Although it's great to go for cash, and Cash would help, need to not forget that pts are more important.
Anyone who transferred in Mitoma and Estupinan and dumped Bruno, paid a heavy price this week by ignoring fixtures.
Pool are pumped after their win, and although their defence could be decimated (I think they'll appeal VVD successfully), Cash won't score well.
Ahmedhodzic has EVE at home, and a good chance of going big. I don't have him and regret not getting him. I'd be keeping, even starting.
Gusto is another I might let through to the keeper. Missed the 1st big jump, and although the 2nd should be big, Reece might be back after the break, so Gusto will be done. Need to keep a close eye on Reece's injury news.
Having Trippier is nice, but when I'm leaving 13pts on the bench, I have to wonder if I really need him at any cost, or just be patient and get him when I don't have to sell a kidney.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Fair warning, the following will be a reasonably lengthy post.
Just in general, I really enjoy the strategic aspect of fantasy sport because you always have to think about the short term implications of every move you make against the long term. Often short term decisions are based on cash generation and perceived strength of schedule, long term decisions are based on structuring a strong side and sustainable growth - attained/affected by managing trades efficiently.
From my experience playing many different forms of fantasy I think that quite often, most people are too shortsighted. Making cash can be prioritised over long term growth or sustainable scoring. I often notice this recency bias within my own playing. Then again, sometimes focussing mainly on the short term comes off - both points and cash are made - and point scoring is sustained. Too often though, i think there is a tendency to reason away a negative short sighted choice by saying 'at least player/s x &/or y made cash' - the more often you do this, the more often you are likely to fall into the trap.
The fact of this game is that a good score matters more the week after you select a player, not the week before. Obviously analysing scoring history is very significant but it means more when you select a player that can remain in your team for lengthy periods - meaning the best players in the long term.
Personally, im new to following the EPL & soccer in general. While ive absorbed a lot of information recently, i know that my inclination is to make moves based on the short term prospects of said player/s. That lack of knowledge inevitably will appear in the trading options i consider.
That is why i am analysing stats thoroughly but without the depth of knowledge/insight i think i'll make many mistakes - most will be due to recency bias - as i dont know the best long term options. I dont know enough about the game to realise what players are best in the long term, what players will likely 'come good' and what players will be fools gold - or good for a short time but not a long time.
On a whole, i am really enjoying watching the EPL this season. I wouldnt be as interested in it if i wasnt involved in fantasy/DT or this forum but im finding myself really enjoying the game itself. I hope that will continue.
So, i do want to say that i really appreciate everyone on here who is helping out and who is giving their opinions and helping me form more of a curiosity for the game and a stronger love & appreciation for the sport - both in general terms and in fantasy.
I hope that what i lack in knowledge i can make up for in curiosity! I am looking forward to seeing how everyone on here goes as the season progresses. Cheers!