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

    Son no attacking returns in 7 games vs west brom

    Captaincy is sooo tricky this week
    I’m really tempted to move Sterling out for a week punt but at the same time want 2FT next week

    Who you got as captain?

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

      bamf

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

        Painful waiting for the final match of the round

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

      Bruno(c) at the moment. Was planning to get Son but now probably going without given TOT form and DGW news

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

        I don’t even think he will haul it’s the high EO that I fear if not captaining him

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

      Antonio

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio

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

        I do like this shout

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Son and Bruno will be most captained players, and I really believe that Antonio is marginally the best option.

    5. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Between Antonio & Bam

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

    For those WCing in 25, how many LEE/SOT players will you have?

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2 or 3 from Leeds, 0 from Sou

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

      Dallas, Raphinha, Bamford and maybe Ings.

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That is the reason I might not WC in GW25 actually.

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

      Already have Bamford and Raphinha and will probably bring in Dallas

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

    Pope
    Shaw Robertson Coufal
    Salah Son Fernandes Raphinha Gundo
    Antonio Bamford

    Bench: Foster DCL Cancelo Strujic

    Just can't decide my starting 11
    Start DCL or Gundo?
    Start Robertson or Cancelo?

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

      gundo
      cancelo

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

        +1

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

        Thanks!

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

    Which team will have dgw 26?

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

      yet to be confirmed

  5. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who’s the best GK to pick up?

    A. Pope
    B. Mendy
    C. Martinez
    D. DDG

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

      Who is your 2nd keeper?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        McCarthy

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

      short term - Pope

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

      A

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

    How much do you project to be the points difference between those two teams in DGW26

    Team A: Wildcarded team with 11 DGWeekers
    Team B: Bench Boosted team with 15 DGweekers

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

      You should aim for min 15-20 points with the BB

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

    Bench correct and who should I captain?

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

    GK: Martinez | DCL | Dallas | Digne

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks correct. Nice team. Bruno

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

      Bench order good. Bruno.

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

        Thanks fellas.

  8. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more in DGW24?

    a) Sterling

    b) Digne

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling is do an explosion. And I have a good Sterling radar

  9. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Strange but I don't need WC.

    Next transfers could be

    Pope
    DCL
    Raphinha and I am good to go for GW 25.

    That BB in GW 26 might not happen for me.

    How are you taking care of the GW 25 and `Leeds who don't have a double and the BB in GW 26?

  10. 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 this week)

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

    Thoughts?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Really similar. Think I prefer A. Either way, just use one transfer and save.

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

      A. Keep 1 transfer.

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Are playing Robbo mate? I like the Pope move

  11. Sulley
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Struggling with which one to bench:
    Saka (villa)
    Barnes (wol)
    Watkins (ARS)

    Thoughts?

  12. Jersey Boy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are people still WC25 & BB26?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I might BB in GW 24.

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

      I am. Looking to hit a dead end in 24 with 7-8 DGW players for that week then replace Everton and Burnley players with DGW25/26 players.

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

        With WC25*

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

      Depending on your team I think you should consider BB24 and WC25 with BGW29 players in mind unless you have a FH

      1. Jersey Boy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Considering BB this week. Nice fixtures on my bench, Less risk of rotation too. What do you reckon

        McCarthy Pope
        Dias Cancelo Coufal Dallas Shaw
        Gundo Soucek Bruno Son Salah
        DCL Adams (don’t ask) Bam

  13. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son captain.

    Go big or go home.

    No way he suddenly forgot to play football.

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

    GTG??? Am I benching the right person?

    Pope
    Cancelo Coufal Chilwell
    Salah Bruno Sterling Gundy Soucek
    Antonio (C) Bamford

    Steer; DCL Mitchell Ferguson

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good. Like the captain!

    2. Johnny too hotty
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i have chilwell too, are you not getting rid?

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

        I cant see him being dropped for 3 straight games and if he plays they have strong shot at Cleanie.

        That said my GW24 transfer is;

        Chilwell --> Digne FT

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

    Pope rose even when only at 60%!

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

      Ah damn... thought I could wait till closer the deadline.
      Rises all over the place this season

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

        I'm waiting until next week and playing McCarthy. It'll be typical Pope gets injured in the FA cup...

  16. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best move?
    A) Robbo to Mee
    B) Robbo to Shaw
    C) Johnstone to Areola
    D) Robbo and Johnstone to Mee and Pope

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

      A or D imo

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Think I'll do A this week then decide next week

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

      I will do a this week

  17. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    In need of some help with my 2 FTs this week.

    Martinez, Ryan
    Cancelo, Justin, Shaw, Dallas, Kilman
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundogan, Soucek
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    0.8m ITB and 2 FTs. Rank 340k

    No big changes from my perspective, just a tidy up as below?

