"Measure twice, cut once..."

 

The old woodworker's adage is a proverb of universal relevance.

In the realm of Fantasy Football, it reminds us that we must always begin by gathering all the relevant information to guide a decision. Then, we should doublecheck everything and reconsider, just to be on the safe side. 

After that.... we can finally take swift, confident, decisive action.

For FPL managers now, the 'measuring' is watching the pre-season unfold, slowly assessing all the new information coming in about possible lineup and formation changes at the Premier League clubs, weighing up the possible implications of all of this. The 'cutting' is finally using all of that information to choose the initial squad.

I have said many times that beginning 'drafting' possible squads weeks before the season begins is worse than merely a waste of time, it is positively harmful to your final selection. The landscape of relative player values is constantly changing over the last few weeks before the first kick-off, and you simply don't know which players are playing for which clubs, who's fit, who seems likely to be a preferred starter etc. until right before the first FPL deadline. (Actually, you don't really know until a few weeks into the season! But you have almost no idea at all until the day of the first kick-off.)

If you're going to 'draft' at all, you should do it only in your head. That way it remains more fluid and provisional, less likely to solidify into obstinate prejudices. It's also good mental training, sharpening up your mind to constantly juggle with points and pounds alternatives. (Chess players don't map out every conceivable progression of moves on a board; they can visualize them in their mind's eye. It's not actually that difficult a skill to develop; you just have to practise it a bit.)

Moreover, you should do that only at the very last minute, as you're actually compiling your initial squad for the season. That way, it shouldn't gum up your thinking with dumb, outdated choices - as early drafting inevitably does.

Draft only one squad, on deadline day. Restrict any preliminary work on it to mental rumination in the last hour or so before you finalise it. That's it.

Starting to even think about a squad NOW is stupid, self-harming. Going through multiple draft versions serves no useful purpose at all. 

AWAY with all of that nonsense!!