S7 Ep37: FPL Pod: How to cope with missing players
Mar 6, 2025
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Player injuries and suspensions are shaking up Fantasy Premier League strategies this week. The hosts discuss alternative defenders and forwards as replacements. A standout potential is budget sensation Eddie Nketiah, taking advantage of teammate absences. They also share insights on managing key players like Salah and the impact of the FA Cup on upcoming fixtures. Get ready for tactical tips, emotional challenges, and a funny player mix-up story to lighten the mood!
Injuries to key players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Alexander Isak force FPL managers to reconsider their forward strategies and make timely transfers.
The FA Cup outcomes significantly influence upcoming FPL fixtures, meaning managers must adapt plans for blank and double game weeks effectively.
Despite his captaincy appeal, Mo Salah's potential rotation raises concerns for managers, emphasizing the need for reliable vice-captain options this week.
Deep dives
Injury Headaches
Several significant injuries and suspensions have emerged, creating challenges for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. Jean-Philippe Mateta sustained a serious injury in an FA Cup match, while Mateus Cunha received a red card, leading to a three-match suspension. Alexander Isak's health is also under scrutiny, as he experienced tightness that caused him to exit a recent game early. The woes surrounding these key players emphasize the unpredictability of player fitness and the need for managers to adapt their strategies accordingly.
FPL Transfer Dilemmas
With a multitude of injuries, managers face difficult transfer decisions this game week. Many are contemplating moving from Mateta to other forwards such as Strand Larsen or Beto, both of whom have promising fixtures ahead. The predicament is further complicated for those holding onto Alexander Isak, as his potential absence alongside Mateta creates significant pressure on forwards. This ongoing discussion around potential transfers highlights the importance of patience and thorough planning in adapting to changing player availability.
FA Cup Impact on Scheduling
The recent FA Cup matches have significantly affected the FPL landscape, influencing which teams will have blank game weeks and double game weeks in the future. Teams like Wolves and Newcastle exiting the cup will shape upcoming fixtures, necessitating closer attention for managers making strategic decisions. Understanding the FA Cup implications helps FPL players gauge which players to invest in for optimal returns as they navigate through postponed matches. As the quarterfinals approach, there remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding fixture availability for various teams.
Captaincy Considerations
The captaincy choice for this week heavily leans towards Mo Salah, given his potential to score big against Southampton. However, there's concern regarding his participation due to recent match rotations and Liverpool's pressing schedule with the EFL Cup final and Champions League commitments. Managers are advised to consider their vice-captain option carefully due to the uncertainty surrounding Salah's minutes. Some may opt for alternative captain picks like Palmer, but they too come with risks based on form and match activity.
Emerging Forward Options
As forward positions become precarious due to injuries, alternatives like Strand Larsen and Beto emerge as attractive picks given their favorable upcoming matchups. Managers are weighing the potential trade-offs of bringing in a player like Larsen or the form of Beto, who has seen promise in recent games. The quest for effective replacements is pivotal, especially for those who have lost Mateta and need to adjust their lineups efficiently. With so many factors at play, selecting the right forward could prove crucial for achieving success in the upcoming game week.
While there was no Premier League matches to deal with, it’s been a big week for FPL as popular picks have been ruled out for forthcoming Gameweeks through injury and suspension 🤕🔴🤔
So Kelly Somers and the Pod team are back to look at all the alternative defenders and forwards available, strategise for upcoming Blanks and Doubles following the FA Cup results, and urge caution with Salah against Saints.
LISTEN 👇
* FA Cup fallout (08m 01s)
* Lewis Hall injury (17m 23s)
* Isak headache (22m 16s)
* Forward replacements (27m 44s)
* Differential of the Week (35m 38s)
* Transfers and captains (40m 14s)
Win our FPL Pod mini-league at the end of the season and get an FPL bundle: q7yco0