The FPL season is a marathon, not a sprint. We all know that, right? Yet, it’s those pivotal moments, those forks in the road around a crucial Gameweek, that often define our season. Gameweek 10 is fast approaching, and if your team is feeling a bit sluggish, if those green arrows are looking more like red ones, it might be time for some decisive action. This isn’t about panic selling; it’s about strategic recalibration. Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of hitting that transfer button for a player who’s just not pulling their weight, and watching your rank climb as a result.
We’ve all been there: holding onto a player a week too long, hoping for that one big haul, only to see their price drop and your frustration rise. The truth is, the Premier League landscape shifts constantly, and what looked like a sure bet a few weeks ago might now be a drain on your FPL budget. With Gameweek 10 on the horizon, it’s time to cast a critical eye over your squad and identify those assets who are no longer delivering value. Some of these decisions might be tough, especially for those highly-owned players, but sometimes, the hardest choices are the most rewarding.
The Shifting Sands of FPL: Why Proactivity Pays Off
Fantasy Premier League isn’t just about picking the best players; it’s about anticipating trends, reacting to form, and understanding fixture swings. A player who was essential in Gameweek 1 might be a luxury you can no longer afford by Gameweek 10. Injuries, suspensions, unexpected dips in form, and changes in team tactics can all dramatically alter a player’s FPL appeal.
Take, for instance, Liverpool’s recent defensive struggles. A team once renowned for its defensive solidity suddenly finds itself conceding goals with a surprising regularity. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a trend that impacts the FPL viability of their defenders, even those who were once considered set-and-forget assets. Waiting for the ‘good old days’ to return can be a costly strategy. Proactivity, even when it involves shedding a long-term favourite, is often the key to climbing ranks.
Five Players to Consider Offloading Before Gameweek 10
These players, for various reasons including recent form, upcoming fixtures, underlying stats, or simply the opportunity cost they represent, might be weighing down your FPL squad. It’s time to cut ties and reinvest that valuable budget elsewhere.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Defender)
This might sting for many, especially those who drafted him expecting clean sheet after clean sheet. Virgil van Dijk, once the bedrock of an impenetrable Liverpool defence, has seen his FPL stock plummet. Liverpool’s defence, surprisingly, has been anything but solid lately. Clean sheets are becoming a rarity, and with Liverpool’s attacking prowess often masking their defensive vulnerabilities, their defenders aren’t offering the FPL returns we’ve come to expect.
The premium price tag on Van Dijk becomes incredibly hard to justify when the clean sheet points aren’t flowing, and his attacking returns are minimal. While he remains a world-class defender in real life, in FPL terms, the opportunity cost of keeping him is immense. Your funds could be far better spent on defenders from teams with more consistent clean sheet potential or, crucially, full-backs offering higher attacking upside.
Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa, Midfielder)
Moussa Diaby started his Premier League career with a bang, showcasing his blistering pace and eye for goal. He quickly became a differential pick for many FPL managers. However, his output has cooled considerably since those initial explosive performances. While Aston Villa continue to impress under Unai Emery, Diaby’s FPL returns have become more sporadic.
The challenge with Diaby is his price point. He’s in that mid-tier bracket where consistent returns are paramount. When those aren’t materialising, especially with strong alternatives emerging in similar price ranges, he becomes a prime candidate for a transfer out. If he’s sitting on your bench with meagre scores or delivering inconsistent cameos, those funds could be freed up for a more reliable, or potentially more explosive, midfielder.
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth, Forward)
For those brave souls who ventured into the Bournemouth attack, Dominic Solanke offered a flicker of hope early in the season, particularly when fixtures looked promising. He’s undoubtedly a hard-working forward for his team, but FPL is a different beast. Bournemouth, despite some recent glimmers, are still battling at the lower end of the table, and their ability to consistently create high-quality chances for Solanke is a genuine concern.
As Gameweek 10 approaches, looking at Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures might solidify the decision to move Solanke on. FPL forwards need goals or assists, and unless you’re confident in a significant upturn in Bournemouth’s attacking fortunes, Solanke might be a luxury you can no longer afford in your forward line. There are often more reliable, even if slightly more expensive, alternatives who offer a higher probability of attacking returns.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Midfielder)
This is another player where sentiment can often override FPL logic. Bruno Fernandes is undeniably a talented player and a key figure for Manchester United. However, his FPL output has been frustratingly inconsistent this season, especially for a premium-priced midfielder. United’s fluctuating form and struggles to consistently dominate games have directly impacted Fernandes’s ability to rack up those crucial FPL points.
As a premium asset, FPL managers expect consistent double-digit hauls or at least solid 6-8 point returns regularly. When a player priced as high as Fernandes is frequently delivering 2-3 points, or missing penalties, that’s a massive drain on your budget. Moving him on allows you to redistribute significant funds across your squad, potentially upgrading two other positions or bringing in a consistently performing premium alternative.
Pervis Estupiñán (Brighton, Defender)
Pervis Estupiñán was a revelation last season, offering incredible attacking threat from left-back. This season, however, has been plagued by injury concerns and a general dip in Brighton’s defensive solidity. While he still possesses that attacking potential, his minutes can be uncertain, and Brighton’s defence is not the most reliable source of clean sheets, especially with their commitments in European competition stretching the squad.
FPL defenders, particularly attacking full-backs, are valuable for both clean sheets and attacking returns. When both are inconsistent, and there’s a question mark over consistent starts due to fitness or rotation, Estupiñán becomes a risky hold. The unpredictability surrounding his availability and Brighton’s defensive struggles make him a prime candidate to swap for a defender with more assured minutes and a higher likelihood of either clean sheets or attacking contributions.
The Art of the FPL Transfer: Maximizing Your Moves
Making transfers isn’t just about identifying who to sell; it’s about smart planning. When you decide to offload a player, think about the full impact of your move. Are you making an early transfer to avoid a price drop, or are you waiting until closer to the deadline to confirm injuries and starting lineups? Both strategies have their merits and risks.
Always consider the ripple effect of your transfer. Who are you bringing in? Do they have good fixtures? Is their team in form? Can they provide a consistent stream of points? Don’t just replace like-for-like; look for an upgrade in potential or a player who fits better into your overall Gameweek 10 strategy and beyond. Sometimes, taking a calculated risk with a differential can be the move that propels you up the mini-leagues.
Embrace the Change, Master Your FPL Destiny
FPL is a game of constant evolution. The managers who succeed are often those who aren’t afraid to adapt, to make the tough calls, and to let go of players, no matter how much they might love them in real life. Gameweek 10 presents a fantastic opportunity to prune your squad, inject new life, and set yourself up for a strong run into the busy festive period.
So, take a deep breath, review your squad with a critical eye, and don’t be afraid to hit that transfer button. Trust your instincts, do your research, and remember that every decision, even the difficult ones, is a step towards mastering your FPL destiny. Good luck with Gameweek 10!
