Fantasy Premier League Strategy: Defensive Depth, Goalkeeper Rotation, and Midfield Pivots - Episode Hero Image

Fantasy Premier League Strategy: Defensive Depth, Goalkeeper Rotation, and Midfield Pivots

FPL Harry · · Listen to Original Episode →
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TL;DR

  • Prioritizing defensive depth with multiple mid-priced or premium defenders, alongside a cheap option, mitigates risk from inconsistent attacking returns and provides reliable points accumulation.
  • Investing in two cheap, rotating goalkeepers instead of one premium option frees up significant budget for stronger outfield players without sacrificing consistent save points.
  • Holding onto players like Phil Foden for their next two fixtures, despite potential fixture difficulties, is advised before considering a switch to Bruno Fernandes when United's schedule improves.
  • Rolling transfers to accumulate two for the following gameweek allows for more strategic flexibility, enabling upgrades or addressing multiple squad weaknesses simultaneously.
  • Early transfers before cup competitions conclude are risky due to potential injuries, making it prudent to wait for more definitive team news and fixture clarity.
  • Considering a 3-4-2-1 formation with a strong midfield core and rotating forwards/defenders based on fixtures offers long-term squad structure value and flexibility.
  • Selling underperforming forwards like Matheus Cunha for a more consistent option like Bruno Fernandes provides immediate attacking output improvement and better long-term value.

Deep Dive

Game Week 22 presents a return to a standard schedule in Fantasy Premier League, but player availability and form remain critical considerations, necessitating strategic transfer decisions. The primary challenge for managers is navigating player injuries and identifying optimal replacements, particularly for underperforming assets like Matheus Cunha and potentially Phil Foden, while also considering the return of key players such as Bruno Fernandes.

The current landscape suggests a shift in midfield priorities, with Bruno Fernandes emerging as a strong target due to his potential for attacking returns, especially if he occupies a number 10 role. This move could be facilitated by selling a less productive midfielder like Matheus Cunha, whose recent form has been inconsistent. The decision to transfer Foden is more nuanced; while his upcoming fixtures against Manchester United and Wolves are manageable, his form and cost warrant re-evaluation for Game Weeks 23 onwards when his schedule becomes more challenging. This creates an opportunity to pivot to players like Fernandes, potentially utilizing a strategy of selling Cunha now and Foden later to acquire Fernandes and another premium asset.

Defensively, the focus is shifting towards squad depth and identifying reliable, mid-priced options. While individual defender form can fluctuate, the emphasis is on building a flexible backline that can be rotated based on fixtures. In attack, the potential injury to Ekitike highlights the need for backup plans, with Alexander Isak re-emerging as a strong consideration due to his recent goal-scoring form, despite a challenging run of fixtures. This suggests a potential future strategy of downgrading Ekitike to Isak to free up funds for midfield upgrades.

The broader implication for team structure involves a move towards a balanced approach, potentially utilizing formations like a 3-4-2-1, with a focus on acquiring two cheap, rotating goalkeepers and investing heavily in midfield and defense. This strategy prioritizes consistent point-scoring assets over high-risk, high-reward premium options outside of a few select players. However, managers are cautioned against making early transfers due to the potential for injuries in upcoming cup fixtures, advocating for a patient approach until closer to the Game Week 22 deadline to gather more information on team lineups and player fitness. The ultimate takeaway is that successful FPL management hinges on adapting to player availability, anticipating fixture swings, and building a versatile squad that can be tweaked to maximize points over the long term.

Action Items

  • Audit current FPL squad structure: Identify 2-3 areas for potential long-term strategic improvement (e.g., defense depth, midfield balance).
  • Create a player watchlist: Track 5-10 players with favorable upcoming fixtures for potential transfer targets over the next 6 weeks.
  • Analyze transfer impact: For 1-2 planned transfers (e.g., Cunha to Bruno), project potential point gains and compare against alternative options.
  • Evaluate squad depth: Assess 2-3 bench players for potential starting roles or transfer candidates based on fixture difficulty and team form.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"Game Week 22 marks the return to a pretty normal schedule of FPL after all the game weeks we've had midweeks, weekends, and the amount of injuries that have happened that we've had to deal with in a very quick amount of time. It's nice to have some normal game weeks back, but that doesn't mean that things are back to normal."

FPL Harry notes that Game Week 22 signifies a return to a more standard schedule for Fantasy Premier League. He explains that this normalcy is welcome after a period of frequent mid-week and weekend matches, coupled with numerous player injuries. However, FPL Harry cautions that despite the return to a normal schedule, the game itself is not yet back to a predictable state.

"I am on a big red arrow at the moment. I think a lot of us are staring at this week thinking it's gone badly once again. I don't have Isak in my team, and I'm looking at sort of a 50 red arrow, dropping from about 65k to 98k."

FPL Harry describes his current negative performance in the game, referring to it as a "big red arrow." He indicates that many players are experiencing a similarly poor performance in the current game week. FPL Harry specifically mentions his own rank dropping significantly because he does not own a particular player, Isak, highlighting the impact of player selection on overall results.

