Julien Laurens, a seasoned FPL manager, shares his fresh Wildcard strategy after the international break. He discusses the impact of recent performances on player choices and addresses the tough captaincy dilemma between Salah and Haaland. The conversation also dives into the importance of planning for Arsenal's key players like Saka and Havertz, cautioning against risky transfers. Finally, they spotlight budget-friendly players to consider as the game week approaches.
Activating a wildcard during this international break allows managers to optimize their squads ahead of challenging fixtures.
Top performers like Salah and Haaland are key considerations for managers, especially for those who started the season without them.
Monitoring player conditions post-international break is crucial for making informed lineup choices and evaluating captaincy options.
Deep dives
The Importance of Wildcards
Activating a wildcard in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a strategic move that many players are embracing, especially during the international break. This year’s changes in transfer rules, such as the ability to roll over transfers up to five times, make it more viable to play wildcards now rather than waiting for the next international break. Making early adjustments can allow players to form a more balanced team that can adapt better to upcoming fixtures. The hosts discussed the record number of active wildcards, indicating a general trend among managers seeking to optimize their squads.
Key Players Under Consideration
Top players like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland are central to many FPL managers' strategies, with fears of missing out if they are not included in the team. The hosts emphasized that managers who began the season without these stars might feel pressured to make changes ahead of Game Week 4. Salah's recent performances, particularly during international matches, have made him a must-have for some, leading to discussions about sacrificing other players to accommodate him. The dilemma of who to drop, especially high performers like Bukayo Saka, underscores the tough decision-making that FPL players face.
Team Adjustments and Strategies
The panel shared insights on balancing squad integrity when making transfers, such as how to replace players like Bukayo Saka with Salah effectively. Some managers may choose to downgrade strikers or modify defensive selections in order to free up funds necessary for a high-value midfielder or attacker. Risks and rewards associated with transferring players in tough fixtures were also discussed, particularly regarding Arsenal's upcoming challenging matchups. This juggling act illustrates the strategic depth involved in building a competitive FPL team.
International Break Implications
Post-international break conditions can significantly impact player performance and lineup choices, and discussions around this topic were vivid among the hosts. The late return of South American players may raise concerns about their fitness for upcoming fixtures. Managers are encouraged to check the status of their players through managerial press conferences to gauge their availability and fitness levels. Consequently, understanding the dynamics of players who have been away on international duty becomes crucial for making informed selections.
Differential Picks and Captains
Managers are on the lookout for differential players to maximize points, with options like Andrew Robertson being highlighted as alternatives to more popular picks like Trent Alexander-Arnold. For those unable to secure a Salah or Haaland, focusing on players with favorable fixtures could provide essential relief. The hosts discussed their captain choices, suggesting that Salah and Haaland are premium options but also noting other potential captaincy candidates that could deliver significant returns. This dialogue surrounding differentials and captain strategies exemplifies the competitive edge that managers aim to gain in their FPL journey.
With the first international break of the season over plenty of managers have opted to activate their Wildcard, including the FPL Pod's very own Julien Laurens.
Kelly Somers and Sam Bonfield dissect Juls’ Wildcard as they also take a look at the popular transfers made by managers and weigh-up a tough week for captaincy in Gameweek 4.
LISTEN
* A big week for Wildcards (00m 53s)
* International impact (13m 29s)
* Is selling Saka sensible? (20m 59s)
* Make a plan for Arsenal (23m 10s)
* Differential discussion (27m 45s)
* Haaland v Salah captaincy (36m 08s)
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