Kneejerking – Are We Overhyping Every FPL Performance?

Lately, it feels like every FPL performance is being massively subjected to overhyping – one minute, a team or player is the best thing since sliced bread, and the next, they’re labelled as complete flops. With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers getting more invested than ever, thanks to content creators feeding the hype machine, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise. But is it really worth it? Let’s take a step back and see if things are really that different from the usual ups and downs of a season.

By the way, have you seen the expected points for every player in your team? Well, you can find that here 

The Arsenal Defence Dilemma

A couple of weeks ago, Arsenal’s defence was all anyone could talk about. Three clean sheets in five matches, and the claims came pouring in: “Raya is essential,” “Triple Arsenal defence is the best strategy,” and so on. Fast forward a couple of gameweeks, and now everyone’s talking about how Arsenal defenders are a waste of time, and premium defenders aren’t worth it if they’re only giving you clean sheets.

The truth? Arsenal’s defensive numbers aren’t that different from what we’ve seen in recent seasons. Sure, they’ve conceded a couple of goals, but they’ve also kept a few clean sheets. It’s all about balancing out across the season. Yes, football can be wildly unpredictable from week to week, but over the course of 38 gameweeks, Arsenal’s defenders are likely to end up right around where they usually do in terms of points. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but the overall destination is pretty predictable.

Kneejerking Premium Attackers

We’ve all been there – transferring in a big-name player after a few good weeks, only for them to blank the second we bring them in. Premium attackers like Haaland and Salah are popular FPL picks, but even they go through rough patches. One week, you’re being told it’s “suicidal” to go without them; the next, you’re left wondering why they aren’t racking up double-digit points hauls like clockwork.

It’s important to remember that even the best players have their off days. At the end of the season, Haaland, Salah, Saka, and other premium players will likely be near the top of the points charts. But you can’t predict exactly when those big hauls will come. Chopping and changing your team every time a player blanks or hauls is only going to drive you mad – and drain your precious transfers.

The FPL Hype Cycle

This season, more than ever, it feels like every gameweek sparks a fresh wave of hype. A player scores well once, and suddenly they’re being hyped as essential. The next week, they blank, and the narrative flips on its head. It’s tempting to follow the crowd and react to every little performance, but that’s a fast track to frustration.

The key to FPL success isn’t chasing points. Each game is its own event, full of unpredictability and variance. Instead of jumping on the hype train every week, the better strategy is to build a solid team of quality players and trust them to deliver over the long term. Yes, some weeks will be brilliant, and others might leave you cursing your decisions, but it all balances out eventually.

Stick With Your Guns

Ultimately, FPL is a marathon, not a sprint. We all love the excitement of a big points haul, but the reality is that it’s impossible to predict when those moments will happen. So, don’t sweat it if your big hitters blank one week – they’ll probably make up for it in the long run. Trust your team, hold your nerve, and resist the temptation to kneejerk every time a player has an off day.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that FPL is meant to be fun. Sure, it’s frustrating when your team underperforms, but that’s all part of the game. Stick with your quality players, ride out the ups and downs, and you’ll be in a much better position to enjoy the season without getting caught up in the weekly hype.

What do you think? What’s your favourite strategy? Let me know on Instagram. Happy managing!

Categories

Share:

FPL Enthusiast sharing insights, tips and transfer picks.

Tips you may have missed:

Gameweek 12 Wildcard Guide

November 20, 2024
Gameweek 12 is a prime time to Wildcard in FPL. With fresh players post-international break and significant fixture swings, it's perfect for reshaping your team. Explore our ideal Wildcard draft, key player picks, and strategies to maximize points. Share your plans and questions with @FPLwithStu on X!

Read more

A Beginner’s Guide to Head-to-Head (h2h) Leagues in Fantasy Premier League

November 15, 2024
Find out everything you need to know about Head-to-Head leagues in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), including scoring, knock-out stages, and tie-breakers. A must-read for FPL enthusiasts!

Read more

Gameweek 12 Early Thoughts

November 15, 2024
Struggling with FPL captain picks or transfers this season? The international break offers a perfect time to rethink your strategy and prepare for upcoming fixture shifts. Check out tips on Wildcard usage, top picks, and why players like Saka, Salah, and Joao Pedro are game-changers. Follow @FPLwithStu on X.

Read more

get started

Keep an eye on your rivals

Easily compare your FPL mini-league activity in one easy to digest table