Thread by @Al_Doctore

Playing FPL at the HIGHEST LEVEL! 🔋

How have I achieved 9x 100k finishes in 15 seasons playing FPL, two of which are in the top10k?

[A LONG THREAD] 🧵

Read time (10 mins) ⏲️

This thread is designed to go beyond the basic “advices” and elaborates key strategical techniques utilized to increase the chances of finishing in higher ranks.

I am not trying to blow my own trumpet here as there are hundreds of managers out there better than I am and..

..probably better than I’ll ever be. But, I am hoping this helps intermediate players move to advanced levels.

For context, the below quote tweet is my Top 10 finishes 👇

https://twitter.com/Al_Doctore/status/1534081439955931136?s=20&t=dZ9OXZEoU30cP0yDsGuybA

Note that I have talked about this in previous videos on our YouTube channel and will continue to do so. Drop us a SUB ❤️

youtube.com/c/FPLFantasy?s…

Now, every game has a META (Most Effective Tactics Available) and in my opinion, FPL is not different.

Those finishes didn’t come by sheer luck. In order to finish high consistently, time and research need to be put. But, again, this is a basic “advice”.

So, here are my..

..10 high-level META “lessons”:

1) The significance of transfers:

Important to remember that your transfer this week has an impact on your transfer next week, and the weeks that follow. So, when you do a transfer this week, think of what you are possibly..

..sacrificing next week(s) especially funds-wise.

For example, choosing KDB over Foden could mean that you will not be able to afford Son over Kulusevski in two or three weeks time unless you take hits which should factor in your decision-making. Hence, it is not only about..

..KDB outscoring Foden, but also about Kulusevski outscoring Son in the long-term.

2) It is a game of combinations:

A transfer is almost never in isolation. This is building on the previous point. For example, having Kane is better than Pukki. But, having Kane and..

..Brownhill is worse than having Pukki and Bowen. So, every transfer is to be considered as a combination with possible opportunity costs.

3) Every transfer is a hit (-4):

including free transfers because not spending this transfer in one area can improve your team in another..

..area. I do not take hits (-4) unless I can explain them rationally, and that they will pay off over the long-term.

4) The importance of structure:

I make sure to cover each price point in each position in order to move between players with minimum transfers and hits. For..

..instance, this season,

I will surely start with either Haaland or Kane so I can move between the two easily. Similarly in midfield, I will have a medium-priced players (7m-8m) so I can jump between Foden, Havertz, Bowen, Saka, etc. The same applies to defence. I try to keep..

..the structure throughout the season because if I can get to the players that people are trying to get with one less transfer, then I am 4 points ahead before even a ball is kicked.

It also help tackle unexpected price changes in the long-term.

5) Being ahead of the pack:..

..I try to buy players one GW before I’d want them (especially if I do not have fires to put out in my team).

Let’s assume Saka has a run of LIV, LEE, sou, FUL, bou, EVE. I know that I would (and everybody else would) want Saka starting from the Leeds fixture. But, I will..

..still try to bring him in vs Liverpool and hope he returns something. Then do the same next week for the next player. This way, I am always one step ahead of the pack and the template.

6) Controlling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):

especially with players that I do not..

..personally expect will haul. They might get a return or two, which doesn’t necessary warrant a transfer.

For example, Weghorst last season. When he had his many doubles in a row, I never brought him in, because he showed no hauls potential.

Social Media will always amplify..

..this FOMO, so keep in mind that it may be an echo-chamber.

Also, FOMO will force you to make short-term transfers, e.g. Kane has NOR followed by mci, liv, and CHE. I would not take hits to fit him in for one GW despite a possible haul because I can get the points he would..

..get in those four from someone with easier fixtures.

7) Watch games.

This is extremely helpful because it will help you understand how teams play.

For example, this season, Spurs assets will be even more popular. But, if I had to make a choice between Kane and Son, if..

..Spurs are playing vs “smaller” teams in that run of fixtures, I will prioritize Kane.

If there are some “bigger” teams sandwiched in the fixtures, I will opt for Son.

I do that because I noticed when Spurs play bigger teams, Kane drops to feed Son and when playing smaller..

..teams, Kane shoots more and spends time in the box.

8) Follow stats and understand your position:

Stats are available everywhere now. I personally use @FFScout members area #NotAnAD if I cannot make a final decision between two players as their comparison tool helps. I try..

..to simplify it and go for the player who shoots more for example. Also, my favourite website ever is @LiveFPLnet, it helps you understand your position and what are the risks around you.

Say, I do not own Bowen and on LiveFPL I see his Effective Ownership is %75+ and he has..

..easy run of fixtures coming up where I think he'll do well, I try to get him in.

9) Avoid booking transfers:

In many times, we think that we will wildcard this GW and will have a one week punt and then move that punt to someone else for free. I find this, more often than..

..not, doesn’t work because there always injuries, suspensions, price changes, and other players emerging that we’d want. Meaning that this booked transfer would cost a hit.

10) Consume content but play your own game:

I always have an audio/video playing even as a..

..background sound whenever I am working.

Listening to those podcasts/videos almost everyday helps me immerse in my decision-making process. But, at the end, it is MY team and MY decisions. Even the best managers in the world will have their bad and good days.

My favourite..

..content that I always listen to without fail are @LetsTalk_FPL, @TheFPLWire, @FPLBlackBox_, and Burning Questions with @Pras_fpl and @FPL_Sonaldo.

Find the content that suits you, but of course play your own game for your fun and also sanity.

[END OF THREAD]

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