Proactive FPL Transfers Prioritize Fixtures Over Current Performance

Let's Talk FPL · December 28, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

Prioritizing fixture-based transfers, such as acquiring a Newcastle defender, enables capitalizing on favorable upcoming schedules despite current team underperformance perceptions.
Selling a player like Verts before a favorable fixture against Leeds is a calculated risk to fund essential defensive upgrades, highlighting the trade-off between short-term gains and long-term team structure.
Investing in a player like Gabriel, even with recent injury concerns, is justified by his established role as a first-choice defender and Arsenal's need for defensive stability.
The decision to transfer out Ings, despite his potential for minutes, is driven by the need to address defensive weaknesses and capitalize on better-performing defensive options.
Rolling transfers is a viable strategy when the current squad is deemed adequate, allowing for flexibility to address future injury concerns or capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The consideration of a triple transfer to acquire Gabriel, Lewis Hall, and Saiss allows for a significant team overhaul, balancing immediate needs with future potential.
The strategic use of transfers to create flexibility for future gameweeks, such as having three transfers available by gameweek 22, mitigates risks associated with quick turnarounds and potential injuries.

Deep Dive

The core of this FPL (Fantasy Premier League) strategy revolves around proactive team restructuring to capitalize on favorable upcoming fixtures, even at the cost of immediate points. The analysis prioritizes player selection based on predicted minute allocation and fixture difficulty, aiming to position the team for future success rather than simply reacting to past performance. This approach suggests a long-term planning horizon, where current transfers are made with consideration for subsequent gameweeks.

The primary implication of this strategy is the potential for significant point gains by targeting players with high predicted minutes and favorable schedules, while simultaneously avoiding those with difficult upcoming matchups or uncertain playing time. Specifically, the decision to potentially sell a player like Vert, despite an upcoming favorable fixture against Leeds, is driven by the need to free up funds for more strategic defensive acquisitions like Gabriel and a Newcastle defender. This exemplifies a trade-off: sacrificing a potentially good individual gameweek for a more robust long-term team structure. The emphasis on accumulating transfers to enable larger overhauls in later gameweeks highlights a risk-management approach; by holding transfers, the manager can make more impactful changes when fixture swings or team news become clearer, thereby avoiding "wasted" single transfers.

The closing takeaway is that successful FPL management, particularly during congested fixture periods, requires a forward-looking perspective that prioritizes long-term team composition and fixture analysis over short-term gains. This strategy acknowledges that while immediate points are desirable, a well-planned series of transfers can create a more resilient and higher-scoring team over the season.

Action Items

Audit defensive structure: Identify 3-5 potential vulnerabilities in Arsenal's backline (e.g., transition defense, set-piece coverage) to inform Gabriel's integration.
Create runbook template: Define 5 required sections (setup, common failures, rollback, monitoring) for new player integrations to prevent knowledge silos.
Track player fitness impact: Monitor injury status of 3-5 key defenders (e.g., Van Dijk, Ings) to predict potential minutes and inform transfer decisions.
Measure transfer impact: Analyze the points contribution of 3-5 recent transfers (e.g., Verts, Paqueta) against their cost to refine future acquisition strategy.

Key Quotes

"My FPL Team Selection for Gameweek 19. so i'm going to run you through how the team is looking why i'm thinking about buying gabriel and spending three transfers this week and i'll also show you how i got on in gameweek 18 i know the gameweek is not completely over yet by the way there's still two matches to go on sunday but all my players have played so i know exactly how many points i've got and all the transfers i'm looking at making for this week are for players that have already played so because of the quick turnaround between gameweeks i thought it was best to get this video out as soon as possible because i've got lots of thoughts about the moves i need to make this week and then i'll make a few more videos on monday and tuesday once all the games have been completed hopefully that makes sense hopefully you understand we'll be back to normal soon once the christmas and new year period is over otherwise let's get into it"

Andy, the host, explains his intention to discuss his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team selection for Gameweek 19. He highlights that he is considering using three transfers and specifically mentions Gabriel as a potential acquisition. Andy prioritizes releasing the video early due to the quick turnaround between gameweeks and the need to communicate his planned moves.

"so gameweek 18 wasn't great for me i scored 43 points and that is 43 all out so all of my players had played by 5 pm on saturday i've got no one left to come in and as it stands that's a small red arrow so i've gone from just inside the top 25k to just outside so not a complete disaster so far but obviously there's a lot of sunderland defense owners out there calvert lewin's been brought recently there's probably some people playing rodon gudmundsson you've got crystal palace defense that's quite highly owned that red arrow will get worse but hopefully not in a way where it's a complete disaster and actually as it stands as long as i don't get hugely punished on sunday i feel kind of okay about how the week has gone even though it's a red arrow because i had four transfers i only used two of them"

Andy reviews his performance in Gameweek 18, noting a score of 43 points, which resulted in a "small red arrow" and a drop in his overall ranking. He acknowledges that this score could worsen depending on Sunday's remaining matches but expresses a degree of satisfaction because he used only two of his four available transfers, avoiding significant punishment for his choices.

