Join Kelly Somers, Sam Bonfield, and Julien Laurens as they dive into the exciting world of fantasy football just before the season kicks off. They analyze player drafts, focusing on favorable fixtures and potential star players. The trio explores the pros and cons of leaving out big hitters and makes top picks for each position. They also discuss strategic fixture planning and how club performances will shape their selections, ensuring you're fully equipped for a competitive start to the season!
Managers are experimenting with their first drafts as the FPL season approaches, showcasing excitement and anticipation for player selections.
Favorable fixtures for teams like Fulham and Liverpool prompt strategic discussions about player investments and long-term planning for the season.
The balance between selecting premium players like Salah or Haaland and budget-friendly options reflects the diverse strategies managers are adopting for success.
Deep dives
Anticipation Before the Season
The discussions highlight the excitement surrounding the upcoming Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season. With the season just around the corner, there’s an atmosphere filled with anticipation as managers finalize their teams in preparation. The participants express how the initial chaos of selecting players and strategizing will soon settle into a routine as matches start. This mix of energy and anxiety sets the tone for the engaging conversations about various strategies to tackle the upcoming season.
Current Player Performances
Recent performances by players in pre-season friendlies have grabbed attention, particularly focusing on those likely to be influential in the FPL. Notably, Jean-Philippe Mateta has shone for France during the Olympics, scoring crucial goals, although his post-Olympics break could affect his availability at the season's start. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland’s standout pre-season performance, highlighted by a hat trick against Chelsea, challenges managers’ decisions regarding their teams. Players like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones have also impressed, indicating potential contributions in the new FPL season to keep an eye on.
Ownership Trends and Rumors
Ownership trends in the FPL community reveal uncertainty regarding premium players as managers navigate the landscape of expensive assets. Currently, Haaland's ownership sits at around 40%, a stark contrast to the overwhelming ownership he had in the previous season. The conversation about strategizing around who to include is nuanced, with managers weighing the risks of including or excluding top players like Haaland and Salah in their squads. Current gossip and transfer rumors further complicate decisions, as managers aim to avoid choosing players who may later be sidelined due to significant transfers.
Analyzing Fixture Difficulties
Examining fixture difficulty is essential for successfully managing team selections in the initial weeks of the season. Fulham, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace present favorable fixtures, suggesting potential for strong performances. Conversely, the upcoming tough matches for teams like Manchester City and Arsenal raise questions about investing in premium players so early. Managers are reassessing their strategies, realizing it's crucial to not only capitalize on short-term fixtures but to also prepare for subsequent weeks in terms of player choices and budget allocations.
Final Team Drafts and Preparations
With the season's start approaching rapidly, managers are engaged in finalizing their team drafts and addressing any gaps in their selections. There’s a mix of strategies being employed, with some opting for all-star player combinations while others focus on value picks to maximize their squad potential. Key discussions revolve around maintaining balance, particularly when deciding between high-value assets like Salah or Haaland versus budget-friendly options. This preparatory phase also highlights the importance of flexibility, as teams may require quick adjustments based on shifting performance trends and emerging player capabilities.
We’ve just over a week to go until the season gets under way and plenty of managers have been tinkering with their first drafts, including the FPL Pod team of Kelly Somers, Sam Bonfield and Julien Laurens. 🔧
They dive into sides starting with favourable fixtures, weigh up leaving out some big hitters and make their selections of the best players per position. 👀
LISTEN 🎧
* Pre-season round-up (2m30s)
* Drafts so far (9m21s)
* Favourable Fulham (16m01s)
* Liverpool options (19m58s)
* Long-term fixture planning (30m36s)
* Top picks per position (36m45s)
Win our FPL Pod mini-league at the end of the season and get an FPL bundle: q7yco0