    Ryan -> Sanchez
    Kilman -> Rudiger
    0.1 ITB

    Appreciate FFS thoughts...

    1. Fpl stress
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Killman to rudiger, cheap player probs rise in price and you could even play him.

      1. Fpl stress
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Oh and carry one transfer over

        1. AJ24
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Fairly sure i lose the transfer if i dont make 2 transfers. Next week will just be 1 transfer.

          1. Fpl stress
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Nah of you're not using any chips an you have 2FT; using one transfer will leave you with 1FT left but then you get another one next week so you'll have 2 FT next week.

            You can roll over 1 FT and hold a maximum of 2 FT

          2. Fpl stress
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It's not reset every week.

  18. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are Stones owners worried about rotation in one of the 3 games below?

    GW24
    Saturday 13th February
    Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
    Wednesday 17th February
    Everton vs Manchester City

    GW25
    Sunday 21st February
    Arsenal vs Manchester City

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks like Ederson and Dias are the only safe ones from rotation

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah. I am WCing in 25 so I hope Stones starts GW23, and 24 fixtures

      2. Fpl stress
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Don't get why people say Ederson is a waste of a city spot. Most people have a double up and the likes of Dias and Stones have an average of 6 (apart from their anomaly week), whereas there's many defenders playing well

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Possibly for 21st. They play Mochengladbach 1st leg on 24th.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I can see him being rested in the CL fixture but would Pep start him for 4 league games in a row ( GW22-gw24)?

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Don't think he'll be rested in CL. They've the league almost won at this stage. Their defence has been so good that if they get Aguero and De Bruyne back fit they'll be more serious contenders for CL than any other year.

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

    Morning....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)

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

      A

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

        Thanks

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

    BB GW24
    WC GW25

    Does that sound good, or do I save the BB for GW25?

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

    GK: Martinez | DCL | Dallas | Digne

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

      GW26*

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd swap Bamford for DCL, so your BB would be bamford and dallas vs arsenal, and Digne vs fulham and utd. Probably not worth a BB

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

      I have similar dilema. Might be good to get BB out of the way then when u WC you have maximum money in your first team

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

        Yeah my exact thinking as well. Definitely some food for thought

  21. fpl_tp95
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do I bring in Shaw or Ben Mee?

    Ben Mee has the double, but with Shaw against West Brom I can see him matching or bettering Mee's score and will also be a better long term pick...

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw definitely for me

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same dilemma. Think I'm leaning towards Mee. Boring but probably sensible?

      1. fpl_tp95
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah it's tricky, I think I might go Shaw as Man U have Newcastle week after followed by a likely DGW in 26.

  22. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more in the next three fixtures?

    a) McNeil (vs Brighton, Palace and Fulham)

    b) Lookman (vs West Ham, Everton and Burnley)

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

      Asking either of them to score can be an ask, but I'd say Lookman

  23. wantsharptv
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dilema. I still have WC and BB. Would you BB this GW if your bench was Dias Stones DCL Martinez? Genuinely think those 4 will be the lowest performing players but they are obviously very good!!

    Then WC out of it?

    A. Yes
    B No

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

      Nah save it for a DGW, Liverpool always capable of keeping a CS

  24. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench which City defender?

    A) Stones
    B) Dias

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

      Stoones

  25. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez > Pope for the next few weeks?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depend but probably. I would replace your 2nd keeper if possible, with Pope

  26. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Got 2 FT's but I'm fairly happy with my team. Don't want to waste a FT though, so I'll definitely make at least one.

    Any of the following transfers grab your fancy?

    a) Holding > Shaw
    b) Holding > Rudiger
    c) Rashford > Son (was my original plan, but not keen anymore)

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  27. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    whats the news on kane do we think hes playing this weekend?
    as a non owner i prob need him?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd wait until you've seen him don the shirt again first.

      I'll be getting him back over getting Son once he's fit

  28. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    seriously considering benching salah. am i stupid?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      More crazy than stupid I would say.

      He's a 'don't captain' and 'don't bench' for me

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

      Yep - surely someone else you can bench

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

      I'm with you.
      Currently only Areola & Brewster who is nailed to my bench...
      Benching headache. Currently Salah is second on my bench 😉

      Bench two outfield players from this!

      Martínez
      Cancelo - Dias - AWB - Justin - Coufal
      Salah - Sterling - Bruno - Maddison - Barnes
      Antonio - Watkins

      (Areola, ?, ?. Brewster)

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

    Pick two to play
    A- James SHU (A)
    B- Coufal FUL (A)
    C- Dallas CRY (H)
    D- Dias LIV (A)

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

      Dallas and Coufal. Dallas without a shadow of a doubt.

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

      I’d go James and Dallas I think

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas and Coufal.

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

    Joint top of my FFS H2H league... League 6 here I come!