FPL: International Break - Players At Risk Of Rest
The international break is upon us again, a time for excitement, anticipation, and also a tinge of worry for Fantasy Premier League managers. With club football taking a backseat, national team commitments can leave our prized FPL assets vulnerable to fatigue, injuries, and potentially even a rest from their club managers.
This period presents a tricky conundrum for FPL managers. Do you hold onto players potentially facing international duty or look for replacements? Navigating this decision requires careful consideration of various factors, including:
- Player Form: Have they been performing well at the club level?
- International Involvement: Are they key players for their national team?
- Travel Time: Are they likely to be involved in long-haul flights and multiple games?
- Club Manager's Stance: Does the club manager have a history of resting players after international breaks?
Navigating the International Break: A Tactical Guide
1. High-Risk Players
Let's start by identifying some players who are at high risk of being rested. This is where understanding the club manager's philosophy comes into play:
- Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): Klopp has shown a tendency to rotate his squad after international breaks. Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Virgil van Dijk could be in line for a breather.
- Pep Guardiola (Manchester City): Guardiola's meticulous approach often involves player rotation. Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva could face potential rest.
- Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea): Chelsea's busy schedule means Tuchel may be inclined to rotate, especially for players like Romelu Lukaku and N'Golo Kanté who could be heavily involved in international duty.
2. Players to Monitor
These players, while not necessarily at high risk, should be monitored closely for signs of fatigue or potential rest:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): While Ronaldo's commitment is undeniable, international commitments and travel might lead to fatigue.
- Harry Kane (Tottenham): Kane's leadership and goalscoring prowess are vital for both club and country. However, his involvement in international duty might lead to a potential rest from Spurs.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham): Similar to Kane, Son's demanding schedule could leave him susceptible to rotation.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): An integral part of Liverpool's defense and a key player for England, Alexander-Arnold's workload might lead to a potential rest.
3. Player Alternatives
Considering these risks, it's wise to have backup options ready for your FPL squad. Here are some potential replacements:
- Forwards: Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
- Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Youri Tielemans (Leicester)
- Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), João Cancelo (Manchester City), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
4. The Importance of Data
Utilize resources like FPL stats websites and social media for insights into player availability and potential rotations. The official club websites and news outlets can also be helpful.
5. Patience is Key
The international break is a period of uncertainty. Don't make hasty decisions and wait for clearer information before making significant changes to your FPL squad.
FAQs
1. When should I make FPL transfers? It's best to wait until the final squad announcements for both club and national teams are released.
2. How do I identify players at risk of rotation? Pay attention to pre-match press conferences and official team news from both club and national teams.
3. Should I captain a player likely to be rested? It's generally not advisable. Captaining a player at risk of rotation can be a gamble.
4. What if my captain gets rested? It's best to have a second captain choice ready, preferably someone who is playing for their club.
5. Is it worth taking a hit to bring in a replacement? Consider the potential return on investment. If a replacement player is likely to score well, a small hit might be worthwhile.
Conclusion
The international break presents a unique challenge for FPL managers. Careful observation, strategic planning, and timely decision-making are crucial. Utilize available resources, monitor player news, and remain patient. Remember, success in FPL often involves navigating these unpredictable periods with a combination of knowledge, intuition, and a little bit of luck.
