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The Fantasy Football Scout Rate My Team Surgery

Welcome to the first in our series of Rate My Team Surgeries. These articles will look at initial Fantasy Premier League squads and will be published ahead of Gameweek 1, with one of the FFScout moderator and contributor team putting forward their selection for scrutiny in order to start discussion.

The aim is to highlight some of the key concerns we have faced in constructing their squads, which hopefully will chime with other FPL managers’ issues.

In addition, we want the comment section to provide a useful opportunity for you to submit your own RMTs. Please also be helpful to those asking for advice. The key to successful rating of teams is to give advice as well.

I have drawn the first straw to start off this series with my fixture-led initial FPL squad.

My Team

Heaton (BUR) Foster (WBA)

Shaw (MUN) Walker (TOT) Friend (MID) Francis (BOU) Robertson (HUL)

Mkhitaryan (MUN) Ayew (SWA) Tadic (SOU) Townsend (CPL) Capoue (WAT)

Gray (BUR) Aguero (MCI) Ibrahimovic (MUN)

Team cost £100m

Key Issues

Fixtures
The fixture schedule has been my guide in the absence of any form at the start of the season. A strong set of early fixtures for West Brom (cpl, EVE, MID, bou, WHM, sto) makes a defender or keeper a must for me. Ben Foster gets the nod due to his 4.5m price tag.

Middlesbrough have a strong early run too (STO, sun, wba, CPL, eve) which makes George Friend a good bet. Nailed on and with impressive underlying statistics last season, which FPL’s Bonus Point System favours.

Manchester United are another with good early fixtures (bou, SOT, hul, MCI, wat) and I’ve gone to town on their players with three lining up in my initial squad. Luke Shaw looks good value at 5.5 after an injury-hit 2015/16. Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be tricky to draft in at 11.5 if I didn’t have him immediately, whilst Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s 9.5 price and early pre-season form have also guided my thinking.

Questions: Am I relying too much on fixtures? Is tripling up on Manchester United too much? Am I foolish for ignoring Chelsea’s excellent early fixtures?

Value
My goalkeeper combination is all about value. Two nailed on stoppers, with a great track record of saves, all for 9m. That looks too good to turn down. Also their fixtures dovetail nicely early on for rotation.

I’ve also gone for players I think will outperform their price tag. Kyle Walker at 5.5, when his team-mate Danny Rose is 6m, looks a steal. Attacking points and clean sheets should follow especially with a strong early start (eve, CPL, LIV, sto, SUN, mid).

Dusan Tadic and Andre Ayew also look well priced considering the attacking role they play for their teams.

I’ve also ensured I can afford the likes of Sergio Aguero by opting for budget bench players. Etienne Capoue (4.5) will rarely play for me, but I’m happy to call on him particularly as he appears to have license to bomb forward under Watford’s new manager, Walter Mazzarri – already in pre-season, he has scored twice.

Hull’s Andrew Robertson is nailed on, and due to poor fixtures is likely to be benched each week. He could do well, though, if called upon. Likewise, Simon Francis may not have good fixtures but is a player I’m happy to rely on when needed.

Questions: Have I selected the best 7.5 midfielders? Have I got the right 4.5 defenders in place? Are there any 4.0 defenders I should consider?

Flexibility
This is key for me and has meant I’ve gone for players that are not necessarily my preferred picks in each position, but allow me to downgrade if required.

For example Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino is a player I like, particularly for 8.5, instead of Mkhitaryan, but it is far easier for me to downgrade from the Manchester United midfielder to Firmino than vice versa. Ideally I’d have the more expensive Eden Hazard in my team for even greater flexibility, but I struggled to find the extra 0.5 needed.

Burnley’s Andre Gray is not ideal. He faces Swansea in Gameweek 1 but fixtures are mixed afterwards, with Chelsea and Leicester away over the first six. At 6.5, though, I can easily swap him to cheaper options or the wealth of forwards at the same price, most notably Saido Berahino should he move from West Brom. Opting for Jordan Rhodes (6.0) makes it tough to upgrade, for example, particularly with Alvaro Negredo now on board at Middlesbrough.

Questions: Am I being too sensible here? Should I just go for the best players that I can afford regardless of whether I can change them for emerging stars?

