The 5 Draft Mistakes Every FPL Manager Still Makes (Yes, Even You)

You've built your draft. You've tweaked it 14 times. You've talked yourself into that 4.5 defender with “underlying stats”. And yet, when Gameweek 1 hits, history repeats: your differential blanked, your bench exploded, and your smug mate is 40 points ahead with a triple-up you scoffed at. How do we avoid FPL draft mistakes?

We've all been there. And even seasoned Fantasy Premier League managers fall into these classic draft traps. Here are five mistakes to dodge before you lock in your team — because winning your mini-league isn't just about who you pick, but how you pick them.


1. Chasing last season's points

Yes, Bowen bagged 200+ last year. Yes, Palmer looked like prime Hazard for 10 weeks. But this is a new season, new prices, new roles. Don't fall for nostalgia traps — especially if their fixtures are dodgy or their price has shot up.

Mini-league edge: Tracking which big names your rivals are clinging to can give you a real edge. FPLProLeagues lets chairmen spot trends, chip timings, and even who's picking the same old favourites. Use insights to outdraft your rivals


2. Picking your team backwards (bench first)

We all love a sexy 4.0 keeper or a fifth mid who plays sometimes. But if you're spending more time on your bench than your core XI, you're doing it wrong. Focus on points — not bargain hunting for its own sake.


3. Getting spooked by ownership

Ownership % in pre-season is wildly misleading. Casuals and bots inflate numbers. Just because 70% of people own a player doesn't mean they're good picks — or right for your structure.

Use EO (effective ownership) as a tiebreaker, not a guidebook.


4. Forcing balance over firepower

You don't need a “balanced” team — you need point-scorers. Don't be afraid to load up on big-hitters if it means benching a dead spot. Points win prizes, not symmetry.


5. Ignoring the league you're in

Your strategy should reflect your competition. Playing overall rank? Go steady. But in your head-to-head mini-league with the lads? High-ceiling punts can win the week.

Set your team with your rivals in mind — and yes, it's okay to block them out of that differential striker just to ruin their weekend.


Conclusion:
Your Gameweek 1 draft won't be perfect — it never is. But avoiding these five fpl draft mistakes will put you miles ahead of the FPL herd. Especially if you’re in a competitive mini-league, where one smart move now could mean months of bragging rights later.

And if you’re the chairman? Make sure your league's set up to punish bad picks and reward genius ones. Might be time to spice things up this season.

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