea or did the defense of those 2 teams just too good? Despite their poor form, I just can't look past Son (c). If Spurs are scoring, it'll be him.

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

      Or was the defense*

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm sticking with Son(c). But Spurs did look horrible.

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

      As a Son owner I'm going with Antonio for this gw

    4. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs looked shocking. Can’t bring myself to captain Son

    5. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      lacked ambition in both games- Son had ONE shot on target vs Brighton in the full 90 min
      Vicinius came on and got 2 shots on target

      against Chelsea it was worse upfront but they had better movement in the midfield in the second half but no one to get that killer pass that Kane has been providing

      with Big Sam having had a good transfer window my verdict is : DONT captain Son

      disclaimer: that's my opinion and not based on any projections

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

    Helpful write up there Lateriser - with no WC I was already planning to save my FT this week and carry 2 in to GW24 with a view to doing Wilson > DCL as one of my transfers (undecided on my second). In addition to FT's having sufficient funds to enable the big transfers (ala Kane) for GW26 is a key message here.....so being prudent with your bank and avoiding the temptation to splash the cash now is key. Also, tracking player valuations is important and playing the rises/falls between now and GW26 could mean the difference in those big transfers

    1. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m same here. But I already have DCL. I’m probably going to save ft and re-asses after this game week

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

    Mee or Tarkowski?

    Price no factor.

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Prefer Mee for goal threat

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dice roll mate. Nothing in it.

  6. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Apologies for no info on upcoming doubles. Penned it before the news came and was tooooo late in India to write something then.

    Hope you enjoy the read.

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

      Cheers

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Well written as always LR

    3. Aurora Borealis?
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great read as always LR and and loving The Wire podcast as well.

    4. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah worries, crickets on now anyway.

    5. danc1ngbrave
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Enjoyed the article. I am just outside 1k. Have 1 so, 2 city, 1 lee and 1 bur. Have WC and BB left . Decision when to use WC

  7. Aurora Borealis?
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If DGW fixtures for GW26 are announced before the GW24 deadline (which they likely are) are people tempted to WC next week? I was going to dead end my team into BGW29 and wildcard in GW30, but now feel there is so many doubles, there is more upside in targeting them than there is downside of having less players in BGW29. Appreciate your thoughts.

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

      Yes, very tempted! Have already used BB so I dont have to max that out. Can see its more difficult if you plan BB26.

      1. Aurora Borealis?
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Good point, I was going to BB in GW26 so wildcarding beforehand will mean I am stuck with an expensive bench going forwards. So many factors to consider, that's why I think it is good to discuss

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Blank GW 29 will be a bust. Depends who you've got currently which determines strategy.

      In a good position with Cancelo, Gundo, DCL, Bamford, Dallas to attack these smaller DGWs. Looking at adding Sterling, Pope/Mee and possibly Ings before GW25.

      Think I'll wildcard in GW26 and ignore bench boost until an opportune moment arises.

      1. Aurora Borealis?
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This is very true about it depends on who you have. I have a similar setup with Stones, Dias, Gundo, DCL and Bamford. Southampton are now looking looking quite tempting with the extra fixtures they have. Ings is a good call. Also like Burley GW24 facing cry and FULin GW24

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

        So you believe the biggest double game week of the season isn’t the best opportunity ?!

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

      I'm actually considering to BB GW24

  8. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys, how are these transfers looking ahead of the doubles? I know McCarthy has a double in GW25 but the games are tough and I expect them to concede in both

    GW23 - McCarthy > Pope
    GW24 - Robbo > Dias (I prefer Cancelo but Pep is known to rotate in doubles)

    McCarthy
    Dallas - Justin - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Soucek - Raphinha - Gundo
    Antonio - Bamford

    Martinez - DCL - Stones - Robbo

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pope

  9. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you bench Gundo and play DCL or play Gundo and bench DCL?

    1. Parsnips
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m playing gundo and benching DCL

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Uh.. the second one. Zilliphone.

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

      Not sure DCL will score against this current MUN defence. Can see gundog scoring

    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan because of pens.

    5. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm playing Gundo and benching DCL. United defence looks good and I think Gundo could do something against Liverpool

    6. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thats how i had it set up already - cheers lads .

