TOP 10 COMMON MISTAKES FPL MANAGERS MAKE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is as challenging as it is rewarding. Every FPL manager, from first-timers to seasoned veterans, can slip up and make decisions they later regret. In the excitement of FPL, it's easy to chase a quick fix or follow the crowd, only to find your rank suffering.
The good news is that these common mistakes are avoidable once you recognize them. In this guide, we'll walk through the top 10 mistakes FPL managers often make – and more importantly, how to avoid them.
NOTE
Whether you're aiming to win your mini-league or just improve your overall rank, these tips will help you play smarter and have more fun along the way.
1. MAKING TRANSFERS TOO EARLY (KNEE-JERK MOVES)
One of the most common blunders is rushing to make transfers immediately after a gameweek (or even during it!) out of panic or excitement. Perhaps a player you don't own just scored a hat-trick, or you want to catch an overnight price rise by transferring someone in on a Monday.
Early transfers might save you £0.1m in team value, but they can backfire badly if new injuries or suspensions crop up later in the week. For example, you might transfer in a rising star on Tuesday, only to see them get injured in a midweek cup match – leaving you with a wasted transfer and possibly a hit to fix it.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Be patient and wait for as much information as possible before making your moves. The most successful FPL managers consistently hold off until the last 24–48 hours before the deadline to make transfers.
This delay gives you the benefit of:
- Midweek injury updates
- Rotation hints from training
- Press conference news
PRO TIP
You can monitor price trends using FPLWatch's Price Changes tracker, which predicts price movements to help you maximise team value without unnecessary haste.
2. IGNORING FIXTURE DIFFICULTY AND FAILING TO PLAN AHEAD
Another frequent error is picking or keeping players without regard to their upcoming fixtures. It sounds basic, but fixture swings are often underestimated.
Some managers get locked into picking the "best" players, regardless of their upcoming schedule. A great player with a poor run of fixtures can easily start slow, while a mid-priced asset with a soft run of opponents can help you gain early ground.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Always look a few gameweeks ahead when making decisions:
- Before transferring in a player, check their next 4–6 fixtures
- Plan an exit strategy for players with tough fixtures looming
- Use FPLWatch's Fixture Analysis tool to visualise fixture difficulties at a glance
NOTE
Early fixture planning makes a huge difference – especially when navigating busy periods or double gameweeks. Don't favour form over fixtures every time; the best approach is to balance both.
3. CHASING LAST WEEK'S POINTS
We've all been tempted by the shiny new "bandwagon" player – the one who hauled big last week and is being transferred in by thousands of managers.
However, making transfers based solely on the previous gameweek's points is a recipe for disappointment. A player who had a standout game doesn't always perform similarly in upcoming matches. Last week's star performer may not repeat their heroics, especially if the circumstances (opponent, venue, lucky penalty, etc.) were unique.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Instead of chasing points that have already gone, focus on a player's longer-term form and prospects:
| WHAT TO CHECK | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|
| Consistency over several weeks | One-off hauls rarely repeat |
| Upcoming fixtures | Hat-trick hero might face a top defence next |
| Expected goals (xG) | Shows if performance is sustainable |
| Minutes played | Rotation risks can hurt returns |
PRO TIP
Data shows that top managers often bring in players who scored just 2 points in the previous gameweek, suggesting they prioritise underlying performance and future fixtures over past hauls.
4. NEGLECTING TEAM NEWS AND MISSING DEADLINES
FPL isn't a set-and-forget game – things change quickly, and failing to stay updated can cost you dearly.
A common mistake is overlooking late team news (injuries, suspensions, or rotation hints) and then inadvertently fielding players who don't end up playing. Similarly, many managers have horror stories of simply forgetting the FPL deadline, meaning their planned transfers or captain changes never got confirmed.
HOW TO AVOID IT
- Check team news updates in the day or two before the deadline
- Follow reliable sources for injury and line-up hints
- Set reminders for each gameweek deadline on your phone or calendar
- Double-check deadlines – they can be Friday evenings or midweek for early fixtures
WARNING
In a game where every point matters, missing the deadline (even by a minute) can lead to a wasted week with an unchanged, suboptimal team.
5. TAKING TOO MANY POINTS HITS
The allure of an immediate fix can lead managers to take frequent points hits (spending -4 points for an extra transfer). While an occasional hit can pay off, making a habit of it is often a trap.
Each hit puts you a net 4 points behind before the gameweek even starts, so the new player must deliver just to break even. If you're taking multiple hits in successive weeks, those deductions can quickly erode any gains.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Exercise restraint with transfers and focus on the bigger picture:
| WHEN TO TAKE A HIT | WHEN TO AVOID |
|---|---|
| Replacing injured non-playing player | Chasing last week's points |
| Bringing in captaincy candidate before great fixtures | Panic after one bad week |
| Clear strategic upside over multiple weeks | Every week "just in case" |
NOTE
A significant number of top managers take very few (or even zero) hits over an entire season. Think of hits as investments to be made only when the odds are firmly in your favour.
6. FOLLOWING THE CROWD BLINDLY (TEMPLATE & OWNERSHIP)
There's a herd mentality in FPL that can sometimes lead managers astray. The "template team" – the collection of highly-owned, popular players – forms for good reasons, but blindly copying it or making moves just because everyone else is can be a mistake.
