Early Transfers Punished by Unexpected Injuries and Compressed Schedules

Key Quotes

"I confirmed two transfers selling Bukayo Saka and buying Ekitike and I didn't think that Bruno Fernandes would pick up his first major injury for Manchester United luckily I've still got three transfers available so I've got lots that I can do with my team and I've got a bit of money in the bank after the two transfers I confirmed on Saturday night after a great day of FPL but there's always things that are going to throw us off there's always things that are going to change our plans."

FPL Harry explains that he made early transfers before the Gameweek, selling Bukayo Saka and buying Ekitike. He notes that he still has three transfers remaining, which provides flexibility to address unexpected events like the injury to Bruno Fernandes. Harry acknowledges that unforeseen circumstances can alter FPL plans, even after making initial moves.

"The issue I've got is one of the reasons that I sold Saka was I didn't think he was worth the money and I could better spend it elsewhere well if Bruno Fernandes is injured he could have been just the one that I sold instead of selling Saka in order to free up some money for someone like an Ekitike I could have just done Bruno Fernandes down to Cunha maybe a second transfer and then done Thiago up to Ekitike with the money that that would have freed up."

FPL Harry reflects on a strategic dilemma caused by Bruno Fernandes' injury. He explains that he sold Saka because he did not believe Saka's price was justified, but now considers that selling Fernandes instead of Saka would have been a more efficient way to free up funds for Ekitike. Harry highlights how player injuries can force a re-evaluation of prior transfer decisions.

"The good thing the positive for me is that I haven't been aggressive with my FPL transfers yet and actually that was part of the reason that I did go early on Saturday was because I knew I had five transfers and I was only using two of them there were actually some other potential moves that I looked at that then involved making three or four transfers on Saturday evening and I thought that was too much with all the other players that I still had to play."

FPL Harry identifies a positive outcome from his cautious approach to transfers. He explains that by only using two of his five available transfers early in the week, he retained flexibility. Harry contrasts this with more aggressive strategies involving three or four transfers, which he deemed too risky given other players still had to compete.

"Emery has come out after the game in a press conference and said it is a soft tissue so it will take a while and with Gameweek 18, 19, 20 and 21 four Gameweeks of FPL taking place in two weeks with an injury as soon as you start missing a week or two of real life you're going to miss an awful lot of FPL at this time."

FPL Harry relays information from a press conference regarding Bruno Fernandes' injury. He states that the manager described it as a "soft tissue" injury that will require time to heal. Harry emphasizes the significant impact this injury will have on Fantasy Premier League managers due to the dense schedule of four Gameweeks within a two-week period.

"In terms of those replacements if you are looking to sell him Matheus Cunha is number one I really like what he offers now Man United might get a little bit worse because they're now going to be without Amad and Elanga of course at AFCON and now Bruno Fernandes that is some of their main creative hubs of the team and attacking forces so a lot of the weight might fall on Matheus Cunha."

FPL Harry suggests Matheus Cunha as a primary replacement for an injured Bruno Fernandes. He explains that Manchester United's attacking capabilities will be diminished by the absence of several key players due to AFCON and Fernandes' injury. Harry anticipates that Cunha will likely bear a greater responsibility for the team's offensive output.

"I don't think Saka is worth the money that we're spending on him at over 10 million but if you don't have anything else to spend it on now because Bruno Fernandes needs to be sold then yes you can definitely go to Saka I still like Declan Rice as a value pick if you don't own Phil Foden to this point and you want to buy him in he is a perfect Bruno Fernandes replacement."

FPL Harry offers his perspective on player value and replacement options. He states that Bukayo Saka, at over 10 million, is not worth the investment for him personally. However, Harry suggests Saka could be a viable option if funds are available after addressing the Bruno Fernandes situation, while also recommending Declan Rice as a strong value pick and a suitable replacement for Fernandes if Phil Foden is not already owned.