5 Quick Notes on Winning FPL
Winning FPL is a very interesting something. It takes a special mix of planning, understanding and a lot of luck.
As a winner, I can reassure you that luck is needed. But, you can do everything you can to try to "change" your luck.
Here are 5 quick notes as to 5 things to consider for the new season, from a new winner!:)
Number 1: Captaincy.
What do I have to say about captaincy? Don't overthink it. Each Gameweek, their are really only 2-3 ways to go with your captain. You have the classic Haaland/Bruno choice, and also the spicy Joao or Palmer pick, but also, thirdly, the absolutely bonkers Van Ewijk triple captain against Hull City in Gameweek 2 angle (I am not recommending).
Basically, we all know we and we have all been a victim of maybe adding a little bit too much spice to the soup that is our FPL team. Sometimes, just turning down the spice level and playing it safe but boring is the way to go. Fantasy Premier League is 38 Gameweek's. With 38 Gameweek's, a lot can happen and a lot can change. But I would rather have my safe boring points every (or almost every) week rather then going crazy. Slow and steady wins the race.
I think I had around 74% last season when I won. It wasn't perfect, but it won the race.
Number 2: PLANNING
This. This is essential for a good season. Planning and getting an idea of which player's you like, what team's you want to focus on, what schedules you would like to target, makes it really simple for you in the long run.
FPL is a game that you can really, really, really, really nerd. Like really nerd. I can't even begin to describe how many hours I used planning and considering my FPL season last year.
Plan your team, get an idea of what you want to do, and give it a go. But I can assure you, planning 4-6 GW's ahead is 90% better over heading into it blind, GW by GW.
Number 3: Chips and chips
Chips are both some of the most fun but also the most frustrating part of FPL.
But they are also a huge part of success in the game. Every single chip I used last season hit. I was lucky, but I also didn't overthink it.
I bench boosted in the easiest week, I triple captained Haaland against the weakest team, free hit when my team was shit.
FPL is a game of overthinking. Sometimes, the easy choice is the best choice. Also, use chips together. Let them optimize each other by using the strengths of each together.
Number 4: Floor vs Ceiling: Know what you are buying and why you are buying it
Every asset on your team is different.
A floor player is one who scores consistent but low points.
A ceiling is that high volatility Dorgu pick where he either scores 15 or blanks for 5 weeks straight (that actually sounds more like Roger's).
Having a mix of this for your FPL team I think is really important. It is important to keep consistency in the team and make sure that the rewards of one are also protected by the floor of another. This is where FPL really gets down to the fine numbers as getting that extra point or two from that extra 0.5 million saved is essential.
I would recommend for every player, please plan in your boring set piece merchants and your DEFCON beasts to be included. They may be boring, but they are essential for having consistent scoring weeks, every week.
Number 5: LUCK. Snake eyes, over and over and over again.
FPL is also just a game of luck. I wouldn't have won if I wasn't lucky. I wouldn't have won however if I didn't choose to be bold.
From Day 1, I chose to ignore the highest scoring player from the season before, Salah. And how did it work out? I won.
This is not a case for go away from Haaland = I win FPL. It is a question of needing luck and having things fall your way.
Conclusion
FPL is funny because you hate the game when things work and love it when it does.
You won't be able to predict outcomes nor expect everything to go your way, but you can definitely try to increase your "luck" by planning better, playing safer, and not taking that triple hit that you know will work because you can feel it (except for that one time it does work).
Essentially, patience and planning is the best thing you can take with you. And also, enjoy playing Fantasy Premier League:)