In the ever-evolving landscape of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), one of the most challenging situations that managers often face is what to do with suspended players. These are the players who have accumulated yellow or red cards, leading to temporary suspensions that keep them out of action for a set number of matches. Managing suspended players can be a crucial aspect of FPL success. In this blog, we’ll delve into what you should do when you find yourself with suspended players on your team.
Understand the Suspension Rules
Before making any decisions, it’s vital to understand the suspension rules in the FPL. Yellow card suspensions occur when a player accumulates a certain number of yellow cards, usually five, throughout the season. Red card suspensions, on the other hand, are more severe and result from either a straight red card or two yellow cards in a single match.
Typically, yellow card suspensions last for one match, while red card suspensions can range from one to three matches, depending on the severity of the foul that led to the red card.
1. Plan Ahead
One of the keys to managing suspended players in FPL is planning ahead. Keep an eye on your players’ yellow card counts. As a general rule, if a player reaches four yellow cards, you should be cautious and have a plan in place for their suspension, which will come into effect after accumulating five yellow cards.
For red card suspensions, you often have less time to react since they occur in a single match. However, knowing the suspension length (one to three matches) allows you to plan accordingly.
2. Assess the Player’s Importance
The next step is to assess the importance of the suspended player in your FPL squad. Consider their position, the role they play, and the points they’ve generated so far. If the suspended player is a key asset, you might want to hold onto them, especially if their return date is not too far away.
For instance, if you have a premium forward who is suspended for just one match, it might be worth keeping them, especially if they’ve been in great form. In this case, you can simply bench them for the suspension match and use your substitute.
3. Evaluate the Upcoming Fixtures
Another essential factor to consider is your team’s upcoming fixtures. Assess the fixtures that coincide with the player’s suspension period. If your suspended player is set to miss matches against strong opponents, it might not be a significant loss. However, if they are missing out on easy fixtures, it could be a more significant problem.
For example, if your suspended player is a defender, and they’re set to miss matches against teams that are struggling to score, it may be wiser to keep them and bench for the suspension period, knowing that they can pick up clean sheet points upon their return.
4. Seek Immediate Replacements
In some cases, suspensions might be coupled with injuries or illnesses, making the decision easier. If your player is suspended and injured or ill, it’s a no-brainer to transfer them out. However, if they are fit and it’s a strategic decision, you should seek immediate replacements.
Look for players who are in good form and have favorable fixtures during the suspension period. It’s also a chance to diversify your squad by adding players from different teams or positions. The FPL transfer market is always active, and there are often budget-friendly options that can be excellent short-term replacements for suspended players.
5. Don’t Take Hits Unnecessarily
Sometimes, managers make hasty decisions when they have suspended players, taking hits to make transfers. While this can be justified in certain situations, it’s crucial to be mindful of the points hit you’ll take. If the suspended player is returning soon and the rest of your team is in good shape, it might not be worth taking a hit.
6. Play Your Bench Wisely
Bench management is a valuable skill in FPL. Having a strong bench can be a lifesaver when dealing with suspensions. If your bench players have favorable fixtures during the suspension period, you can rotate them into your starting lineup. This means selecting your substitutes carefully, considering their form, fixtures, and potential point returns.
7. Monitor Player’s Return Dates
Keep a close eye on the return date of your suspended players. Sometimes, players might have a one-match suspension but return in the next gameweek, so the impact on your squad is minimal. Other times, it might be a longer suspension, which requires more careful planning and replacement.
8. Reintegrate Strategically
Once the suspension period is over, reintegrate your suspended players strategically. Assess their form and fixtures. If they’re in good form and have favorable fixtures ahead, consider bringing them back into your starting lineup. However, if they’ve been struggling or have tough fixtures, you might want to ease them back in.
Managing suspended players in FPL is all about understanding the rules, assessing the player’s importance, and evaluating the fixtures. While it’s essential to make informed decisions, it’s equally crucial not to panic and take unnecessary hits. FPL is a long-term game, and having a well-thought-out strategy for dealing with suspensions can make a significant difference over the course of the season.
Remember, suspensions are just one of the many challenges you’ll face as an FPL manager. Staying informed, planning ahead, and making strategic decisions will help you navigate the complex world of Fantasy Premier League and lead your team to success.
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