"I probably would have bought either Isak or Calvert-Lewin in his place, both of which came away with a double return. Of course, Isak scoring twice, Calvert-Lewin with a goal and an assist. So I definitely should have sold him rather than being passive, but I'm also quite happy that I've got a couple of transfers in the bank moving forward with other players that I will be looking to try and buy over the next couple of weeks."

FPL Harry reflects on a missed opportunity in the previous game week, stating he should have transferred out Ekitike. He explains that his preferred alternatives, Isak and Calvert-Lewin, both achieved "double returns" (multiple scoring actions). FPL Harry acknowledges his passive approach in not making the transfer and expresses satisfaction with having available transfers for future moves.

"It's fine as a fifth midfielder. Is someone like a Tavernier going to massively outscore him? Maybe, but probably not, because all Tavernier's got to do is get an assist every single week and an attacking return every week to basically just match Anderson's output."

FPL Harry assesses the performance of a player named Anderson, deeming him an acceptable option as a fifth midfielder. He questions whether another player, Tavernier, would significantly outperform Anderson. FPL Harry concludes that Tavernier would need to consistently achieve assists and attacking returns each week to match Anderson's output.

"Now Foden has got Man United and Wolves in the next two, and I'll probably just give him those, but I am definitely looking about what I'm going to do from Game Week sort of 23 onwards, where the fixtures aren't quite as good. The attacking returns have massively dried up, but I do think I will keep him for the next two."

FPL Harry discusses his strategy for the player Phil Foden, noting his upcoming fixtures against Manchester United and Wolves. FPL Harry indicates he will keep Foden for these two games, despite a decline in his attacking returns and less favorable fixtures starting from Game Week 23. He plans to re-evaluate Foden's position after these next two matches.

"The players that I'm really looking at for transfers at the moment are Cunha and Foden. The big thing for me will be, do I buy someone like a Rodri? Do I go to someone like a Palmer? Do I go for someone like a Bruno Guimarães? Or do I go for someone like a Bruno? Maybe free up some money elsewhere once I sell Ekitike to upgrade one of them, or even upgrade a Marc Guéhi and change the squad structure slightly."

FPL Harry identifies Matheus Cunha and Phil Foden as the primary players he is considering for transfers. He outlines several potential replacements, including Rodri, Palmer, Bruno Guimarães, and Bruno Fernandes. FPL Harry also mentions the possibility of freeing up funds by selling Ekitike to upgrade other players or adjust his overall squad structure.

"The plan probably will be to do Bruno in for Cunha. City is not the worst fixture. Cunha's actually fine if you have to hold him for one. I don't think it's the end of the world, but I think I would rather Bruno this week. And then after Ekitike's played Burnley at home, downgrade him to Isak and either use that money on upgrading to someone like an Odegaard in midfield or to someone like a Calvert-Lewin as a third forward."

FPL Harry details his planned transfer strategy, which involves bringing in Bruno Fernandes to replace Matheus Cunha. He acknowledges that Cunha is an acceptable player to keep for one more game week, but he prefers Bruno for the current week. FPL Harry also plans to downgrade Ekitike to Isak after Ekitike's match against Burnley, using the resulting funds to upgrade either a midfield player to Odegaard or a forward to Calvert-Lewin.

"Now one of the big things I do just want to note is a little bit of caution over the next week or so. The next deadline is not for sort of nine, ten days, all the way till Game Week 22. There is a lot of time, so there will be price changes, and I know players like Ekitike's dropping, Isak's rising, and there are transfers which you will look to make. However, early transfers this week are a bit dangerous."

FPL Harry advises caution regarding making transfers too early in the week. He points out that the next deadline is still a significant time away, allowing for price fluctuations and potential changes in player status. FPL Harry emphasizes that making transfers prematurely can be risky due to these factors.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Football Manager Manual" by Unknown Author - Mentioned as a reference for squad structure and player investment.

Articles & Papers

  • "Twitter" - Mentioned as a source for transfer rumors and player injury status.