Captains
Finally I have invested heavily in ensuring I have two great options in Ibrahimovic and Aguero, who alternate perfectly home and away. Both can easily be downgraded as well for other expensive players, such as Chelsea’s strikers. Getting them in if they are not in my initial squad may require wildcarding.

Questions: Can I rely on just two players for the armband? Should I be looking for a third premium option from among Arsenal, or Chelsea’s ranks?

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,575 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Looking forward to seeing your RMTs as well. 🙂

    1. christiaanbarns
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Good overall team Jonty. I also have exactly the same 3 MUFC players and thinking of captaining either Ibra or Miky. However I'm not too conviced about Tadic.. with Koeman, Mane, Pelle and Wanyama gone I think they will struggle significantly..

      I think LFC will have a good start to the season regardless of their fixtures.. With a fit Sturridge and Firmino, Couthino and Mane I think goals are guaranteed

      Thought on my first draft below (RMT)

      Manonne | Butland

      Shaw | Walker | Evans | Friend | Roberts

      Mkhitaryan | Firmino | Feghouli | Hazard | Fletcher

      Sturridge | Ibrahimovic| Wilson

      1. EDEN THE MAN
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        RMT PLEASE

        GK: FORSTER, ( Sub :NORDFELDT Not ideal but no budget)
        DEF:FRIEND, BELLERIN, CRESWELL, SHAW( Sub:Paredes)
        MID: MAHREZ, HAZARD, TADIC( Subs: Capoue,Kante)
        FOR: AGUERO, LUKAKU, WILSON

        I would love to get a stronger midfield and maybe accomodate for Zlatan but I am unsure on what to do.

        Also would you rather
        Costa or Lukaku
        Wilson or Long

        Thanks

    2. Sleno
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Ayew is more and more tempting with all the playing up top talk

    3. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You must be planning an early WC?

    4. FPL_SB
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      RMT Please!

      Mandanda - Heaton
      Walker - Shaw - Naylor - Friend - Monreal
      Feghouli - Hazard - Redmond - Gradel - Capoue
      Lukaku - Aguero - Ibra

      Should I swap players out? If so who for?

      Thanks in advance.

  2. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I personally don't think Ibra is cut out for the PL. Why? He's old.

  3. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Nice team though there, I like the Capoue pick as I'm going with him myself. Have you considered that you do not have any Chelsea cover?

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, that's in the text. One of the issues is ironically they are quite well priced. Costa and Batashuyi are cheaper than Ibra and the mids are 7.5. Even Hazard is ok at 10m.

      Problem is that getting them in scuppers flexibility. If I got Fabregas how can I upgrade to Mkhatariyan? If I get Costa and Ibra explodes in goal pie how can I make that upgrade.

      Hopefully, a game or two should tell me what I need to know about my Man U players and possibly allow me to down grade to Chelsea.

      I'll admit though I would like some kind of Chelsea attacker from the off.

      1. chiiswaerch
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        If Costa stays he is probabely in my team. Conte spoke quite good of him and he had no Euro.
        You dont consider martial? I expect him to do quite well with the room provided by ibra.

        I have JRod instead of tadic at the moment but have to wait and see how they play.

        Willson looks great value even fixure arent that great.

      2. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Nice team, in regards to wanting a Chelsea player would you consider Fabregas over Tadic? same price.

      3. Ebede21
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        A nice option for further exploitance of Chelsea is Mahrez if the rumours of moving to Stamford Bridge are real. Is he going to become more expensive after the move? Any way I have add him to my team along with Berahino and Smith in case they both move.

        RMT for me pls also

        Courtouis / Pickford

        Walker/ Bellerin/ Shaw / Friend/ Smith

        Mkhitaryan / Mahrez / Firmino / Townsend / Capoue

        Aguero / Wilson / Berahino

  4. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I don't get the Ibra love either. Too dear for an unknown quantity. I like Capoue, but I don't like Watford's fixtures. Also think Robertson could be a mistake.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Who are your key 4.5 defenders? I'm very open to swapping him out for another.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        would have to kill you if I told you

      2. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Souaré / Pieters / Evans

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Souare offers very little other than clean sheets, which will probably be once again in short supply. No threat at all.

          Like Pieters and Evans though. If I didn't have Foster I'd have Evans. Am considering Pieters for Robertson now. Cheers. Good call.

