Matt
@thegrainfpl.bsky.social
Saints fan living in Tanzania, FPL, love data/analytics, enjoy risk-taking in FPL
I haven't posted this season but I see so many similar teams and podcasts saying there's no other option than to follow the template, that I thought I'd give advice for those that like to go a different path.
Thread below
Thread below
October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I haven't posted this season but I see so many similar teams and podcasts saying there's no other option than to follow the template, that I thought I'd give advice for those that like to go a different path.
Thread below
Thread below
With many interesting signings by the top clubs, this year I think it makes sense to do an early wildcard (gw 4 so transfer window is closed, 2 week int. break to catch price rises & some idea of who are the best FPL picks)
This draft is made with GW1-3 in mind. Any thoughts on this team/strategy?
This draft is made with GW1-3 in mind. Any thoughts on this team/strategy?
July 28, 2025 at 7:45 PM
With many interesting signings by the top clubs, this year I think it makes sense to do an early wildcard (gw 4 so transfer window is closed, 2 week int. break to catch price rises & some idea of who are the best FPL picks)
This draft is made with GW1-3 in mind. Any thoughts on this team/strategy?
This draft is made with GW1-3 in mind. Any thoughts on this team/strategy?
This is likely to be my wildcard team. Watkins/Wissa was a close call, and if we get a leak that KDB doesn't start, Sarr will come in.
I like Semenyo vs Ars reserves & Man city days after FA cup final.
With 9.2itb I could easily upgrade but who comes in/out?
I like Semenyo vs Ars reserves & Man city days after FA cup final.
With 9.2itb I could easily upgrade but who comes in/out?
May 2, 2025 at 8:35 AM
This is likely to be my wildcard team. Watkins/Wissa was a close call, and if we get a leak that KDB doesn't start, Sarr will come in.
I like Semenyo vs Ars reserves & Man city days after FA cup final.
With 9.2itb I could easily upgrade but who comes in/out?
I like Semenyo vs Ars reserves & Man city days after FA cup final.
With 9.2itb I could easily upgrade but who comes in/out?
Last week 84 points.
Nkunku to Saka was the planned transfer but left 0.0 to change Glasner (bad choice). So I took a -8 to do next weeks transfer early (Asensio > Elanga) & Glasner > Arteta.
With no FH left, hits were needed to get 11 players out next week so might as well get them over with!
Nkunku to Saka was the planned transfer but left 0.0 to change Glasner (bad choice). So I took a -8 to do next weeks transfer early (Asensio > Elanga) & Glasner > Arteta.
With no FH left, hits were needed to get 11 players out next week so might as well get them over with!
April 19, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Last week 84 points.
Nkunku to Saka was the planned transfer but left 0.0 to change Glasner (bad choice). So I took a -8 to do next weeks transfer early (Asensio > Elanga) & Glasner > Arteta.
With no FH left, hits were needed to get 11 players out next week so might as well get them over with!
Nkunku to Saka was the planned transfer but left 0.0 to change Glasner (bad choice). So I took a -8 to do next weeks transfer early (Asensio > Elanga) & Glasner > Arteta.
With no FH left, hits were needed to get 11 players out next week so might as well get them over with!
Hard decision on who to pick as AM this week as I wanted a chance for TB. In the end I went for Moyes, with Arsenal having bigger fish to fry & injuries.
Another hit this week, Murphy for Dango and Marmoush for Watkins as I can't trust his minutes.
Another hit this week, Murphy for Dango and Marmoush for Watkins as I can't trust his minutes.
April 5, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Hard decision on who to pick as AM this week as I wanted a chance for TB. In the end I went for Moyes, with Arsenal having bigger fish to fry & injuries.
Another hit this week, Murphy for Dango and Marmoush for Watkins as I can't trust his minutes.
Another hit this week, Murphy for Dango and Marmoush for Watkins as I can't trust his minutes.
Transfers: Trippier for Trent & Isak for Wissa
As I'm playing Assman (Glasner)31-33, I won't wildcard until 34 but with transfers I think I'll be fairly well setup for dgw33.
