Elite XI Strategy Breakdown: How the Pros Are Navigating FPL Gameweek 12

The international break has thrown uncertainty across the Elite XI: Team Reveal managers, and all are approaching Gameweek 12 with caution.

Injuries, potential press-conference roulette, and a wide-open captaincy conversation are dominating their thinking — but each manager is reacting differently.

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FPL Injury Chaos: Everyone Is Waiting for Information

All Elite XI: Team Reveal managers are delaying transfers for as long as possible.

Gabriel, Enzo Fernández, and Semenyo are the common pressure points — and each manager made it clear that nothing happens until the press conferences land.

Tom Dollimore (World #1)

Tom explained why he stepped back from planning early in the break:

“It’s not worth making any plans when a lot of things depend on further news on Enzo’s injury… Gabriel coming off with a groin issue proves exactly why I take this approach.”

Mark Mansfield (7× Top 10k)

Mark is being pushed close to breaking point:

“I can cope with the Gabriel injury, but Semenyo would tip it over the edge… the FPL gods have turned against me.”

Lari Ahti (2× Top 5k)

Lari is taking a measured, disciplined view:

“Whether I use my three free transfers will depend on the fitness updates… it’s essential to wait for complete information before making any decisions.”

Wildcards, Transfers & Strategy: Three Very Different Approaches

Tom Dollimore: Controlled Adjustments

Tom doesn’t see this as a week to panic. Even with £2.5m in the bank, he’s not rushing big moves:

“It’s 50/50 on whether I hold or sell Gabriel… it’s better for my team this week to upgrade Rodon and Reijnders. Van Dijk a likely target either way.”

Tom’s approach is about tightening weak spots — not tearing up the squad and as we discussed in a recent article Liverpool’s Fixtures Turn Green – But Are They a Trap for FPL Managers?, Van Dijk does look the best pick from Liverpool at the moment.

Mark Mansfield: Chaos Wildcard Mode

Mark’s disciplined plan to Wildcard in Gameweek 13 is now hanging by a thread.

“Wildcard 13 was the plan… but I may be forced into Wildcard 12.”

The injury chaos has pushed him into a far more adventurous mindset than usual:

“This is an extremely unusual situation… it brings players into play who would traditionally be considered a bad idea.”

His watchlist reflects that shift in tone:

“Doku — this means you. Rogers, Schade… and if I want to go full sicko, Wirtz.”

You can find a deeper breakdown of the best chip strategies and squad structure in our FPL Tips for Gameweek 12: The Perfect Wildcard Team guide.

Lari Ahti: Pure Damage Control

No panic. No Wildcard. No experimentation.

“The focus is injury management and stabilising the squad, rather than proactive optimisation.”

With three free transfers available, Lari is setting up his team for the long term — not chasing upside.

Liverpool: A Fixture Swing With… Surprisingly Little Interest

Despite their excellent fixture run, none of the Elite XI are enthusiastic.

Tom: “Van Dijk is a likely target… but I’ll wait for more info.”

Mark is the most sceptical: “I don’t think Salah is worth it… without clean sheets, VVD isn’t much bar DEFCONs. Both amount to an expensive punt on fixtures.”

The fixture swing is there as they sit top of the Fixture Planner for attacking fixtures for the next six Gameweeks. However, the trust? Not so much.

Captaincy for FPL Gameweek 12: A Rare Split Emerging

With Haaland away to Newcastle, Gameweek 12 is shaping up to be a genuine captaincy fork in the road.

Tom Dollimore currently has the armband on Bruno Fernandes vs Everton, while Walter Randazzo is backing Bukayo Saka in the North London Derby.

It’s the kind of week where captaincy alone could swing ranks dramatically — so make sure to check the Elite XI: Team Reveal page close to the deadline to see where the top managers land.

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