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Fantasy Premier League Rate My Team Surgery

Welcome to the first of this summer’s pre-season Rate My Team Surgeries.

These articles will look at initial Fantasy Premier League squads and will be published ahead of Gameweek 1. Each time one of the FFScout moderator and contributor team will put forward their selection for scrutiny in order to start the discussion.

The aim is to highlight some of the key concerns we have faced in constructing our 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 balanced 3-4-3 selection.

My Team

Key Concerns

My lack of Manchester United or Chelsea defence is a concern as both sets of players are highly owned. It is the gaping Red Devils shaped hole in my back line that is my biggest issue as Chelsea’s fixtures are not great after their opener at home to Burnley, while Jose Mourinho’s troops early matches look superb. David De Gea or Eric Bailly are targets – although each will need funds to be freed up elsewhere.

De Gea could be a possibility as I’m not wholly convinced by my cheap as chips West Brom goalkeeper double up. Would I be better off going for the Spaniard, or indeed the save points that perhaps West Ham stopper Joe Hart or Watford’s Heurelho Gomes may offer early on?

The third striker spot is a tough one this season. Southampton’s Charlie Austin is there as a place holder currently and I’d be particularly keen to hear arguments for other strikers priced at 6.5 or below or even why I should invest more in this berth.

Nailed On Picks

Flexibility is driving my initial selection – and that for me is why Harry Kane is nailed on. Downgrading an injured or poorly performing Kane is easy, upgrading to the game’s most expensive striker could require surgery or an early wildcard. I’m also not convinced that Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen will match last season’s golden boot winner’s output.

Kevin De Bruyne looks the best attacking Manchester City option for me and is 0.5 cheaper than the only other one I’d consider – Gabriel Jesus. The Belgian looked particularly commanding in City’s 3-0 rout of Spurs in pre-season.

One of Nathan Ake or Charlie Daniels looks essential for me. Bournemouth defenders are among the best FPL resources due to their command of attacking points. Clean sheets are merely a nice extra for them. Both this pair appeal, but currently Ake has the edge as one of the best defenders last season for points per match. He was also 2016/17’s best player in terms of baseline bonus points.

As a Brighton fan I’ve got to have some representation and I believe defence is the main place to find it. With two assists full back Markus Suttner has impressed in pre-season and has even been fielded on the wing at times during matches. Lewis Dunk is another option here  – but his ill discipline concerns me. Also talk of his bonus potential hinges on clean sheets – which I’m not convinced my team will excel at in the top flight. Suttner’s attacking potential gives him the edge for me.

Romelu Lukaku is going nowhere with United’s fixtures and his strong pre-season form. Don’t even attempt to persuade me to ditch him.

The Punt

John Stones is my main punt. I originally had United’s Victor Lindeloff in this place but I’m concerned that he may be eased into Premier League action and miss the odd game at the start. City’s Stones could also be a rotation risk, hence the punt, but with wingbacks set to be deployed I can see him earning starts at first and if pre-season is anything to go by he could also bring me attacking returns. Already he has scored twice and assisted another goal during pre-season. If he can carry on that form his lowly 3.6% ownership and 5.5 price tag could rocket.

Formation

I’ve tried to construct a team around a four at the back formation but it just doesn’t sit right with this dullard. I favour the attacking prospects of midfielders and strikers over the dull ache of disappointment when a defender loses a clean sheet.

I’m currently favouring 3-4-3 but am willing to swap to 3-5-2 should five viable midfielders emerge and the third striker well dries up completely.

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

1,184 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL_Pundit
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hi everyone, this is my first post after a lot of lurking so I'm pleased to meet you all. Would you mind rating my team? Any feedback is welcomed! Thanks

      De Gea

      Trippier / Cedric / Bertrand

      Pogba / De Bruyne / Fabregas / Zaha

      Lukaku / Jesus / Rodriguez

      Bench: Foster / Dawson / Mesa / Lascelles

      Some reasons for the picks are I wanted to get Southampton Brom and Man U players due to the kind start. Huddersfield have great fixtures too but I can't trust them to start with. Fabregas or Willian is an option. Mesa is a punt, could swap for Carroll or Loftus Cheek. Lascelles cheap bench fodder and Newcastle have a good run after first match. No Kane but we can't have it all! Thanks for having a look.

    • Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What do you reckon of this? Would like to upgrade defence a bit but cant really see any good ways to do it.
      Kane - Lukaku - Jesus
      KDB - Willian - Tadic
      Cedri - Yoshida - Daniels - Suttner
      DDG

    • Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT please 🙂

      DDG (Elliot)
      Cedric - Trippier - Tomkins (Zabaleta - Mee)
      JWP - KDB - Alli - RLC (Sobhi)
      Chicharito - Kane - Lukaku

      I will be playing 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 depending on the opposition, changing defs as I see fit.

      In addition, it looks to me as if I have 5 clear captaincy candidates, which I'm happy about.

