Typically, after starting this FPL diary last week, I have had my first real stinker of a Gameweek. It will be the first of many most likely, but I have been playing this game long enough to realise that there is no need to panic. That said, I have taken my first big knee-jerk move of the season to bring in a certain Argentine maestro.
<h3>Last Week</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7492 aligncenter" src="https://skyfantasyfootballforum.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-19-at-12-34-10.png" alt="Screen Shot 2017-09-19 at 12.34.10" width="604" height="624" /> 
Last Game points: 51 
Total points: 274 
Rank: 747,017 
Squad value: 101.1 
<a href="https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/83713/history">Team link</a>
Lady luck wasn&#8217;t on my side last time out. Captain Kane battled against the woodwork, Davies picked up a mysterious knock that ruled him out of what seemed like guaranteed points. Not to mention Loftus-Cheek almost having a hatful of points and benching the wrong goalie (once again!).
My move last week looks like it could have been the wrong option as I plumped for Choupo-Moting over Ritchie. I reasoned it was a 50:50 call and I always side with the cheaper player in that situation. So, although it looks like a mistake at first glance, the money has already proved useful as its allowed me to bring in Aguero without having to shift either Kane or Lukaku.
<h3>Not panicking (much)</h3>
Being unlucky (at least that&#8217;s what I&#8217;m telling myself) isn&#8217;t the end of the world. It would be a far bigger problem if I had scored poorly and not been unfortunate. It suggests that there is little cause for concern and I won&#8217;t be taking multiple hits to recover the situation. The plus side is that Loftus-Cheek looks like he can score well and Rosenoir may have slipped into the Seagull&#8217;s starting eleven.
In fact, if I were to wildcard this week, I would have a very similar line up. The only one I wish I had is Salah, who looks the prime pick for Liverpool. Others like Alonso, Kolasinac or a Man City full back are top of my watchlist, but I can&#8217;t have them all.
If you&#8217;re languishing around the 2million mark, the worst thing you can do is seek differentials to try and get a jump on your rivals. In my experience, you can easily end up further behind and taking even more risks to catch up, causing a vicious circle of despair that I have seen topple even experienced managers. Its worth remembering that a 3 point gain on your rival each week from now until the end of the season will result in a 99 point swing. When you realise this, that 50 point gap to your mini league leader doesn&#8217;t seem so big.
I usually get off to a poor start, so I&#8217;m in familiar territory. In fact, this has actually been one of my best ever starts to FPL. Its only when the tips and tricks begin to pay off over the long haul, that my rank gradually improves over the season. The most important thing is not to panic and keep making smart moves.
<h3>GW6</h3>
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Bank: 0.1m
This season is already testing managers like never before. Many will disagree, but for me, all three of Kane, Lukaku and Aguero are nearing essential status given their ability to score heavily in any given week. This has lead me down the path of an extremely top heavy team with a somewhat lightweight midfield and defence. Something that I would usually advise against as its leads to an unbalanced and inflexible squad.
Yet, while guidelines are important, each year brings with it a whole set of new challenges that mean managers need to remain flexible in their approach. This year seems to be geared towards the heavy hitting forwards. Even if I didn&#8217;t have Aguero, Lukaku and Kane, I&#8217;d be looking at Jesus, Vardy and Firmino. All that said, I&#8217;ll probably be throwing this strategy out the window when Sanchez bangs in a hat trick on Monday night and Aguero pulls a hamstring.
Elsewhere in my squad, I&#8217;m yet to decide between 3 starters out of Zanka, Rosenoir, Choupo-Moting or Carrol. No doubt, I&#8217;ll bench the highest scorer and Elliot will outscore Fabianski between the sticks.
<h3>Transfers</h3>
I had actually penciled in a move for Mendy this week but the Aguero transfer has stripped me of funds and the free trade. The plan is to get 2 transfers in the bank as soon as possible. This will give me much needed flexibility and is always how I like to play the game.
<h3>Captaincy</h3>
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I&#8217;ll probably plump for Aguero as he squares up to Roy&#8217;s new boys at the Etihad.
<h3>FFH League</h3>
Join our new FPL league. The winner will receive £50. <a href="https://fantasy.premierleague.com?autojoin-code=83713-1076602">You can join via this link.</a> Or enter the league code: 83713-1076602
Robert Austin, our contributor from <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/the_hype_train/">The Hype Train</a> and editor of FFH, is currently top of the pile:
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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7497 aligncenter" src="https://skyfantasyfootballforum.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/screen-shot-2017-09-20-at-10-06-55.png" alt="Screen Shot 2017-09-20 at 10.06.55" width="962" height="292" />
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<h3>Join our FPL Community</h3>
We launched less than 3 weeks ago, but our FPL community is growing quickly with some excellent players and our team of contributors. We have set up a <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/groups/fpl/forum/">FPL Forum</a> as well as a general fantasy football discussion forum where we have already been <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/forums/topic/the-kunundrum-what-to-do-about-aguero/">discussing the merits (or not) of bringing in Aguero </a>.
<h3>How to win at FPL Guide</h3>
<a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/how-to-win-at-fpl/">Here&#8217;s a members guide I wrote on how to win at FPL.</a> It took me a long time to create and includes a host of features, tips and strategies to help FPL managers improve their game. I&#8217;ll also be updating it regularly throughout the season.
<h3>Suggestions or Questions?</h3>
Any suggestions on content you would like added, or questions you have on your own team, let me know in the comments.
Good luck for the weekend!
PS We are looking for FPL contributors and/or affiliates. If you&#8217;re interested in either, <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/become-a-contributor-or-affiliate/">see this link</a>

FPL Team Diary – GW6 – Kneejerk

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