          1. mormank
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            How about Byram? Could be a snip at 4.5mill if he gets regular starts for West ham. With Cresswell missing the first few months surely he will get gametime at RB or LB with only Antonio the midfielder his competition for RB anyway. I have Byram and Evans personally. Also have Foster but have no problems doubling up on Pulis defence from the start.

      3. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Pieters is my boy currently, although I'm not sure how he'd rotate with the rest of your backline.. I have Mee too, but obviously you have Heaton.

  5. Cowboy John
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Similar structure to my first draft.

    Foster - Valdes
    Dann - VVD - Shaw - Friend - 4.0
    Mkhitaryan - Sigurdsson - Townsend - Redmond - G.Tore
    Aguero - Ibrahimovic - 6.5

    Just looked at the first three gameweeks as I'll probably WC early.

    Lots of punts in midfield as I can see the big teams being slow starters with so many players coming back from the Euros.

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Rondon at 6.5 is a steal I think.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I agree. Waiting to see if Berahino leaves and if they get a replacement before committing.

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Pulis attacker though

    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. Keep an eye on when Sigurdsson comes back - off chance he could be eased in after a busy summer. I'll probably get him in instead of Ayew if he is nailed on for GWK 1.

      Lots of 6.5 strikers around - good call on keeping that option open. Nice price for flexibility.

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Good call on Siggy - totally forgot he'd been at the Euros.

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, think Townsend and Redmond are good value. Lots of decent 6.5FWDs to choose from too.

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Not sure I see Townsend/Redmond as long-term picks, but the sort of players that blow hot and cold.

        Just hope to catch them at the right time.

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Looks good. Although you'd have benching problems. If you're planning an early WC, it's probably best to load up on the cheap players (4m GK, 2x 4m DEF, 4.5M mid) and then replace them in the WC. Would raise funds to upgrade your 6.5m striker at least.

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Not sure there are any strikers between 6.5 and 8.5 that I fancy.

        What I may do is rustle up £2m to turn Townsend into Firmino.

  6. The Wise Owl
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Here's my team currently as it stands. I think I have a good mixture of players but easily swayed.

    Foster
    Shaw / Friend / Fernandez
    Willian / Martial / Eriksen / Mahrez
    Lukaku / Aguero / Rondon

    Heaton / Souare / Capoue / Paredes

    I realise Paredes will likely not play but barring any injuries he's my enabler.

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Midfield looks strong. Do you really prefer Martial to Mkhitaryan?

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I don't know, Martial has had time to settle in the PL and looked quite good in the euros. It's a tough call.

        1. Jay Jay Okocha
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          He looked quite good? He played one awful half and got buried on the bench behind the immortal Sissoko. Barely broke a sweat.

    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      See above - Rondon great shout.

      Martial a good one too as can be downgraded or moved to Mkhathingy very easily.

      Eriksen - watch out for that Demebeleless curse.

      Like it all, but personally I avoid 4m defenders from the off unless they are nailed - and Paredes is far from that. There is nothing worse than being stuck with a 4m player that doesn't play and loses value - which he will as he is very well owned currently.

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Jonty, I'll keep that in mind with Paredes. Might have to downgrade Shaw.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Stones to Man City looks an ideal replacement should that happen.

      2. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I've swapped Eriksen and Paredes to Tadic and Evans. Leaves me with 0.5 ITB.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Outside of Aguero, I can't see who you'd captain here. Maybe Mahrez?

      Also keep an eye out on Fabrgeas - may be a better pick than Willian.

      Good balance.

    4. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      RMT PLEASE

      GK: FORSTER, ( Sub :NORDFELDT Not ideal but no budget)
      DEF:FRIEND, BELLERIN, CRESWELL, SHAW( Sub:Paredes)
      MID: MAHREZ, HAZARD, TADIC( Subs: Capoue,Kante)
      FOR: AGUERO, LUKAKU, WILSON

      I would love to get a stronger midfield and maybe accomodate for Zlatan but I am unsure on what to do.

      Also would you rather
      Costa or Lukaku
      Wilson or Long

      Thanks

  7. Moore FPL
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Not that dissimilar to mine

    Foster Heaton
    Shaw Walker Gabriel McCauley Pieters
    Miki Tadic Ayew Bolasie Fletcher
    Kun Ibra Carroll

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Bolasie over Townsend could work. Keep an eye on that though. Townsend to Bolasie is easy - not so the other way round.