If predictions are correct, maximising dgw36 will be hard as those 4 teams blank in 37. Anyone considering Wildcard 37?
As I'm playing Assman (Glasner)31-33, I won't wildcard until 34 but with transfers I think I'll be fairly well setup for dgw33.
If predictions are correct, maximising dgw36 will be hard as those 4 teams blank in 37. Anyone considering Wildcard 37?
March 31, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Transfers: Trippier for Trent & Isak for Wissa
As I'm playing Assman (Glasner)31-33, I won't wildcard until 34 but with transfers I think I'll be fairly well setup for dgw33.
If predictions are correct, maximising dgw36 will be hard as those 4 teams blank in 37. Anyone considering Wildcard 37?
As I'm playing Assman (Glasner)31-33, I won't wildcard until 34 but with transfers I think I'll be fairly well setup for dgw33.
If predictions are correct, maximising dgw36 will be hard as those 4 teams blank in 37. Anyone considering Wildcard 37?
Free hit is annoying as you do your transfers but that doesn't stop you thinking about doing more!
Chris Wood is the safe pick but I won't capt him so any returns will probably lose me rank. Much more fun to go with Evanilson..
Chris Wood is the safe pick but I won't capt him so any returns will probably lose me rank. Much more fun to go with Evanilson..
March 15, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Free hit is annoying as you do your transfers but that doesn't stop you thinking about doing more!
Chris Wood is the safe pick but I won't capt him so any returns will probably lose me rank. Much more fun to go with Evanilson..
Chris Wood is the safe pick but I won't capt him so any returns will probably lose me rank. Much more fun to go with Evanilson..
Here is my Free hit draft, any thoughts?
Seen a lot of Gvardiol, Ait- Nouri and yes they have upside but chances of a return in 1 week..I'm not sure. ARS,EVE, NFO are among the best defensive teams so backing them.
Mid/Fwd fairly template, KDB might come in for Wissa if there's a leak he starts
Seen a lot of Gvardiol, Ait- Nouri and yes they have upside but chances of a return in 1 week..I'm not sure. ARS,EVE, NFO are among the best defensive teams so backing them.
Mid/Fwd fairly template, KDB might come in for Wissa if there's a leak he starts
March 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Here is my Free hit draft, any thoughts?
Seen a lot of Gvardiol, Ait- Nouri and yes they have upside but chances of a return in 1 week..I'm not sure. ARS,EVE, NFO are among the best defensive teams so backing them.
Mid/Fwd fairly template, KDB might come in for Wissa if there's a leak he starts
Seen a lot of Gvardiol, Ait- Nouri and yes they have upside but chances of a return in 1 week..I'm not sure. ARS,EVE, NFO are among the best defensive teams so backing them.
Mid/Fwd fairly template, KDB might come in for Wissa if there's a leak he starts
I need a replacement for Hall that can play this week but benched other weeks so welcome Agbadou (4.0m)
For a hit, Gordon to Asensio. He'll be popular on wildcards but a good differential this week.
Leaves Dango as a decent 1st bench.
Looking at FH29 to get me back to 100k after a few red arrows!
For a hit, Gordon to Asensio. He'll be popular on wildcards but a good differential this week.
Leaves Dango as a decent 1st bench.
Looking at FH29 to get me back to 100k after a few red arrows!
March 8, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I need a replacement for Hall that can play this week but benched other weeks so welcome Agbadou (4.0m)
For a hit, Gordon to Asensio. He'll be popular on wildcards but a good differential this week.
Leaves Dango as a decent 1st bench.
Looking at FH29 to get me back to 100k after a few red arrows!
For a hit, Gordon to Asensio. He'll be popular on wildcards but a good differential this week.
Leaves Dango as a decent 1st bench.
Looking at FH29 to get me back to 100k after a few red arrows!
Did the planned transfer of Timber to Munoz today, should've done it weeks ago!