  10. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Rudiger, Dallas, Cancelo
    Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Son, Raphinha
    Watkins, Bamford

    Johnstone, Robbo, Stones, Adams

    Thinking -- Johnstone + Robbo ---> Pope + Shaw/James/Azpilicueta

  11. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1FT, 4.8ITB.

    GTG and bench players/order OK? Rolling FT.

    Pope
    Dias Dallas Coufal
    Gundogan Bruno Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio(C) DCL

    Martinez Stones Bissouma Bednarek

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      GTG

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

      Yes

  12. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looking to offload Holding as have 2FT, which would you prefer bearing in mind I have none from either team atm:

    a) BUR (Mee / Tarkowski) - thinking of DGW
    b) MUN (Shaw / AWB)

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

    Start

    A.DDG, Saka
    B.Martinez, DCL

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A I think is marginally better

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Bench one (playing Cancelo and Coufal):

    A) Stones
    B) Holding

    Captain:

    1) Antonio
    2) Son
    3) Bruno

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A2

    2. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B3

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which plan do you prefer? Played bb. Saving wildcard to gw30

    A
    23...Johnstone to pope (bench martinez)
    24...Chilwell to digne

    B
    23......Chilwell to mee
    24.....coufal to digne

    West ham likely to play in gw29, so would be good to keep coufal if possible.....thanks

    Martinez (Johnstone)
    Cancelo dallas chilwell (coufal dias)
    Salah bruno (c) grealish gundog soucek
    Antonio watkins (dcl)

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

    Start 3 & Bench 3?

    A) Cancelo
    B) Sterling
    C) Gundogan
    D) Digne
    E ) DCL
    F) Dallas

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Id love to help but alas this is my exact predicament as well, so would love to hear suggestions. At the Moment ive benched Digne

  17. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Assuming I would like to bring Pope having Martinez/Martin now - is it worth having Pope and Martinez or just Martinez to Pope ?

    Any news on AV DGW?

  18. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think KDB will be back for DGW24?

    Already have Cancelo and Gundo and don't want to waste a transfer on bringing in Sterling if KDB might be back?

    1. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think he'll be ready.
      Plus, you never play a player back from injury in back to back games with a 4 days turnaround. It's taking a big setback risk

  19. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Dias or Coufal?

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

    Martinez
    Cancelo Cresswell Robbo
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundo
    DCL Antonio

    (Steer Dias Brewster Mitchell)

    A) Robbo & Steer ➡️ Mee & Pope
    (Bench Martinez)

    B) Robbo & Brewster ➡️ Lowton & Bamford
    (Bench DCL this and cash for Steer to Pope next week)

    Thoughts?

  21. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chillwell to? Price doesn't matter.

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why was he subbed after 45 min?

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Supposedly tactical - I think he was being rested/protected. In reality it was a match United could not fail to win at the point he was taken off the pitch. It bodes well for how the manager views him going forward IMO

  22. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Great article Lateriser. I agree with the benched points bit too - I just 'lost' 15 Justin points, but in reality, I know my side is good enough that I have players on my bench who can score 15 points.

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

    Play Gundo or Coufal?

  24. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I G2G with team and bench order? Planning to do Robbo > Dias next week. 

    Pope
    Dallas - Justin - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Soucek - Raphinha - Gundo
    Antonio - Bamford

    Martinez - DCL - Stones - Robbo

  25. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play one from each combo:

    A) Soucek
    B) DCL

    1) Dier
    2) Dias
    3) Coufal

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

      A1

    2. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A1

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A2

  26. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will there be a dgw after gw29?

    1. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Will Cavani play?
      Why he is in red

      1. Bonus magnet
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        he`s not red, more like yellow to me, 75% chance

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

      Best midfielder to bring in? Have 11.3m, triple city already and have Bruno

      1. Vlekz
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Son if you want just for this week. Rashford If you want for a couple.
          If you want for longer, need to specify (double 26 and all come into play)

      2. Vlekz
          3 years, 1 month ago

          For gw 24(my this week's transfer depends on it)
          A)laca(leeds) + sterling (c)
          B)salah (lei) + gundo(c)
          TIA

        • Oooo Matron
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Potential transfers this week:

          A) Salah to Raphina
          B) Mitchell to Alonso/Rudiger (Bench Dias)
          C) Bank it

          Current team:
          Martinez
          Dias Cancelo Dawson
          Grealish Fernandes (C) Sterling Salah Son
          Antonio Watkins

          Subs: Dallas, Mitchell, Brewster