People

  • Eze - Player discussed for potential return from injury.
  • Bruno Fernandes - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Phil Foden - Player discussed for upcoming fixtures and potential transfer out.
  • Mateus Cunha - Player discussed as a potential transfer out.
  • Thiago - Player discussed as a potential transfer target, noted for recent goal scoring.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Palmer - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Caicedo - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield.
  • Andre Santos - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield and potential manager's connections.
  • Sanchez - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's team lineup.
  • Chalobah - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Munoz - Player discussed as a potential returning player for Crystal Palace.
  • Guéhi - Player discussed as Crystal Palace's captain and a key defender.
  • Tavernier - Player discussed as a potential cheap midfielder option.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Bowen - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Paqueta - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Michael Keane - Player discussed as being suspended for Everton.
  • O'Reilly - Player discussed in relation to Manchester City's squad.
  • Tarkowski - Player discussed in relation to Everton's defense and potential transfer out.
  • Rodri - Player discussed as a potential mid-priced midfielder.
  • Haaland - Player discussed as a consistent forward option.
  • Kelleher - Player discussed as a potential cheap goalkeeper option.
  • Verbruggen - Player discussed as a potential cheap goalkeeper option.
  • Malick Thiaw - Player discussed as a potential defender option.
  • Mukiele - Player discussed in relation to Crystal Palace's defense.
  • Alcaraz - Player discussed as a cheaper defensive option for Crystal Palace.
  • Saka - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Gabriel - Player discussed as a starting defender for Arsenal.
  • Richards - Player discussed as a starting defender for Crystal Palace.
  • Andersen - Player discussed as a starting defender.
  • Tarkowski - Player discussed as a defender for Everton.
  • Doucoure - Player discussed as a bench player for Crystal Palace.
  • Ahamad - Player discussed in relation to Crystal Palace's midfield.
  • Bryan - Player discussed in relation to Crystal Palace's midfield.
  • Burner - Player discussed in relation to Crystal Palace's midfield.
  • Ismael Sarr - Player discussed as potentially returning for Crystal Palace.
  • Daniel Munoz - Player discussed as potentially returning for Crystal Palace.
  • Declan Rice - Player discussed as a starting midfielder for Arsenal.
  • Bukayo Saka - Player discussed as a starting midfielder for Arsenal.
  • Andreas - Player discussed as a bench player.
  • Fabregas - Player discussed as a goalkeeper option.
  • Kepa - Player discussed as a cheap goalkeeper option.
  • Semenyo - Player discussed in relation to Bournemouth's attack.
  • Cleverley - Player discussed as being injured for Bournemouth.
  • Bruno Guimaraes - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Harry Wilson - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Rogers - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Odegaard - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Haaland - Player discussed as a consistent forward option.
  • Tiago - Player discussed as a potential transfer target, noted for recent goal scoring.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Mane - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Wolves.
  • Kulu Jr - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Sanhez - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's team lineup.
  • Chalobah - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Cole Palmer - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Delap - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's potential lineup.
  • Caicedo - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield.
  • Andre Santos - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield and potential manager's connections.
  • Munoz - Player discussed as a potential returning player for Crystal Palace.
  • Guéhi - Player discussed as Crystal Palace's captain and a key defender.
  • Tavernier - Player discussed as a potential cheap midfielder option.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Bowen - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Paqueta - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Michael Keane - Player discussed as being suspended for Everton.
  • O'Reilly - Player discussed in relation to Manchester City's squad.
  • Tarkowski - Player discussed in relation to Everton's defense and potential transfer out.
  • Rodri - Player discussed as a potential mid-priced midfielder.
  • Haaland - Player discussed as a consistent forward option.
  • Tiago - Player discussed as a potential transfer target, noted for recent goal scoring.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Mane - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Wolves.
  • Kulu Jr - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Sanhez - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's team lineup.
  • Chalobah - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Cole Palmer - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Delap - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's potential lineup.
  • Caicedo - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield.
  • Andre Santos - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield and potential manager's connections.
  • Munoz - Player discussed as a potential returning player for Crystal Palace.
  • Guéhi - Player discussed as Crystal Palace's captain and a key defender.
  • Tavernier - Player discussed as a potential cheap midfielder option.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Bowen - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Paqueta - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Michael Keane - Player discussed as being suspended for Everton.
  • O'Reilly - Player discussed in relation to Manchester City's squad.
  • Tarkowski - Player discussed in relation to Everton's defense and potential transfer out.
  • Rodri - Player discussed as a potential mid-priced midfielder.
  • Haaland - Player discussed as a consistent forward option.
  • Tiago - Player discussed as a potential transfer target, noted for recent goal scoring.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Mane - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Wolves.
  • Kulu Jr - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Sanhez - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's team lineup.
  • Chalobah - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Cole Palmer - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Delap - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's potential lineup.
  • Caicedo - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield.
  • Andre Santos - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield and potential manager's connections.
  • Munoz - Player discussed as a potential returning player for Crystal Palace.
  • Guéhi - Player discussed as Crystal Palace's captain and a key defender.
  • Tavernier - Player discussed as a potential cheap midfielder option.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Bowen - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Paqueta - Player discussed as a player to potentially hold or sell for West Ham.
  • Michael Keane - Player discussed as being suspended for Everton.
  • O'Reilly - Player discussed in relation to Manchester City's squad.
  • Tarkowski - Player discussed in relation to Everton's defense and potential transfer out.
  • Rodri - Player discussed as a potential mid-priced midfielder.
  • Haaland - Player discussed as a consistent forward option.
  • Tiago - Player discussed as a potential transfer target, noted for recent goal scoring.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Gouini Jr - Player discussed as a potential cheap option for Bournemouth.
  • Mane - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Wolves.
  • Kulu Jr - Player discussed as a potential transfer target.
  • Sanhez - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's team lineup.
  • Chalobah - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Cole Palmer - Player discussed as a potential transfer target for Chelsea.
  • Delap - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's potential lineup.
  • Caicedo - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield.
  • Andre Santos - Player discussed in relation to Chelsea's midfield and potential manager's connections.
  • Munoz - Player discussed as a potential returning player for Crystal Palace.
  • Guéhi - Player discussed as Crystal Palace's captain and a key defender.
  • Tavernier - Player discussed as a potential cheap midfielder option.
  • **G

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