07 Jan, 2025

Should I Prioritise Form or Fixtures When Selecting Players?

In FPL, every decision affects your team’s success. When it comes to selecting players, one of the most debated topics is whether to prioritize form or fixtures. Both approaches have benefits, and understanding the difference can help you strike the right balance. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each strategy, offering tips for FPL managers.

Understanding Form in FPL

Form is the recent performances of a player. Generally, it is measured by FPL points over the last 4-6 game weeks. Players in good form deliver consistent returns, making them attractive options for your team.

Why you Should Prioritize Form

1. Reliability: Players in form are more likely to score points. Whether it’s goals, assists, or clean sheets, their recent performances indicates they will continue delivering. Check out our FPL Player Rankings to identify the top-performing players for the upcoming Gameweeks.
2. Momentum: Confidence is key in football. If a striker scores in consecutive matches, confidence, momentum, their role and the trust of his teammates can lead to a sustained stretch of production.
3. Data-Driven Decisions: Form metrics give managers an evidence of a player’s potential. This helps to reduce risks. Use our Transfer Wizard to find players in form who fit your budget and position requirements.

What Happens If You Overvalue Form?

1. Unsustainable Returns: A player’s purple patch doesn’t last forever. 
2. Ignoring Fixtures: A player in form may face tougher opponents. This reduces the possibility of continued success.
3. Chasing Points: If you buy a player based on recent hauls, you may be disappointed if their form regresses. Consult our Game Week Tips for expert advice on balancing form with other critical factors.

Understanding Fixtures in FPL

Fixtures are a team’s schedule of matches. Players with weaker opponents are known to have “favorable fixtures,” increasing their potential for points.

Why You Should Prioritise Fixtures

1. Opportunity: A player might not be in great form, but matches against struggling teams can revive their output.
2. Team Focus: If you target fixtures, you get the opportunity to plan transfers based on upcoming matchups. Thereby, maximizing returns over several Gameweeks. Consider using our  FPL Guidebook to learn how to plan long-term strategies effectively.
3. Budget Players Shine: Affordable players usually do well against weaker sides, offering great value. Do you want to discover hidden gems based on live match data and performance trends? Use our OPTA Match Stats.

Disadvantages of Overvaluing Fixtures

1. Form are Important Too: A player with poor form is likely to struggle even against weaker opposition. Bear in mind that having an easy fixture list doesn’t mean you will get points.
2. Unexpected Results: Football is unpredictable. Easy fixtures can turn into difficult battles.
3. Short-Term Thinking: Putting all your trust in fixtures may lead to frequent transfers, costing valuable points. 

Balancing Form and Fixtures

Instead of choosing between form and fixtures, it is recommended to strike a balance. Here’s how you can do so:

1. Combine Form and Fixtures

Prioritize players who are both in form and have favorable fixtures. They should be your transfer targets. 

Protip: Use our Transfer Wizard to identify these players effortlessly.

2. Prioritise Key Positions

Generally, strikers and attacking midfielders in form delivers regardless of fixtures. Defenders and goalkeepers, on the other hand, depend on fixtures because of clean sheet potential. 

When to Prioritise Form Over Fixtures

There are situations where form should be prioritised:

• Star Players: Players like Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah can perform against any opposition. If they are in form, always bring them in, regardless of fixtures.
• Hot Streaks: Give attention to upcoming players in form that are doing well, even if their fixtures aren’t perfect.
• Captaincy Choices: There is a possibility that a player in red-hot form will makes a better captain pick than one with favorable fixtures and poor returns. Our Game Week Tips include detailed captaincy recommendations to boost your points.

When to Prioritise Fixtures Over Form

In some cases, focusing on fixtures is more beneficial:

• Rotation Risks: Chances are players with good fixtures will not be rested, especially during busy schedules.
• Differentials: If you target low-owned players with easy fixtures, you have an edge in mini-leagues. 
• Team Coverage: It is best to invest in players on team with easy matches even if they are out of form. Let our FPL Guidebook help you decide which teams to target.