FPL Pod S8 Ep15: FPL Pod: Mateta a must-have?
13 snips
Oct 30, 2025 In this episode, the hosts dive into the trend of playing four at the back, highlighting the strong returns from budget defenders. They evaluate the appeal of Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta as a must-have forward, discussing potential replacements and his rotation risks. The group also assesses Manchester United assets and explores Joao Pedro's struggles, debating whether it's time to sell. Plus, they reveal their low-ownership differential picks and outline strategies for transfers and captain choices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wildcard Regret And Perspective
- Kelly Somers wildcarded and immediately regretted it after a poor first week returned only 39 points.
- She reminded listeners a wildcard is for several weeks ahead, not just the first gameweek result.
Four-At-The-Back Is The New Default
- The panel concluded playing four at the back is now the dominant FPL strategy because defenders are regularly returning.
- Budget defenders across many teams now provide high value without needing expensive defenders.
Budget Defenders Deliver Big Returns
- Cheap defenders (4.0–6.5m) are delivering the bulk of high-scoring weeks, shifting value away from premium centre-backs.
- This lets managers pack defensive numbers without sacrificing much budget in the backline.