FPL Strategy: Liverpool’s Double Game week Guide

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Liverpool’s recent double game week announcement has certainly stirred the pot. With fixtures against Burnley at home in Game week 24, followed by Brentford (away) and Luton Town (home) in Game week 25, FPL managers are now keenly eyeing Liverpool’s squad for potential high scorers. But, with a Carabao Cup final on the horizon causing a blank in Game week 26, strategic planning becomes crucial. Here’s a deep dive into Liverpool’s prospects, guided by insights from Holly Shand for The Athletic.

Fixture Focus and Strategy

Liverpool’s upcoming schedule presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. The double game week against two promoted sides and a favourable home game against Burnley offer a tempting prospect for FPL managers. However, the looming Carabao Cup final and subsequent blank game week necessitate careful player selection and potential use of the Free Hit chip. With subsequent matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, timing transfers and chip usage will be key.

Salah’s Fitness Quandary

Mohamed Salah’s (£13.0m) availability is a hot topic. Recovering from a hamstring injury, his participation in the double game week is uncertain. Despite this, Salah’s potential to play even limited minutes makes him a captaincy contender, albeit with a risk-reward balance to consider. Managers should weigh up the implications of his high price tag, especially when juggling other premium players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

Exploring Liverpool’s Attack

Darwin Nunez (£7.4m), with his recent form and underlying stats, emerges as a compelling choice for those opting to diversify their Liverpool assets. However, the risk of rotation, especially close to the Carabao Cup final, cannot be ignored. Alternatives like Diogo Jota (£8.1m) and Luis Diaz (£7.4m) offer different price points and potential returns, with Jota, in particular, showing promising form. Curtis Jones (£4.9m) presents a budget-friendly midfield option, allowing flexibility in squad structure.

Defensive Considerations

On the defensive front, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.5m) remains a popular but potentially risky choice due to recent injuries and a shift in his playing role. Virgil van Dijk (£6.3m) offers a more consistent but less explosive option. Managers might also consider Joe Gomez (£4.5m) as a budget entry into Liverpool’s defence, particularly with the potential for rotation around the Carabao Cup final.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Liverpool’s double game week requires a blend of strategic foresight and flexibility. With potential for high returns but also significant risks due to rotation and fixture congestion, FPL managers must balance short-term gains against medium-term planning. Whether prioritising attack or defence, selecting Liverpool players offers a chance to capitalise on their favourable fixtures, but it’s crucial to stay adaptable in response to form, fitness, and fixture developments.

In summary, while Liverpool’s double game week presents a golden opportunity for FPL managers, success will hinge on making informed, strategic decisions. By considering fixture difficulty, player fitness, and rotation risks, managers can maximise their points potential during this pivotal phase of the season.