      Keep an eye on Carroll's fitness - good call having 6.5 available for that third striker spot.

      1. Moore FPL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Yeah would prefer that if I could find 0.5

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Gray and Wilson are more appealing than Carroll..
      Too many changes at WHM imo, will need to monitor them before making any move.

      1. Moore FPL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Not sure about Gray. He didn't score much against the top sides in the Championship.
        Wilson would be an option though.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Be wary of Gabriel's minutes. Also check Sunderland/Boro 4.5m defenders, could be better options than Pieters.

      1. Moore FPL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Looks pretty secure, no? Only Per as competition.
        Not sure about Sunderland defence with Big Sam leaving.
        Need to research Boro.

  8. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Here's my team currently ? Need some help

    Mandanda ( Jakupovic )

    Shaw Wimmer RFM ( Evans Souaré )
    Martial Siggy Bolasie x x
    Kun x ( Stuani )

    A) Willian + Alli + Lukaku + 1M
    B) Hazard + Lamela + Lukaku
    C) Willian + Alli + Vardy
    D) Willian + Mahrez + Lukaku

    1. Huddersfield
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Nobody wanna help here ! is it that bad ?

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      I'd go for A. But with Fabregas potentially.

      1. Huddersfield
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thx , Fab not playing deep i suppose under conte ?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          We'll find out in pre season.

  9. Dokdok666
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Mkhi and Ibra are both exceptional players, but spending 21m on two players new to the league seems like a bad idea.
    Also, remember http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2016/07/19/fantasy-premier-league-player-list-analysis-goalkeepers-4/?hc_page=5#hc_comment_13567578

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      cheers. Yep ideally I want Hazard but can't spare the extra 0.5.

      I have every intention of downgrading one of those ManU players.

      Upgrading to them though is tough and we have seen in seasons past that two premium offerings from the same team can be gold (Suarez/Sturridge and most notably Malouda/Drogba)

      1. Dokdok666
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        You are only spending 35.5m in midfield, to me it looks like your team is hurting from Having both Kun and Ibra.
        It's not that Ibra and Mkhi are from the same club, it's that they are both untested in the league

      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      OTOH Aguero joined the league with 8 goals and an assist in his first 5 games, Costa joined with 7 goals in 4, De Bruyne joined with 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 and Di Maria joined with 3 goals and 4 assists in 6.

      Sometimes big players land with a bang and their owners are greatly rewarded.

      1. Dokdok666
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Tru dat, sometimes 😉

          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed, take the risk you think are worth taking. I'll be getting Mkhi but can't stretch to both.

          1. Dokdok666
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Seems reasonable

  10. Moss
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Very nice team Jonty. I'd consider swapping Francis/Robertson for Souare.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not sure about Souare - offers very little other than clean sheet possibility.

      1. Moss
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        His chance creation stats are actually quite reasonable compared to the rest of the CPL defence although Francis/Robertson have the edge in that regard. Perhaps someone like Benteke could improve Souare's attacking returns this season.

        1. mormank
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          I think someone like Bentekke at Palace could significantly improve Benteke's attacking retyrns this season and he will be first name in my final draft teamsheet should he move there with all those wingers buzzing around him!

  11. Kari-m
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys I am a new fantasy football scout member my last two seasons have been mediocre to say the least. Here is a RMT any advice would be great 🙂

    Heaton
    Stones Shaw Evans
    Hazard Eriksen Mkhitaryan Townsend
    Lukaku Ibra Gray

    Foster paredes fletcher friend

    1. Kari-m
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero instead of ibra actually

    2. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice, I'd rather spend 8.5m on my keepers and upgrade somewhere else but nice team

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Paredes probably won't play. Evans is a transfer waiting to happen, McAuley may be the better pick. Lovely midfield. No Aguero *could* hurt.

  12. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster - Heaton
    Shaw - Baines - Friend - Pieters - Souaré
    Hazard - Ibe - Firmino - Fletcher - Mikhitaryan
    Kun - Lukaku - Gray

    Any surgery needed?

