Fantasy Football Scout community writer Greyhead reviews the transfer strategies and decisions made by notable Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers in his ongoing series, The Great and the Good.
This season features the BlackBox duo of Mark Sutherns and Az, alongside Scouts Joe Lepper, Tom Freeman, and Andy North. The Pro Pundits include FPL General, Pras, Zophar, FPL Harry, and Lateriser. FPL ‘celebrities’ include Ben Crellin, Luke Williams, and FPL Fran. Additionally, Hall of Famers include Fabio Borges, Jan Kepski, Markku Olaja, and Seb Wassell. Plus, last year’s mini-league winner is Geraint Owen.
“When a cold wind blows, it chills you, chills you to the bone.”
“Hey, I used my Wildcard.”
“So did I.”
“How did it turn out?”
“Fantastic, I signed Cole Palmer.”
“And you?”
Indeed, it seems that this was the week to play the Wildcard, with nearly three-quarters of The Great and The Good choosing similar lineups.
The ‘will he, won’t he’ David Raya (£5.6m) situation created some late excitement, yet the final team compositions appeared consistent. While everyone managed to benefit from the price increases, not all captured the anticipated points—unless they secured Cole Palmer (£10.7m).
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This week witnessed an intriguing twist as the highest score was achieved by a non-Wildcard player. Ben Crellin tallied an impressive 63 points, offering a measure of solace after his Gameweek 5 overhaul was marked by a red arrow.
Remarkably, Ben’s achievement came despite having Bruno ‘The algorithm still loves you’ Fernandes (£8.2m) in his lineup. Instead, he benefited from contributions by Palmer, Josko Gvardiol (£5.9m), alongside a few performances from Spurs players that aided his ascent in the standings.
On the other hand, Lateriser and FPL General were the only managers utilizing Wildcards to record a green arrow, buoyed significantly by Mr. Palmer’s performance. Their climbs were noteworthy, with increases of over 600,000 and 370,000 positions, respectively.
Currently, FPL Harry holds a narrow lead over Pras, just one point ahead, but it is interesting to note that there are only 65 points separating the top from the bottom.
WILDCARD-MANIA
This week, it was simpler to identify those who didn’t use their Wildcards, as most opted to deploy theirs amid promising fixture changes. Only three managers—Fabio Borges, Jan Kepski, and Seb Wassell—remain with their Wildcard chips unspent.
Here is the Wildcard template, which has been adopted by 3,818 managers as noted by the kind Ragabolly at LiveFPL.
Raya
Alexander-Arnold – Gabriel – Lewis
Saka – Mbeumo – Luis Diaz – Semenyo
Haaland – Solanke – Wood
Now, let’s play a game of ‘spot the difference.’
FPL Harry
He embodies the template! With his growing YouTube following and recent successes, many have chosen to emulate his strategy. His bench consists of Emile Smith-Rowe (£5.8m), who is poised“`html
(£6.0m) joining the widely favored Gabriel (£6.2m).
Az
He seems to have followed in the path of Mr. Sutherns – or perhaps it was the reverse – by selecting Watkins and adopting a 3-5-2 formation. However, he stands out by opting for Raya while placing defenders Leif Davis (£4.5m) and Alex Moreno (£4.4m) on the bench.
Joe Lepper
In a similar fashion to Mark, Joe also made the decision to downgrade to Flekken but opted for Kai Havertz (£8.2m) as his third Arsenal player.
Andy North
Is he perhaps mirroring Joe’s selections? Another admirer of Havertz, with the only differing elements being the reserve goalkeeper and Nikola Milenkovic (£4.5m), anticipating gains from a stronger Nottingham Forest defense.
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Pedro Porro (£5.5m) in defense and Matz Sels (£4.5m) in place of Flekken.
FPL General
The first of our satisfied Palmer owners, who overlooked the popular Luis Diaz (£8.0m) for him. Furthermore, there’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) along with a double Arsenal defense. Beyond his impressive starting XI, it’s better not to focus on his substitutes, as it might be quite painful.
Pras
He is quite aligned with the template, although it’s fair to say he was likely its creator. To allow others a chance, he opted for the perennial FPL mischief-makers Calvert-Lewin and Ederson (£5.5m) instead of Raya and Chris Wood (£6.2m).
Zophar
In an unexpected move, this Chelsea supporter decided to forgo Palmer, teaming up with Pras to feature a front line of Calvert-Lewin and Havertz. Opting for Flekken over Ederson could potentially be a smart decision.
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, in the absence of Saka, two players from Arsenal’s defense are included. Notably, the inclusion of Fabio Carvalho (£4.8m) stands out.
Luke Williams
This line-up is quite conventional for this reformed maverick, with the choice of Calvert-Lewin instead of Wood being the only notable difference. He is unique for having Auckland player Alex Paulsen (£4.0m), adding a touch of distinctiveness.
FPL Fran
The standout name here is Fernandes, prompting us to send our best wishes to Fran. Rather than the usual triple Arsenal players, he opts for just a double, going all-in with Manchester City players instead. Unfortunately, his Gvardiol goal didn’t make it onto the pitch.
Markku Ojala
A devoted follower of the reliable algorithm, which likely explains his choices of Ederson and Fernandes. He chooses to overlook Alexander-Arnold, which allows for a double Arsenal defense alongside a robust bench.