"my two transfers were fernandez to verts and hojbjerg to paquetá i completely understand that paquetá is not an amazing pick but for sub 6 million i don't think there are many massively standout picks anyway like emi buendía harry wilson i mean they're all fine but none of them in my opinion are the standout one so to have paquetá who's basically nailed on for penalties i'm kind of okay with that unless he gets sold in january and that'll be a little bit annoying and he's not playing back to back 90 minutes every game anymore but he's still doing enough to warrant the 5 9 million price tag so i'll kind of take that also paquetá scored three points so we outscored both foden and kdb so not a complete disaster and then fernandez to verts went really nicely 10 pointer versus first goal of the season he's also going to be a little bit like bruno fernandes in terms of when he gets an attack and return he will often get good bonus as well we just haven't seen it very much so far this season so i think he picked yeah he picked up all three bonus in that game so 10 points is nice"

Andy details his two transfers: swapping Fernandez for Verts and Hojbjerg for Paqueta. He defends the Paqueta transfer, acknowledging he's not a standout pick but arguing he's a reliable option for his price point, especially as a penalty taker. Andy also highlights the success of the Verts transfer, who scored 10 points and his first goal of the season, earning bonus points.

"i've got three free transfers and 0 1 million in the bank and when i look at my defense i feel like it needs at least one transfer this week maybe two but also depending on injury news i can maybe just roll like it's one of those weird weeks where there's a lot of different options and i'm not quite sure which one i will take but the fact that gabriel is back now makes me really want to use a transfer because i think he will start against villa at home and then as long as he can stay fit he should be pretty nailed like he was before and then arsenal's next three fixtures are not great it's villa at home bournemouth away liverpool at home they could concede in all of those games but gabriel could also score and as soon as that happens his price just goes up i like to roll transfers to put myself in a better position for future weeks but there are some players i'll happily spend transfers on gabriel is one so i'm quite tempted to get him this week but how i do that i'll come on to in a second"

Andy outlines his current resources for Gameweek 19: three free transfers and £0.1 million in the bank. He expresses a strong desire to use a transfer on Gabriel, who has returned from injury, believing he will start and be a consistent player. Despite Arsenal's challenging upcoming fixtures, Andy is willing to spend transfers on players like Gabriel if he believes they offer significant value.

"i am very tempted to go for lewis hall but the safer pick is to go for chi instead and also he's a little bit cheaper at 5 million i don't know the points have been terrible recently like i just like the next four fixtures and obviously with in kapi i've now got a concern over his minutes so i i don't know it's not 100 locked in but i am pretty confident i'm going to buy a newcastle defender this week then i've got van den berg flagged apparently he picked up a knock wasn't ready i'm not sure by the way this is another problem for game week 19 i'm not sure we're going to get a press conference for brentford ahead of the deadline so the deadline is on tuesday at 6 o'clock pm uk time brentford play on thursday i don't know if there's going to be press conferences on new year's eve but there probably will be so unless keith andrews holds his press conference on tuesday i'm not going to get van den berg information ahead of the deadline so he's a concern andersen's palace away saliba's chelsea away so i am tempted to make a double move sal

Resources

External Resources

Books

"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu - Mentioned as a framework for strategic thinking.

Articles & Papers

"The Art of War" (Sun Tzu) - Mentioned as a framework for strategic thinking.

People

Andy - Host of the podcast, providing FPL team selection advice.
Doug - Mentioned in relation to Liberty Mutual insurance.
Sun Tzu - Author of "The Art of War," referenced for strategic principles.

Organizations & Institutions

Liberty Mutual - Mentioned in relation to car insurance customization and savings.
Meyer - Retailer offering deals on celebration staples and chips.
Tito's Handmade Vodka - Mentioned as America's favorite vodka, known for its distillation process and community involvement.
Fifth Generation Inc. - Distiller and bottler of Tito's Handmade Vodka.
Arsenal - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Aston Villa - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Bournemouth - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Brighton - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Burnley - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Chelsea - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Crystal Palace - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Everton - Football club mentioned in relation to player performance.
Fulham - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Leeds - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Liverpool - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Manchester United - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Newcastle - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Nottingham Forest - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Portsmouth - Football club mentioned in relation to FA Cup fixtures.
Sunderland - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Tottenham Hotspur - Football club whose fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Football club whose players and fixtures are discussed for FPL team selection.
Fantasy Football Hub - Platform providing FPL tools and suggested transfers.

Websites & Online Resources

libertymutual.com - Website for Liberty Mutual insurance.
linktr.ee/letstalkfpl - Link to follow the podcast host on social media.
podcastchoices.com/adchoices - Website for managing ad choices.
kitchava.com - Website for Kitchava whole body shake.

Other Resources

FPL (Fantasy Premier League) - Fantasy football game discussed extensively for team selection and strategy.
Gameweek 18 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 19 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 4 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 - Specific round of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 21 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 22 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 23 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 24 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 26 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
Gameweek 20 onwards - Future rounds of fixtures in the Fantasy Premier League season.
**Gameweek 21 onwards