Are we all overlooking having a playing bench?

We all know how stressful the build-up to the start of the new FPL season can be, especially when you’re trying to fill your 15-man squad with as many top players as possible.

But with many players across the UK and Europe currently testing positive for Covid-19, there is a strong possibility that more will have to quarantine at one point or another. This is the worst case scenario admittedly (fingers crossed), but it’s something that us FPL managers must consider.

Therefore, is it worth having as much of a playing bench as possible? In my opinion, yes it is.

In previous seasons, it’s been very rare that many of us will have needed the second player on our bench, let alone the third. But given that there is another international break early on in the season (and don’t even get me started on the stupidity of that), there is the distinct possibility that some other players may unfortunately test positive, or if nothing else, quarantine themselves.

This is why I’m making sure that I have at least two or three players on my bench that are likely to get regular minutes. Personally, I’m avoiding the trap of having a £4.5m striker as I don’t expect any of them to play, unless Brewster gets a loan move to another PL club. The £4.5m midfielders and defenders are a little easier to predict and even Ferguson at £4m may well become a regular starter once he’s fit again.

Of course, the layout of your team is entirely up to you (and I’m certainly not going to claim to be an expert) but if you want my two-pennies worth, I’d suggest trying to shore up your bench a little where possible!