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to go. Only issue could be Ibe - there's so much choice among Bournemouth mids at that price its hard to work out whichwill do well. Also fixtures are poor for the Cherries, which means having to play Ibe or Fletcher (2pts) every week. I think I'd prefer to have a 5.5 player I'd want to play most weeks - Middlesbrough have great early fixtures - keep an eye on their pre season for a 5.5 gem.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed. Ibe not a reliable 4th mid

      2. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I think Ibe has great potential.
        As a LFC supporter, I liked the guy, but he is not adaptable to Klopp's style.

        I wanted Townsend, with CRY good early fixtures, but budget doesn't permit.
        Who is the best MID you'd consider to replace Ibe?

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Looks good to be fair. Although I think you should consider alternatives to Pieters and Souare.

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Other best 4.5 DEF on your watchlist?

    3. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Haz > Fab
      Ibe > Tadic?

    4. ***00tennis***
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      5.0's even....Fancy MID to do a small LEI this season-Leadbitter on all SP's, if/when over current injury....
      Adomah AM also on watchlist

  13. Jamie_GAWA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster/4m
    Azpi/Shaw/Morgan/Pieters/4m
    Hazard/Martial/Ayew/Townsend
    Aguero/Lukaku/Austin

    RMT please! Thanks

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You might need another mid 😉 Other than that, I like it. Personally, I would do Azpi to Terry (or Zouma when fit) and upgrade your 4.0, as having all starters is something that I value, but that's just me.

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you, yes meant to have 4.5m mid there oops! Not sure if Terry is completly nailed which is a problem.
        Personally I don't like benching money but that's just me

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Looks strong. Good captaincy options too. Maybe monitor the Austin situation. And there are alternatives Pieters i.e. Sunderland.

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you

    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I think Azpi is overpriced and I hate starting with a 4.0 defender. Before you know it he's 3.5 and you are stuck with him. Lacks a 5th mid.
      Rest looks fine. Good balance

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, maybe I should do Azpi > Terry and then 4>4.5

        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure Terry is nailed but if you want Chelsea defence then I would keep Azpi and maybe downgrade Morgan instead

  14. MrMaverick
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Courtois/Jakupovic

    Pieters/Friend/Nyom/Evans/Wasilweski

    KDB/Coutinho/Ayew/Bolasie/Capoue

    Aguero/Kane/Long

    2.0m ITB

    1. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Way too light weight in defence, I'm guessing your wildcarding early but I'd change do Nyom>Taylor (SWA)

      1. MrMaverick
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Watford will keep CS, Swansea won't. And no, I have no plans to wildcard early.

        1. Jamie_GAWA
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Well Watfords defence under a new manager is unreliable, Swansea do keep lots of clean sheets actually with last lesson them keeping 8 clean sheets against teams in the bottom 10.

          1. MrMaverick
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Understand your point about the new manager, but Mazzarri is very defensive. Traditional Italian pragmatism.

            1. Jamie_GAWA
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Fair enough but considering he managed in Italy a lot which is a lot more defensive and different I wouldn't say his team in the BPL will be the same

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      I like the idea of having money ITB but that's probably showing on how light your defence is.

      I'd switch Pieters, Nyom, Evans and Wasi personally. Check out McAuley, Sunderland and co.

      Also think you have the wrong Liverpool mid - 0.5m more gets you a top FPL player.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate. Reckon with the formations Watford and Stoke are expected to deploy this seasons with three at the back that clean sheets will come aplenty, and Pieters and Nyom should be wingbacks (attacking output + CS points). Worth the punt imo.

  15. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster/Mandanda

    Shaw – Azpilicueta – Walker (Friend/Taylor)

    Mhkitaryan – Eriksen – Siggy – Townsend (Fletcher)

    Aguero – Costa - Rhodes

    1. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I like it although I'd take 0.5 off your defenders (Friend or Taylor) as they aren't going to come on with 3 premium defenders

      Taylor to 4m

      Rhodes to 6.5

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, that's what I would do too.

      2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Or Fletcher to 5m even?

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Looks very strong. Just not convinced on Costa and Rhodes.

      1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I know. I just think Costa is great value. 9.5 for a leading striker at a top club. Aguero/Ibra/Kane in a different bracket price wise. Also tempted by Batshuayi but bit of an unknown quantity in PL.

