10 FPL Mistakes to Avoid for FPL 24/25: Your Ultimate Guide to Fantasy Premier League Success this Season
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, whether you're a rookie manager or a seasoned pro. When will FPL 24/25 start? FPL will launch very soon and it's crucial to fine-tune your strategies and avoid common pitfalls.
This detailed fantasy football guide covers 10 key FPL mistakes to avoid, which in turn will help you dominate your mini-leagues, put you in a position to unlock success and hopefully allow you to achieve a high overall ranking in Fantasy Premier League.
1. Ignoring Fixture Difficulty and Rotation Risks
Why It's Crucial:
Understanding fixture difficulty and planning for rotation can make or break your FPL season. Tough fixtures can lower a player's points potential, while favourable ones can boost it.
How to Avoid:
Use the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR): The FDR helps you identify which teams have the easiest and toughest upcoming fixtures.
Plan for Rotation: Ensure your squad has depth, especially during busy periods like Christmas or the Double Game Weeks, to handle potential rotation and injuries.
2. Chasing Last Week’s Points
Why It's Crucial:
Many managers fall into the trap of transferring in players who performed exceptionally well in the previous game week, expecting them to continue that form. While 'bandwagon' players can be a good thing they can also be problematic as a wasted transfer.
How to Avoid:
Focus on Consistency: Look at players with consistent performances over several weeks, rather than one-off high scores.
Analyse Underlying Stats: Use stats like expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) to gauge a player's true potential.
3. Regularly Making Super Early Transfers
Why It's Crucial:
Early transfers might seem advantageous to avoid price rises, but they come with the risk of unforeseen injuries and suspensions.
How to Avoid:
Wait for Updates: Make transfers closer to the deadline to benefit from the latest team news, injury updates, and press conference insights.
Monitor Price Changes: Use tools and websites that track price changes to decide the optimal time for making transfers.
4. Neglecting Bench Strength
Why It's Crucial:
Having poor bench cover can leave you vulnerable to unexpected rotations, injuries, or suspensions, resulting in fewer points.
How to Avoid:
Invest in a Playing Bench: Ensure most of your bench players are regular starters for their teams.
Rotate Bench Players: Use bench players strategically based on fixtures and form to maximise points.
5. Failing to Plan for Double Game Weeks and Blank Game Weeks
Why It's Crucial:
Double Game Weeks (DGWs) and Blank Game Weeks (BGWs) are critical opportunities that can result in significant rank swings for those FPL managers that plan ahead.
How to Avoid:
Chip Strategy: Plan your chip usage (Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost, and Triple Captain) around these weeks to maximise their impact.
Plan Transfers: Look ahead at the schedule to make sure you have coverage for BGWs and maximise players for DGWs.
6. Ignoring Team Value
Why It's Crucial:
Building team value early in the season gives you more flexibility to bring in premium players as the season progresses.
How to Avoid:
Monitor Price Rises: Regularly check for potential price changes to make adjustments at sensible times - not too late and not super early.
Transfer Wisely: Early in the season, consider transferring in players whose prices are likely to rise to build team value. Often this will be the case for the most in-form players in FPL.
7. Overlooking Set-Piece Takers
Why It's Crucial:
Players who take set-pieces (penalties, free-kicks, corners) have a higher chance of scoring and assisting, which in turn can provide you valuable FPL points.
How to Avoid:
Identify Set-Piece Takers: Research which players are on set-piece duty for their teams.
Prioritise in Selection: When choosing between players, give preference to those involved in set-pieces.
8. Neglecting to Monitor Injuries and Suspensions
Why It's Crucial:
Fielding injury-prone players or having those on the cusp of a suspension can severely impact your points total.
How to Avoid:
Stay Updated: Regularly check injury and suspension news from reliable sources.
Use Bench Effectively: Ensure your bench has capable replacements to cover for any last-minute absences.
9. Focusing Solely on Midfielders and Attackers
Why It's Crucial:
A balanced team that includes a reasonable back-line can provide consistent points through clean sheets, assists, and occasional goals.
How to Avoid:
Invest in Defenders: Look for defenders from teams with strong defensive records who also have attacking potential. No doubt they will also be prone to conceding at times too but your rank will take a hit if you don't own a high owned defender who does extremely well for a given Gameweek.
Balance Your Squad: Ensure your team includes players from all positions who can contribute points regularly and ensure you have a healthy number of players with a good points per million record which will ensure that you are getting value for money.
10. Underestimating Captaincy in FPL
Why It's Crucial:
Your captain's points are doubled, making the right choice crucial for maximising your weekly score. Whether you like it or not, you will need to factor in effective ownership.
How to Avoid:
Pick Consistent Performers: Choose players with a high chance of returning points consistently.
Consider Fixtures: Select your captain based on favourable fixtures and avoid captaining players facing tough opponents. Having said that, the best captains in FPL can also be fixture-proof.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 10 common FPL mistakes can significantly enhance your chances of a successful FPL 24/25 season. By staying informed, planning strategically, and making data-driven decisions, you'll be well-equipped to climb the ranks and dominate your mini-leagues. Here’s to a high-scoring and enjoyable Fantasy Premier League season! For more tips, watch the video below.
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