Knowing how bad Saints are right now I did Rogers to Nkunku for a hit. Some regret already on that move, he wasn't even on my radar before today but after a terrible gw26 I felt like I needed to attack the good fixtures
Knowing how bad Saints are right now I did Rogers to Nkunku for a hit. Some regret already on that move, he wasn't even on my radar before today but after a terrible gw26 I felt like I needed to attack the good fixtures
February 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Did the planned transfer of Timber to Munoz today, should've done it weeks ago!
Knowing how bad Saints are right now I did Rogers to Nkunku for a hit. Some regret already on that move, he wasn't even on my radar before today but after a terrible gw26 I felt like I needed to attack the good fixtures
Knowing how bad Saints are right now I did Rogers to Nkunku for a hit. Some regret already on that move, he wasn't even on my radar before today but after a terrible gw26 I felt like I needed to attack the good fixtures
Gakpo out for Capt Wissa this week. Hall vs Timber the only real decision to make, hopefully White stays on the bench.
Players on my radar for next week: Jorgenson & Munoz or Gvardiol.
Let's see how much damage Salah, Wood and Isak can inflict this week!
Players on my radar for next week: Jorgenson & Munoz or Gvardiol.
Let's see how much damage Salah, Wood and Isak can inflict this week!
February 21, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Gakpo out for Capt Wissa this week. Hall vs Timber the only real decision to make, hopefully White stays on the bench.
Players on my radar for next week: Jorgenson & Munoz or Gvardiol.
Let's see how much damage Salah, Wood and Isak can inflict this week!
Players on my radar for next week: Jorgenson & Munoz or Gvardiol.
Let's see how much damage Salah, Wood and Isak can inflict this week!
Dgw32 has helped clarify chip strategy for me: FH29, AM 31-33, WC34
Last week (94 points) was a rank killer (300k) for me, but I'm hoping 5 doublers this week will help claw some back.
This week's transfer was Kulusevski to Dango. I'm reluctantly benching Gordon, could still swap him with Gakpo
Last week (94 points) was a rank killer (300k) for me, but I'm hoping 5 doublers this week will help claw some back.
This week's transfer was Kulusevski to Dango. I'm reluctantly benching Gordon, could still swap him with Gakpo
February 14, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Dgw32 has helped clarify chip strategy for me: FH29, AM 31-33, WC34
Last week (94 points) was a rank killer (300k) for me, but I'm hoping 5 doublers this week will help claw some back.
This week's transfer was Kulusevski to Dango. I'm reluctantly benching Gordon, could still swap him with Gakpo
Last week (94 points) was a rank killer (300k) for me, but I'm hoping 5 doublers this week will help claw some back.
This week's transfer was Kulusevski to Dango. I'm reluctantly benching Gordon, could still swap him with Gakpo
Transfers for me this week Foden to Rogers & Duran to Watkins.
That gives me 0.5m to afford Moyes (plan yesterday) but woke up with a plan to go chipless this week!
Depending on FA cup results I'll AM 25-27 or keep it for 31-33/36-38 in the hope or more nice table bonus fixtures. Wish me luck!
That gives me 0.5m to afford Moyes (plan yesterday) but woke up with a plan to go chipless this week!
Depending on FA cup results I'll AM 25-27 or keep it for 31-33/36-38 in the hope or more nice table bonus fixtures. Wish me luck!
February 1, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Transfers for me this week Foden to Rogers & Duran to Watkins.
That gives me 0.5m to afford Moyes (plan yesterday) but woke up with a plan to go chipless this week!
Depending on FA cup results I'll AM 25-27 or keep it for 31-33/36-38 in the hope or more nice table bonus fixtures. Wish me luck!
That gives me 0.5m to afford Moyes (plan yesterday) but woke up with a plan to go chipless this week!
Depending on FA cup results I'll AM 25-27 or keep it for 31-33/36-38 in the hope or more nice table bonus fixtures. Wish me luck!
I'm thinking about Mateta or Gakpo for Havertz this week. This year I'm trying to be more patient but that's backfired at times when I've kept out-of-form players for too long.