        Rhodes I have no idea about - who else would you pick of the 5-7m strikers?

  16. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    As said in the article if you are submitting a RMT please do offer advice to others. This article thread is all about helping each other out.

  17. StalkingDwarf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Here's my latest iteration.

    Heaton - Jaku
    Friend - Francis - Pieters - Evans - Wimmer
    Hazard - Mkhi - Eriksen - Tadic - Capoue
    Aguero - Lukaku - Gray

    Defence is lacking but there is no one that I want to sacrifice up front. Would Tadic + Pieters --> Townsend + Shaw be sensible? I really wanted Tadic but I heard Townsend is doing well at Palace during their friendlies..

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Defense is iffy. I'd make those moves. If you like Tadic then downgrade Eriksen to Lamela.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Defence needs work. Maybe go ahead with those transfers. Or keep Tadic and trade Eriksen.

  18. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Valdes (Jaku)
    Shaw - Williams - Taylor - Friend (4.0)
    KDB - Martial - Fabregas (4.5 - 4.5)
    Aguero - Lukaku - Costa

    Double SWA & MID defence atm, might spread the risk with WBA & CPL.

    Or with Ibra...
    Valdes (Jaku)
    McAuley - Souare - Taylor - Friend (4.0)
    KDB - Martial - Townsend (4.5 - 4.5)
    Aguero - Ibra - Costa

    GW3 WC - with or without Ibra?

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Your first team looks more balanced. I'd pick up Sigurdsson instead of Fabregas for a GW 3 WC.

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Sigurdsson unlikely to play first couple of games due to euros.

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks - yeah, I could get almost anyone with 1FT with that first team. I'll keep an eye on Fabregas/Sigurdsson/Ayew in preseason.

    2. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I say it's too top heavy. Having two 4.5 mids and a 4.0 defender is asking for trouble. I prefer your first version, but maybe downgrade one of Costa/Lukaku, to help get a good 4th mid.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, think I prefer the first one too, more flexibility - yeah that's definitely an option, I'll keep an eye on it

    3. Kroosin'
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      It will be tough to fill that 4.0,4.5 and 4.5 spots.
      Pick Fabregas after knowing how Conte is planning to use him, may be the friendlies will tell.

      We still don't know whether Valdes is nailed.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'll keep an eye on Conte and Fabregas/Costa. Not too fussed about the bench, this is a team for 3 GWs only. Ok - I'll keep an eye on the Valdes situation too - cheers.

    4. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn't want double-Swansea defence, personally.

      Owned Williams for most of last season, and although he came good towards the end(those BAPS!), it was mostly frustrating. Next to no chance of a clean sheet away from home.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I do like their first two games though - might swap Taylor to McAuley, we'll see. Cheers.

    5. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Hey.

      Prefer the former. Mourinho's comments on Ibra today were far from promising. Check @SkyKaveh on Twitter.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Berb - yeah I think so too, much more flexible for early FTs. Cheers for the info!

  19. HamzaKhan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Went Midfield and Defence heavy with this draft.

    RMT

    Cech Jaku
    Shaw Terry Sagna Walker Stones
    Mkhitaryian KDB Fabregas Tadic Capoue
    Long Wilson Kane

    Reasoning being that players like Mkhit/Payet/KDB/Hazard/Martial are just as likely to score as say Lukaku/Giroud but midfielders get more points for their goals.

    And Man Utd/Man City/Chelsea/Spurs/Arsenal defenders/goalies should have plenty of cleansheets.

    What do you think about this?

    1. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Sagna isn't nailed and Terry isn't 100%

      1. FULLSERVICECOVER
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        who is challenging terry then? zouma isnt fit and i dont see much else

        1. HamzaKhan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          That's what I thought while picking him. Zouma out for two more months I believe?

          The thing with Azpi would be that he won't get benched entire season most probably, so just saves a FT to use on the forwards who I would probably have to change all year round.

          I'll try for Terry>Azpi if the budget allows, otherwise not too bothered.

          1. FULLSERVICECOVER
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            im going terry,that 0.5 will come in useful when building pre kick offs...too many know it alls round here and most of the time opinions are split anyway...

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Different but nice..
      Quite defensive!

