As the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 22 deadline looms, one question hangs in the air like a mistimed cross: Can you truly succeed without Erling Haaland in your squad? FPL General, a seasoned manager with three top 500 finishes under his belt, is daring to find out. In this week's team reveal, he shares his bold strategy, controversial decisions, and the lessons learned from a tumultuous Gameweek 21. But here's where it gets controversial: is ditching Haaland a stroke of genius or a costly gamble? Let’s dive in.
Gameweek 21 Review: A Tale of Frustration and Resilience
The FA Cup break couldn’t have come at a better time for FPL General, offering a much-needed breather after a disastrous Gameweek 21. The festive period’s hectic schedule had taken its toll, and a rage-induced Wildcard activation was narrowly avoided. Instead, he’s now eyeing a Gameweek 24 Wildcard to overhaul his squad, targeting Chelsea assets, reintroducing Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), and reuniting with Crystal Palace players. Most of his current team won’t survive this strategic cull.
Reflecting on his moves, FPL General used his two free transfers to offload underperforming picks David Raya (£5.9m) and Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m). Ironically, the subsequent 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool felt almost scripted. Their replacements, Nick Pope (£5.1m) and Malick Thiaw (£5.1m), combined for a measly one point—a reminder that timing isn’t always on your side. The Newcastle duo will stick around for the next two fixtures before making way. And this is the part most people miss: the goalkeeper position has been a persistent weak spot, delivering only four clean sheets in 21 games. Next season, FPL General vows to simplify with a £4.5m set-and-forget keeper.
The captaincy dilemma persists. Matheus Cunha (£8.1m) has led the charge three times, blanking each time. With tough fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal ahead, his days in the squad could be numbered. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s rotation roulette struck again in Gameweek 21, benching Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) and Rayan Cherki (£6.8m). Despite limited playing time, Cherki’s four chances created and four penalty area shots in just 23 minutes offer a glimmer of hope. Both players may start the next two matches but are likely Wildcard casualties.
Gameweek 22 Team: A Bold Vision Forward
FPL General’s Gameweek 22 squad reflects his unwavering commitment to his strategy, even if it means swimming against the tide. By forgoing Haaland, he’s doubling down on differential picks and fixture-focused selections. But the real question remains: will this approach pay off, or will he be left regretting his Haaland-less lineup? Only time will tell.
Controversy & Comment Hooks
Here’s where you come in: Do you think FPL General’s Haaland-less strategy is a masterstroke or a mistake? Would you bench premium players for fixtures, or is it too risky? And what’s your take on the goalkeeper dilemma—set-and-forget or rotation roulette? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s spark a debate!