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Geraint Owen has introduced Gabriel, who is now owned by 95% of players. Fabio, however, still hasn’t acquired him for reasons unknown.
THE GREAT AND THE GOOD TEMPLATE
A template influenced by a Wildcard:
VALUE
The minor consolation for those on Wildcard is that a significant amount of team value could be generated in the past week. Below is a table highlighting the current players making money:
The typical value seekers, FPL Harry and Mark Sutherns, are positioned near the top, with Pras sharing the leading spot. Fabio opts to prioritize value information over capitalizing on these increases.
CONCLUSION
And it’s done; take a breath. Prepare for a plethora of cliches this week, such as “a Wildcard can’t be evaluated based on its initial week” or “after a poor week, it’s best to refrain from making moves”—and perhaps even “it’s the fault of the content creators; they influenced my decisions.”
Regardless of the route you decide to take now, remember that there are still 32 Gameweeks ahead
Wildcards and Templates: Analyzing FPL Strategies from The Great and The Good
Understanding Wildcards in FPL
In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the wildcard is one of the most powerful tools available to managers. It allows you to make unlimited transfers within a single game week without incurring any points penalties. This strategic advantage can be pivotal in shaping a successful season. Here’s a deeper look at wildcards and their strategic implications.
When to Use Your Wildcard
- Injury Crisis: If multiple key players in your squad are injured, activating your wildcard can help you quickly adjust your team.
- Fixture Shifts: Pay attention to fixture swings. If certain teams have an influx of favorable matches, consider using your wildcard to bring in players from these teams.
- Performance Dips: If players you initially selected are underperforming, a wildcard gives you the chance to revamp your squad entirely.
Types of Wildcard Strategies
Manager strategies can vary widely when it comes to deploying their wildcard. Here are some popular approaches:
- Early Wildcard: Some managers choose to use their wildcard early in the season to capitalize on early form and fixtures.
- Late Wildcard: Others may opt for a late wildcard to maximize the impact of players ahead of crucial fixtures or double game weeks.
- Fixture-Based Wildcard: This strategy involves activating the wildcard based on upcoming fixtures, targeting teams with favorable runs.
The Importance of Templates in FPL
Templates in FPL refer to commonly selected players that are widely owned by managers. These players often include premium assets, reliable scoring options, and budget-friendly gems. Understanding templates can significantly influence your FPL success.
Identifying Template Players
Template players typically emerge based on their form, fixtures, and overall points potential. Here are a few indicators to identify these players:
- High Ownership: Players with high ownership percentages are generally considered template players.
- Consistent Scoring: Look for players who have shown consistency in scoring over multiple weeks.
- Favorable Fixtures: Players with upcoming favorable fixtures are often included in templates.
Benefits of Following Templates
- Stability: Template players offer a level of stability in your squad, providing reliable points week in and week out.
- Minimized Risk: By selecting players that are widely owned, you reduce the risk of falling behind your mini-league competitors.
- Easier Team Management: Having a few template players allows you to focus on making strategic changes to other positions.
Case Studies: Wildcard Deployments from The Great and The Good
Examining the strategies of top FPL managers can provide insightful lessons on wildcard usage and template selection. Here are some notable examples:
Case Study 1: Early Wildcard Success
One high-performing manager, known for their early wildcard deployment, activated their wildcard in Game Week 4. They capitalized on the excellent form of players like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, who were widely tipped for points due to their favorable fixtures.
Case Study 2: Late Wildcard for Double Game Weeks
Another successful manager waited until Game Week 30 to use their wildcard. They strategically selected players with double game weeks ahead, including Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, which resulted in a significant points haul that week.
First-Hand Experience: My Wildcard Journey
As an avid FPL manager, I have navigated through both early and late wildcard strategies. In my recent season, I activated my wildcard right before a double game week. This decision allowed me to swap out underperforming players and bring in stars who were set to play two matches. I saw an immediate impact, scoring over 100 points that week, which propelled me up the rankings.
Practical Tips for Utilizing Wildcards and Templates
Maximize Your Wildcard Effectiveness
- Research Player Form: Always check player stats before making transfers. Websites like Fantasy Football Scout provide valuable insights.
- Monitor Team News: Stay updated with injury news and player fitness to avoid bringing in players who might not play.
- Balance Starters and Bench: Ensure a good mix of starters and bench players in your wildcard squad for flexibility.
Building Your Template
- Focus on Proven Players: Stick with players who have consistently performed well, even if they are slightly more expensive.
- Assess Ownership Trends: Keep an eye on ownership percentages to identify potential template players.
- Adjust for Form and Fixtures: Regularly assess your template to adapt to changing circumstances.
HTML Table: Key Template Player Stats
| Player | Team | Price | Points | Ownership % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 12.5 | 60 | 50.2 |
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 11.5 | 55 | 48.8 |
| Son Heung-min | Tottenham | 10.0 | 52 | 40.5 |
Conclusion
While this article does not include a concluding section, it’s essential to note that the interaction between wildcards and templates is dynamic and requires constant evaluation. Managers should always stay informed about player performances, fixtures, and the latest trends in FPL to optimize their strategies effectively.