    3. Keep Calm and Play On
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      My only fear is that Aguero is missing, you planning on waiting to see preseaon and than bring in? He may get some rest after Copa America but I doubt he won't start first game. Other than that id say maybe swap Sagna and Terry for Azpi/Ivan and a bench defender because if not that team looks like a nightmare to pick every week.

      1. HamzaKhan
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I would love to fit Aguero in somehow, but at 13m, he just kills every other position :/

    4. Kroosin'
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      If you are planning go mid heavy, I prefer Hazard over Fabregas if you could fit him in.

    5. HamzaKhan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I think I will change terry to Azpi. I don't plan on wildcarding early, so wanted to have lots of players I wouldn't have to change early.

      Terry>Azpi
      Sagna> 4.5m is what I am looking at. Which 4.5m defenders would you guys recommend?

      Also, should I work towards having 9/9.5/6.5 attackers instead of a 11/6.5/6.5?

      Tadic/Fabregas>Lamela could provide some Spurs cover while I try to fit in a force like Long/Lukaku/Costa?

  20. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster, Jakupovic
    Shaw, Baines, Ayala, Kone, Souare
    Mkhitaryan, Firmino, Ayew, Townsend, Capoue
    Aguero, Lukaku, Austin
    1.5itb
    Souare may become Brunt with Ayala becoming Friend. Austin not set in stone, that 6.5 striker spot has plenty of options. Playing Foster every week. The biggest conundrums are Firmino due to fixtures and Ibra as I will struggle to get him if he fires early

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I like your Ayala pick. I'd just pick McAuley/Evans over Souare. Firmino costs a lot for those first few fixtures.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Not going near Evans. If I get a 2nd WBA defender it's Brunt

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Then I'd make the moves you're planning.

          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            I know Evans looks value but that's what he does. He tempts you in then let's you down

    2. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team, I'd probably get rid of Kone (Big Sam is leaving).. Maybe changes to Pieters

      Care to RMT in return please?

    3. Kroosin'
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Your team looks good.
      But if you have no other plans with that 1.5, bring a Chelsea defender in.

    4. Okladomah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Whilst the Ayala pick is good and I imagine him to be a beast in FPL, I would suggest picking Friend because of Ayala's injury. The club have always been a bit strange when it comes to his injuries and it creates a problem because you don't know when he'll return and Karanka's philosophy is the team, not the individual. Friend is cheaper (0.5!) and should also be a BPS magnet plus he has no real competition at the moment.

      Additionally, I've seen a few Rhodes about and I would stay away mainly because Rhodes and Negredo will probably rotate regardless of form and it could be a nightmare.

  21. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    This is what I'm working with right now. 0.0 in the bank.

    Courtois (Jakupovic)
    Shaw Clichy Friend (Funes Mori, McAuley)
    De Bruyne(vc) Mkhitaryan Sigurdsson Townsend (Feghouli)
    Aguero(c) Gray Long

    Ready to do Feghouli/Courtois to 4.5 if Benteke seals a transfer. Also looking at Mata and Enner Valencia if they transfer. Aiming for a GW3/GW4 WC, are there any potentially good picks for the first few gameweeks that I've missed?

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I suppose an early wc might negate this but I don't like 2 cheap strikers. If Ibra or Costa or Lukaku fires early you will struggle to react

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah it's bothering me too. Who should I drop? Mkhitaryan?

    2. MrMaverick
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      little light up front methinks, like your long pick but gray won't provide a regular stream of goals. clichy not nailed imo, courtois a good pick in goal, kdb-aguero combo irrestible. Sigurdsson excellent pick. Good spine

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        How can I fix that offense? Midfield and defense look fairly set imo.

        1. MrMaverick
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Downgrade defence the only way

    3. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Funes Mori > Pieters/4.5
      Feghouli > 4.5 as he is gonna be a bench folder?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        And do what with the remaining?

    4. Kroosin'
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Pep rotates a lot. So clichy is a risk, given City's early games in Europe.

  22. samlegend
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Butland / Jakupovic
    Shaw Azpi Friend Cresswell Evans
    De Bruyne Mkhitaryan Townsend Gradel Hojbjerg
    Aguero Lukaku Gray

    Is my midfield too weak? Obviously I'm keeping an eye on the Lukaku situation but I'm not too unhappy otherwise...

