FPL Stars Resting After International Break: Who to Captain and Who to Bench?
Tired, Tested, and Ready for Fantasy Premier League! The international break is over, and the Premier League is back in full swing! While it may seem like the break was just a quick blink of an eye, for many of our beloved Fantasy Premier League (FPL) stars, it was a time of intense travel, grueling matches, and, let's be honest, a lot of rest.
With the return of the Premier League, we're faced with a crucial question: Are our FPL heroes ready to hit the ground running after a taxing international break? The answer, unfortunately, isn't always a resounding yes.
Decoding the Fatigue Factor:
Imagine this: Your favorite FPL midfielder just played a grueling 90 minutes, jet lagged from a long flight, and is now facing a demanding Premier League fixture. It's not exactly the ideal recipe for a fantasy football masterclass.
Here's what we need to consider:
- Minutes Played: Players who played in multiple international matches are more likely to be fatigued. Keep an eye on the minutes they played and the intensity of those games.
- Travel Distance: International travel can be a significant factor in recovery. Longer flights and time zone changes can disrupt sleep patterns and impact performance.
- Injury Risk: Fatigue increases the risk of injury. It's always a good idea to check team news and look for any signs of players nursing knocks.
The Rest is the Best:
While fatigue can be a major concern, it's also worth remembering that many players have benefited from the international break. Some players may have gotten much-needed rest, allowing them to return to club duty fully refreshed and ready to perform.
Navigating the Resting Stars:
Here's a breakdown of some key FPL stars who might be affected by the international break and how to navigate their potential fatigue:
The Ones to Watch:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Salah was heavily involved for Egypt during the break, playing in both World Cup qualifiers. Keep an eye on his minutes and his potential fatigue levels.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Belgium played three intense matches during the break, and De Bruyne was a key player in all of them. He might be a bit tired, so consider him a high-risk, high-reward option.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur): Son played in all three of South Korea's World Cup qualifiers and was involved in several demanding matches. Keep an eye on his fitness and potential fatigue.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): Ronaldo is a veteran who knows how to manage his workload. However, he still played multiple international matches for Portugal. He may be a bit rusty but could still be a potent force.
- Raheem Sterling (Manchester City): Sterling featured heavily for England in their World Cup qualifiers. His heavy workload could impact his performance, so monitor his fitness closely.
The Ones to Consider:
- Diogo Jota (Liverpool): Jota only played one short international match for Portugal. He's a good option to consider for your FPL team.
- Phil Foden (Manchester City): Foden was not called up for England duty and enjoyed a much-needed break. He's a strong candidate to start the week well-rested.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Alexander-Arnold was not involved in international duty and has had a good break. He could be a solid pick for your defense.
- Ederson Moraes (Manchester City): Ederson was also not involved in international duty and has had a full rest. He's a safe pick for your goalkeeper position.
The Captain's Dilemma:
Captaincy choices are always a gamble, but after the international break, it's even more crucial to consider player fitness and potential fatigue.
Here's a thought process to help you decide:
- Assess the Fixtures: Look at the upcoming fixture list and consider whether a player has a favorable match.
- Check Team News: Always stay up-to-date on team news to see if any players are injured, suspended, or even resting.
- Consider Home Advantage: A player playing at home might have a slight edge due to familiarity with the pitch and atmosphere.
- Listen to Your Gut: Ultimately, the decision is yours! Trust your instincts and choose the player you believe is most likely to deliver a big score.
Remember, Fantasy Premier League is all about making informed decisions! Keep an eye on player fitness and fatigue levels, and don't be afraid to make changes to your team based on the latest information. Good luck, and may your FPL fortunes be ever in your favor!
FAQs
1. What should I do if my captain is a player who was involved in a lot of international action?
Consider switching captains, especially if they played multiple matches or traveled a long distance. A rested player might be a better option.
2. Should I transfer out players who had international commitments?
It depends on their potential fatigue levels and their upcoming fixtures. You can consider transferring them out if you're concerned about their performance.
3. How can I tell if a player is fatigued?
Look for signs like reduced pace, less accurate passing, and an increased risk of making mistakes. However, remember that it's difficult to assess fatigue solely based on appearances.
4. Is it always a bad thing to have players who played international matches?
Not necessarily. Some players thrive under pressure and use international matches to gain momentum. However, be cautious about those who played multiple demanding games.
5. Should I play my wildcard after the international break?
It can be a good strategy to use your wildcard after the international break, allowing you to make significant changes to your team based on the latest information.
6. What other factors should I consider when making my FPL decisions?
Aside from fatigue, you should also consider factors such as injuries, suspensions, transfers, and the team's overall form.
Conclusion
The return of the Premier League after the international break is always an exciting time for FPL managers. Navigating the fatigue factor and making smart choices can help you climb the rankings and achieve FPL glory. Remember to stay informed, trust your instincts, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!
