That familiar lull in club football, the dreaded international break. For many of us who live and breathe fantasy football, it’s a period that can feel like an eternity. The usual thrill of weekly transfers and captaincy dilemmas is replaced by a different kind of tension: the agonizing decision of whether to ditch an out-of-form star for a hot-shot veteran, or perhaps, the dreaded wildcard temptation.
It’s easy to get swept up in the quiet. The temptation to tinker, to fiddle with formations, to make those sweeping changes that, in hindsight, can feel like they’ve set your entire season back. The last thing any of us want is to be the subject of ridicule from our league rivals when the Premier League action finally resumes. So, whether you’re a Fantasy Premier League diehard or dabble in Premiership Fantasy Football, let’s talk about how to steer clear of some common, and potentially season-ruining, mistakes.
First off, the allure of the early transfer. We’ve all been there. A player bags a brace just before the break, or a team’s upcoming fixtures look like a guaranteed points haul. You wobble, you knee-jerk, and you make that transfer. Then, almost inevitably, you watch on as your shiny new signing pulls up with a hamstring injury within minutes of stepping onto the international stage. Suddenly, that £8 million is down the drain. And the double danger? Selling that injured player only for your replacement to then suffer an ACL injury. Many panic about price changes, but the cost of doing business too early can often outweigh the few pennies saved, at the expense of vital points. The best advice? Wait. Let the dust settle, let the international games conclude, and wait until training is back in full swing before making your move as the deadline looms.
Then there are the player withdrawals. England players are often in the spotlight here, and it’s a common sight to see players pulling out of national duty with minor knocks, especially after being fit all season. Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer might have genuine injuries, sure, but when players like Bryan Mbeumo or Antoine Semenyo withdraw with what are described as ‘knocks,’ it’s often worth taking these ‘duck outs,’ as they’re sometimes called, with a large pinch of salt. More often than not, a ‘serious’ knock isn’t quite as serious as it first appears. If it’s an illness, a dead leg, or simply not described at all, there’s a good chance they’ll be fit and ready for their club. Keep an ear out for those pre-match press conferences from club managers; they’ll give you the clearest picture of a player’s true fitness.
And please, for the love of all that is holy in fantasy football, don’t get caught up in what your rivals are doing. Remember, you’re the one reading this, not your mate down the pub who’s just brought back a player because he scored against some obscure team. Just nod, tell him it’s a fair move, and then go home and stick to your own plan. Trying to shoehorn a player back into your team might mean moving mountains and shedding a lot of points, only for them to blank in the next fixture. Do your own research, watch those YouTube channels, pick your favourites, and go with your gut. There’s nothing worse than following the crowd and having it backfire. Differentials are an art form in fantasy football, and they’re what separate the best from the rest. A £5 million midfield gem can often make a bigger impact than a striker everyone else owns. Stick to your game, your transfer plan, and don’t get sucked into their schemes.
Finally, don’t forget about your wildcard. Many of us, myself included, have already used our first one. The second one feels like it’s ages away, often not appearing until well into the new year. It’s a powerful tool, and it’s easy to be tempted to use it impulsively during these quieter periods. But remember, it’s designed for significant squad overhauls. Think strategically about when and how you deploy it, rather than using it out of boredom or frustration during an international break.