Even if you had a braggadocios beginning to the Fantasy Football season, there are still probably areas in which your team could improve. And if your start was false like Trump's double combover talking about how many women it's fingerbanged, all the more reason to take a long, hard look at your squad.
You may even be considering the use of your Wildcard already. So here are some handy tips to keep your Fantasy boys #Fre$h2Death.
Step 1. Do you have a problem?
Is there really something wrong with your team that necessitates immediate rectification? An injured player (e.g. Andre Ayew), an expensive goalie who didn't start (e.g. Joe Hart)? If nothing stands out, wait, accrue a free transfer, and reassess next week. Don't just make a move for the sake of it. Cutting shapes is for the dancefloor, not a hungover Saturday morning.
Step 2. If you have a problem, does it need fixing?
If it ain't broke, fix it. But even if it is broke, have a good hard think about whether it really needs fixin's.
Just like in this delightfully absurd Eastbound & Down excerpt, sometimes fiiiiiixin's are superfluous in Fantasy because you're worried about a player whom you're never going to start anyway (e.g. Bradley Smith, 4.0, benchwarmer). Other times, they're premature, because the player whose start security you are worried about is just getting match fit, and could be about to go on an absolute tear (e.g. Mkhitaryan).
Don't spodge your wod early with so long to go in the season and so many points to play for. Have faith in the convictions you held a week ago. Ride it out.
Step 3(a). Fix the problem with your long-term goals in mind
If your team is so shambolic that it's looking like wildcard in Gameweek 3 or 4, don't kick yourself while you're down by taking points hits at this stage. Remember that the old school strategy of 'hold-onto-your-current-squad-for-dear-life-and-save-your-wildcard-for-Gameweek-38' is anachronistic given the abolishment of the January transfer window in FPL.
So if your team is shithouse, rejoice in your ability to get involved in the consensus tactical advantage, and laugh at the dinosaurs clinging, white-knuckled, to whacktastic defensive-mids who don't even start.
This bitch probably still saves her wildcard for December lol
Likewise, if your team's looking all nifty, with but one minor blemish, feel free to use up your free transfer, safe in the knowledge that you can probably avoid wildcarding TOO early doors.
Step 3(b). Fix the problem with fixtures in mind
You know dis. You got dis. You don't need me for dis. Fixtures are almost as important as the players themselves, especially when it comes to defenders and 'keepers. Plan accordingly.
Only greenhorns forget to Bro Down
Step 3(c). Fix the problem with the rest of your squad in mind
Part of this is defensive fixture rotation, but another is not being overly reliant on a team unlikely to perform well and, conversely, doubling down on a side that looks like it's about to kill it. I've had great success doubling or tripling up on attacking City players in the past few years, who traditionally score a lot of goals at home. In the near future Tottenham have excellent fixtures, and those with both Kane and Lamela/Eriksen might reap the benefits.
Spurs couldn't have wished for a better schedule to start the season. #Lilywhitewash?
Step 4. Transfer as late as possible
Unless you are desperately interested in augmenting the value of your Fantasy squad above and beyond developing its capacity to register points, wait until as late as your real life circumstances will allow to make your transfers.
The deadline for Gameweek 2 is 7pm FRIDAY due to the Friday night clash between Man Utd and Southampton.
This means you should be able to get team news on that game before you decide whether to ditch Mktyhryrhyaian or gamble on Roon-dog-Millionare.
Do bear in mind that there was an issue with the FPL site circa 11am on Saturday for Gameweek 1 so you may not wish to risk waiting quite that late, but the more time passes, the more information you have on which to base your decision. Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... theeeeere we are.