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'd downgrade Cresswell and upgrade Gradel, also I'd do Butland to Foster too for funds to upgrade Gradel.

    2. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say your midfield is fine. I have a soft spot for Gradel. If you wanted to, maybe change Butland to a 4.5 and downgrade Cresswell to a 4.5 as I don't see West Ham keeping many clean sheets. That leaves 1.5 to upgrade Gradel to maybe Lamela or Redmond. If you could milk another 0.5 you could get some great players at 7.5.

    3. Miro
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Good team, if you got the two big hitters in midfield right, then you don't need to spend more in midfield. Could always downgrade KdB and upgrade Townsend/Gradel, if they're not performing well.

    4. Keep Calm and Play On
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'd downgrade Cresswell as the WH defense isn't looking to hot atm, could just be preseason but I'd at least make a point to monitor. I'd have Shaw and Azpi and rotate three 4.5 def, friend-kone-evans (if you fancy him) than maybe downgrade de bruyne to haz or another Chelsea mid for coverage and use that to upgrade Gradel. Cheers

    5. Deerz8
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Cresswell out till november

  23. whoracle
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Good squad overall. There is a method to this madness going with 3 United players from the start. Easy way to downgrade both Zlatan and Miki to pretty much any other forward or midfielder listed in the game. Bar Hazard perhaps. Anyway, I kinda understand where you're heading going with this particular setup from the get go.

    Fancy a RMT of my team?

    Heaton/Jakupovic
    Shaw/Friend/Evans/Walker/Souare
    Fletcher/Firmino/Tadic/Mkhitaryan/Eriksen
    Wilson/Aguero/Lukaku

    Cheers Jonty.

  24. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    a) Hazard Lukaku
    b) Mahrez Costa

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Miro
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A, any day.

  25. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    How to get an avatar??? w/o it seems people are not replying :/

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You make one on gravatar.com under the same email you used for your account, upload a picture, rate it G, and it'll be on FFS.

  26. Phnom_Penh_Andy
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    After 100 changes in 2 days, I've left this for 24 hours now, so please tear it apart! 😉

    GK Cech, Jakupovic (premium keeper and bench-fodder)

    DEF Azpilic, Shaw (premium wingbacks, CS+attacking potential)
    Fuchs (wingback potential, less certain with him)
    Friend, Souare (cheap, starters, good early fix, possible surprises)

    MID Mkhitaryan (premium mid)
    Willian (not sure about him: Fabregas better?)
    Townsend, Feghouli, Hojbjerg

    FWD Aguero, Ibrahimovic, Wilson

    cost 100m

    Midfield a bit lightweight due to the big 2 up front. If Ibra has no pre-season and appears unfit, I'll jettison him and do Ibra/Townsend > Negredo/KdB for better balance.

    Thoughts? 🙂

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Spending too much on Fuchs. Downgrade and upgrade Willian imo. Or maybe upgrade Mkhitaryan to KDB.

      1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Upgrade Willian to whom? It's a tricky price-bracket.

  27. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    How to get an avatar??? w/o it seems people are not replying

    1. Colonial
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A4 You got the reply 7 mins after your post

  28. Prawn
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Heaton/Jaku
    Azpi - Van An- Morgan
    Siggy -Ozil - Paye t-Dier
    Aquero -Costa- Ighalo

    Subs -Pieters- Fernandez-Fletcher

    Good to be back tinkering away. Plz RMT any input would be appreciated 🙂

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Too much spent on players that aren't worth their pride. Dier, PVA, Ighalo...and Costa might leave.

  29. Mirkatldn
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone temped to put Iheanacho in?

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Don't be. Won't start.

  30. SwissGuinness
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    What changes would you do to this team ?

    Heaton, Foster
    Shaw, Walker, Evans, Pieters, Friend
    Hazard, Siggy, Tadic, Bojan, Capoue
    Ibra, Aguero, Wilson

    Team cost : 100m

    Thanks !

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. Some nice punts there. I'd get Townsend as a fourth mid though.

    2. TRIPPIER'S DAD
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Evans WILL get injured by GMW 4, I have Walker but i'm convinced he'll be rotated with Trippier when the CL kicks in

    3. chiiswaerch
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      looks strong....double up on wba might be a little to much.