FOMO (fear of missing out) might push you to load up on a player simply due to high ownership, not because you genuinely believe they're the best choice for your team.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Use ownership data as a helpful insight, but not as the deciding factor:
- High-ownership players offer safety but limited potential for rank gains
- Well-chosen differentials can provide significant boosts if they perform
- Find a balance: strong core of proven performers + under-the-radar gems
PRO TIP
Check FPLWatch's Effective Ownership insights to track ownership percentages across different manager cohorts. This informs risk assessment without dictating your picks.
7. UNBALANCED SQUAD (OVERSPENDING ON BIG NAMES)
Stacking your team with as many superstars as possible might sound like a winning strategy, but in practice it can seriously hurt your squad balance.
If you splurge on three or four premium players, the rest of your team will likely be filled with bargain-basement picks who may barely play or score. This "stars and scrubs" approach often results in a weak bench and inflexible team structure.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Aim for a well-balanced squad that maximises your entire £100m budget:
| SQUAD ELEMENT | RECOMMENDATION |
|---|---|
| Premiums | 2-3 top-priced captaincy options |
| Mid-priced | Strong supporting cast (£6-8m range) |
| Budget enablers | Playing £4.5m options with upside |
| Bench | At least 1-2 regular starters |
NOTE
A balanced squad with two or three premiums, a strong supporting cast, and a reliable bench will outscore a lopsided squad of all-stars and afterthoughts.
8. IGNORING DEFENCE (AND BENCH DEPTH)
FPL managers, especially beginners, often focus heavily on attacking players and forget that defenders and goalkeepers can be powerful points sources too.
It's a common mistake to fill the backline with the cheapest possible options. The result? You miss out on clean sheets and defensive bonus points, and you have no cover when one of your starters doesn't play.
HOW TO AVOID IT
- Invest in at least 2-3 reliable defenders from solid teams
- Attacking wing-backs can match mid-priced midfielders for returns
- Keep a £4.5m defender and midfielder on bench who start regularly for their clubs
WARNING
In some seasons, a premium defender can score as many points as a mid-priced midfielder. By ignoring defence, you're potentially leaving a lot of points on the table.
9. POOR CAPTAINCY CHOICES
Selecting the right captain each week is one of the most important parts of FPL – your captain scores double points, so a good (or bad) choice can make a huge difference.
Common mistakes include:
- Captaining a player because they're your favourite rather than the best option
- Constantly punting on long-shot differentials
- Forgetting to change a default captain from a previous week
HOW TO AVOID IT
Put thought into your captaincy decision each week:
| FACTOR | WHAT TO LOOK FOR |
|---|---|
| Form | Consistent recent returns |
| Fixture | Favourable opponent, ideally at home |
| Ownership | High EO means risk if you don't captain them |
| Minutes | Nailed starter with no rotation risk |
PRO TIP
It's often better to get a solid 10 points doubled to 20 from a reliable pick than to risk a differential captain who might blank. And always set a viable vice-captain in case your captain doesn't play.
10. MISUSING CHIPS (WILDCARD, BENCH BOOST, ETC.)
FPL chips – Wildcard, Free Hit, Bench Boost, Triple Captain – are powerful tools that can swing a gameweek when used wisely.
A common mistake is burning these chips at the wrong times or without a proper plan. Some managers panic after a poor start and use their Wildcard in GW2, only to find their new team isn't much better (and now they have no Wildcard for later in the season).
HOW TO AVOID IT
Have a chip strategy in mind and be patient for the right moments:
| CHIP | BEST TIMING |
|---|---|
| Wildcard | Before fixture swings or to set up for Double GWs |
| Free Hit | Blank gameweeks when many teams don't play |
| Bench Boost | Double gameweeks with 15 playing players |
| Triple Captain | Premium player with two fixtures in a DGW |
NOTE
For a complete breakdown of chip strategy, check out our Ultimate Guide to FPL Chips.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Playing FPL is a learning process, and even top managers continually refine their strategies by reflecting on past errors. To summarise:
BE PATIENT AND THINK LONG-TERM
Avoid knee-jerk decisions. Waiting until late in the week for transfers (when you have more information) is often the best move.
USE FIXTURES AND DATA TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Always factor in upcoming fixtures and a player's broader form, rather than just last week's points. Use FPLWatch's fixture tracker to plan ahead.
BUILD A BALANCED SQUAD
Spread your budget across the team. Don't overspend on a few stars while neglecting the rest.
MANAGE RISK WISELY
Include popular template players and a couple of differentials – just make sure each pick is justified on its own merits. Approach captaincy and chips with a strategic mindset.
STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED
Keep up with team news, injury updates, and price changes. Set reminders for deadlines and use tools to track ownership trends.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll put yourself in the best position to succeed. FPL is as much about smart management and steady decision-making as it is about the big moments of luck.
Stay flexible, keep learning from each gameweek, and – most importantly – remember to enjoy the game. Good luck, and may your arrows be green!
FPLWatch.com – providing live analytics, fixture tracking, and price change alerts to help you manage your FPL team like a pro.