Considering form, fixtures and minutes I think Mateta comes out on top.
Anyone else with Havertz got a similar dilemma?
Considering form, fixtures and minutes I think Mateta comes out on top.
Anyone else with Havertz got a similar dilemma?
January 14, 2025 at 10:25 AM
I'm thinking about Mateta or Gakpo for Havertz this week. This year I'm trying to be more patient but that's backfired at times when I've kept out-of-form players for too long.
Considering form, fixtures and minutes I think Mateta comes out on top.
Anyone else with Havertz got a similar dilemma?
Considering form, fixtures and minutes I think Mateta comes out on top.
Anyone else with Havertz got a similar dilemma?
I thought I would go for Haaland this week but in the end his fixtures & history don't make up for his lack of form/price.
Sold Semenyo & Kudus for Foden and Gordon instead. I'm passing on Isak so need some Newcastle cover!
Duran for Cunha last week was a disaster but its done so I'll keep him!
Sold Semenyo & Kudus for Foden and Gordon instead. I'm passing on Isak so need some Newcastle cover!
Duran for Cunha last week was a disaster but its done so I'll keep him!
December 29, 2024 at 10:23 AM
I thought I would go for Haaland this week but in the end his fixtures & history don't make up for his lack of form/price.
Sold Semenyo & Kudus for Foden and Gordon instead. I'm passing on Isak so need some Newcastle cover!
Duran for Cunha last week was a disaster but its done so I'll keep him!
Sold Semenyo & Kudus for Foden and Gordon instead. I'm passing on Isak so need some Newcastle cover!
Duran for Cunha last week was a disaster but its done so I'll keep him!
Kulsevski in for Saka for me, cheapest of the Spurs attackers and nailed.
Also brought Duran for Cunha - not convinced by this move but it does give me the option of Havertz to Haaland if I see enough in gw18.
Otherwise I'll be upgrading Semenyo/Kudus. Who's going to be the Star this Christmas?
Also brought Duran for Cunha - not convinced by this move but it does give me the option of Havertz to Haaland if I see enough in gw18.
Otherwise I'll be upgrading Semenyo/Kudus. Who's going to be the Star this Christmas?
December 24, 2024 at 5:04 PM
Kulsevski in for Saka for me, cheapest of the Spurs attackers and nailed.
Also brought Duran for Cunha - not convinced by this move but it does give me the option of Havertz to Haaland if I see enough in gw18.
Otherwise I'll be upgrading Semenyo/Kudus. Who's going to be the Star this Christmas?
Also brought Duran for Cunha - not convinced by this move but it does give me the option of Havertz to Haaland if I see enough in gw18.
Otherwise I'll be upgrading Semenyo/Kudus. Who's going to be the Star this Christmas?
Do I sell Watkins this week? Possible injury and Duran lurking in his shadow. Obvious replacement is Isak but I held him too long at the start of the season and can't face getting him again.
Havertz has the fixtures but he's quite wide and doesn't seem to have much goal threat right now. Hoijland?
Havertz has the fixtures but he's quite wide and doesn't seem to have much goal threat right now. Hoijland?
December 13, 2024 at 6:09 PM
Do I sell Watkins this week? Possible injury and Duran lurking in his shadow. Obvious replacement is Isak but I held him too long at the start of the season and can't face getting him again.
Havertz has the fixtures but he's quite wide and doesn't seem to have much goal threat right now. Hoijland?
Havertz has the fixtures but he's quite wide and doesn't seem to have much goal threat right now. Hoijland?
2 hours before gw14 I decided to WC. Plan was to keep it until GW19 but my team needed surgery and seemed crazy to take hits.
Pretty pleased with a 4th green arrow in a row and into the top 100k.
Hopefully this is set up for Xmas schedule and I'll have 4/5 transfers to catch the swing in gw18
Pretty pleased with a 4th green arrow in a row and into the top 100k.
