It is almost the end of the season and the blue of Chelsea have been crowned ‘Champions'. The newspapers have, as always, heaped one too many compliment on José and his team, who are gloating over them and deservedly so. Premier league managers have begun strategising for next season, while Chief executives are ready to go fishing with their chequebooks. They have enough on their plate for next couple of months. However, it is the FPL managers who are beginning to feel the blues. Three more weekends of action followed by “an unbearable feeling of nothingness” until August.
The title race may be over for Premier League managers, but there is still so much to play for us � Fantasy Premier League managers. Well at least for some of us. At this stage, FPL managers can be broadly classified into three groups:
- The real contenders
- Ones playing for pride
- Those looking forward to next season
The real contenders are invisible entities on the social stratosphere. Rarely seen or heard. They don't post their views on quick fix FPL websites or blare their larynx out on some podcast. After all, why would they give away their “trade secret”? It has got them to where they are - within touching distance of the pinnacle; they can almost smell success. These guys secretly analyse the games, take the best from the many “I think I know more than you on FPL” websites out there (including ours), discuss with their inner circle of punters and head quietly to the Fantasy Premier League tips website each week.
Looking at some of our current FPL positions, we are the least qualified to advise them but I'll try. Stick to the big guns that served you well over the past 35 weeks. You don't want to miss out on a 15 pointer from an Agüero, Hazard, or Sánchez for a seven pointer from a differential. Don't take any hits. It is a game of fine margins. Hear the voices coming out of Stamford Bridge. José doesn't like losing, so attacking players may be rested for others to get a winner's medal. Consider the FA cup finalists. On an average, at least five teams kept a clean sheet in each of the last four weeks. Pick your defence wisely and you could well be watching couple of Premier League matches with your friend/partner in an all-expense paid seven day trip next season.
The ones playing for pride have either of the two objectives. Improve on their performance from last season and experience a ‘rare high' in a season that has been more down than up. If not that, then top their own mini league or earn some respectability in terms of their rankings in that league. It saves them from humiliation, not to mention the everyday banter that comes along with it. Most of these guys seek weekly footballing mantras from “online experts”. Almost everyone listens to them and therefore nobody actually gains a lot in terms of rankings.
My suggestion is to have a good mix of in-form attacking players and defenders from teams that have something to play for. Take punt on not more than one differential. Teams like Crystal Palace and West Brom played well in the middle part of the season and did enough to secure their position in the league. After that complacency set in and the subsequent results are there for everyone to see. They are still good teams and can come with a result in case they are in danger of relegation. It is best to avoid players from such teams. You could instead look at the likes of Everton (underachievers from last season) and Southampton (dreams of Europe).
Personally speaking, we are a few of the many millions who cannot wait for next season to begin. New spreadsheet, new game plan. Hopefully not the same result. We are not suggesting that you start thinking of the beach like some of the Premier League players already have. The last three weeks give you the chance to experiment, and maybe to experiment big. Look at the fixtures and change your team every week. If needed, change your entire team. Limit defence and keeper to two teams. Load the big guns in striking and midfield positions. With unlimited options as your disposal, swing big T20 style. Take some big hits, see where it gets you.
Irrespective of your current rung, remember to jot down all that you have learned over this season. Come August, you'll need them! You don't want another poor start to wake you up when September ends. (Green Day, huh?).
Where were your learnings from this season? Let us know.