Hopefully this is set up for Xmas schedule and I'll have 4/5 transfers to catch the swing in gw18
December 6, 2024 at 6:20 PM
2 hours before gw14 I decided to WC. Plan was to keep it until GW19 but my team needed surgery and seemed crazy to take hits.
Pretty pleased with a 4th green arrow in a row and into the top 100k.
Hopefully this is set up for Xmas schedule and I'll have 4/5 transfers to catch the swing in gw18
Pretty pleased with a 4th green arrow in a row and into the top 100k.
Hopefully this is set up for Xmas schedule and I'll have 4/5 transfers to catch the swing in gw18
Tempted to do Foden to Mitoma or Raul to Pedro as I think Brighton score big tonight (sadly).
But I'll roll as I've got my eye on a nice differential from West Ham next week - Kudus - and Ollie Watkins instead.
Twende!
But I'll roll as I've got my eye on a nice differential from West Ham next week - Kudus - and Ollie Watkins instead.
Twende!
November 29, 2024 at 5:28 PM
Tempted to do Foden to Mitoma or Raul to Pedro as I think Brighton score big tonight (sadly).
But I'll roll as I've got my eye on a nice differential from West Ham next week - Kudus - and Ollie Watkins instead.
Twende!
But I'll roll as I've got my eye on a nice differential from West Ham next week - Kudus - and Ollie Watkins instead.
Twende!
Gone for Palmer captain in the hope of catching one of his hauls. Got a feeling Saints will surprise us tomorrow and it won't be the cricket score some are predicting.
But lunchtime KO after IB often disappoints so I'm prepared for this to backfire!
But lunchtime KO after IB often disappoints so I'm prepared for this to backfire!
November 23, 2024 at 10:56 AM
Gone for Palmer captain in the hope of catching one of his hauls. Got a feeling Saints will surprise us tomorrow and it won't be the cricket score some are predicting.
But lunchtime KO after IB often disappoints so I'm prepared for this to backfire!
But lunchtime KO after IB often disappoints so I'm prepared for this to backfire!
Reposted by Matt
If you enjoy my articles and previews, I’d appreciate it if you consider subscribing to the Data Dribble (it’s free)
And reposting the post above, as it reportedly matters a lot on Bluesky
Also, if I have some West Ham fans over here, I’d be curious to hear what the hell has happened this season!
And reposting the post above, as it reportedly matters a lot on Bluesky
Also, if I have some West Ham fans over here, I’d be curious to hear what the hell has happened this season!
November 21, 2024 at 12:03 PM
If you enjoy my articles and previews, I’d appreciate it if you consider subscribing to the Data Dribble (it’s free)
And reposting the post above, as it reportedly matters a lot on Bluesky
Also, if I have some West Ham fans over here, I’d be curious to hear what the hell has happened this season!
And reposting the post above, as it reportedly matters a lot on Bluesky
Also, if I have some West Ham fans over here, I’d be curious to hear what the hell has happened this season!
I think Lewis Dunk could be an interesting option over the next period. Brighton play SOU, ful, lei, CRY from gw13-16, all teams which concede headed goals. Brighton's setpiece threat is not what was expected from a Hürzeler team but these fixtures might help. Pedro/Welbeck could also benefit.
November 21, 2024 at 11:56 AM
I think Lewis Dunk could be an interesting option over the next period. Brighton play SOU, ful, lei, CRY from gw13-16, all teams which concede headed goals. Brighton's setpiece threat is not what was expected from a Hürzeler team but these fixtures might help. Pedro/Welbeck could also benefit.
I look at a lot of FPL content on X and thought I'd get involved in the community over here. Was planning to wildcard gw13 as my defence needs an overhaul and I have no bench but I might leave it to Gw18/19 to get a team with Haaland. What would you do? (Dibling will be Haaland this week)
November 20, 2024 at 2:10 PM
I look at a lot of FPL content on X and thought I'd get involved in the community over here. Was planning to wildcard gw13 as my defence needs an overhaul and I have no bench but I might leave it to Gw18/19 to get a team with Haaland. What would you do? (Dibling will be Haaland this week)