      1. meerlight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I don't think tomkins is a starter anymore

    • Green Dragon
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT Post!!
      De Gea/ Foster
      Trippier Monreal Cedric Daniels Yedlin
      KdB Willian Ramsey Fraser Loftus-Cheek
      Kane Lukaku Austin!
      Going with a 4 man defence at the moment with one of Austin Fraser playing each week...might keep some cash from somewhere to get Chicharito in should Austin lose his place or goes out of preseason form!!

      1. Stat Sloth
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        4/5

        As you said, Austin and Fraser are uncertainties. As is Ramsey, with Wenger still experimenting on formations. Also not sure for how long Willian will be a safe route, it all depends on how well he plays in the first matches. Defense and goalies are really good, tho. Keepie uppie!

        1. Green Dragon
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Howe said that Fraser is Bournemouth's answer to Hazard so if he is fit he will be starting! Austin is Austin and Willian is a sure starter until Hazard returns which is about at the time when i will be using my wc!!

          1. 32chickens
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Sauce?
            It just doesn't sound like how to big up one of his midfield bunch like that

    • 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hi, please pick two of three players below:

      A. Daniels (442)
      B. Tammy Abraham (343)
      C. Milivojevic

      Thx you.

      1. Stat Sloth
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A/C. Who is B?

    • meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Can someone please help me out here?

      heaton elliot
      trippier valencia yoshida dawson 4.0
      KDB eriksen fab walters carroll
      lukaku jesus gayle

      1. Stat Sloth
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Will be tough for Heaton to follow up last season.

        Why not change the 4.0 def to a 4.5 starter, and the downgrade one of the defenders to a playing 4.0 early on? Impossible to know by now which of the 4.0s will be starters.

        Lots of gambles here as well, with rotation fears and tough oppisitions in the first gws. Fab, Walters, Gayle, Jesus, Yoshida, Valencia, Elliot, those are just the ones I find at first glance. IMO you need more secure starters 🙂

        Good luck!

        1. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers, for the record i'm pretty sure they'll all start.

          I may do valencia and fab to bertrand and pogba 😎

      2. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Nice. I'd downgrade Heaton and upgrade Gayle to Chicarito or Walters to Chadli/Phillips.

        1. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          cheers spence. I'm hoping that walters will play in the no10 role. chadli is an option, but not 100% nailed. And heaton could be downgraded, but he's been fantasy gold in the last two seasons that he's been in the PL

    • Emery thing I do
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      First post and first season FF so please do help RMT:

      4-3-3
      Foster (Elliot)
      Trippier, Daniels/Ake, Yoshida, Kolasinac (Rangel)
      KDB, Salah, Willian (RLC, Carroll)
      Chicarito, Kane, Lukaku

      Thoughts? Seems fairly balanced to me but missing MU Defence for decent early fixtures...

      1. meerlight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Get out now, while you still can

        1. Emery thing I do
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Haha it's too late - I'm already committed... Thoughts on the team???

        2. meerlight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          You're teams good, though. You can't cover everything, nor should you try.

    • Aggers
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      DDG (Elliot)

      Alonso, Ake, Kompany/Stones (Rangel, Hunemeier)

      Sanchez, KDB, Ince, Willian, Van La Parra

      Kane, Gayle (Quaner)

      First draft...any thoughts?

      1. Merteswagger
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Sanchez may miss GW1 bud, not had a minute of pre season yet

    • Pigsinblankets
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone else worried about Sane's minutes now? I had him as a cert but Pep just can't be trusted.

      1. Merteswagger
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        With b.silba/sane/sterling going for 2 spots it seems KDB's premium has to be paid if you want a certain option

      2. Honeyman07 42
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah i wouldnt risk him atm

      3. Pigsinblankets
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        True, too much of a minefield.

    • Merteswagger
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Afternoon all, appreciate any feedback on this;

      Foster (Elliot)

      Trippier/Lindelof/Yoshida (Mee/Rosenior)

      KDB/Countinho/Eriksen/JWP (4.5 (RLC?))

      Lukaku/Lacazette/Austin

      WIll go through other posts now but any input welcomed!

      1. meerlight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Lacazette seems like a bit of a punt, he's been far from convincing in preseason
        Lindelof is not looking like being a starter. mou seems to be pairing bailly and jones for the league with lindelof and smalling in supercup/cl

    • gustawny
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT Please 🙂

      Foster - Myhill
      Smith, Cedric, Bailly - Rangel, Humeneier
      Alli, Mooy, Salah, Willian, De Bruyne
      Lukaku, Lacazette - Fletcher (whu)

      Thinking about possible change:
      A) Humeneier, Willian, Lacazette
      for
      B) Yedilin, Ramsey, Morata

      What do you think?

      1. Honeyman07 42
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Didnt Fletcher go to Middlesborough?

        1. gustawny
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Oh you're right, I didn't notice it. Anyway it's still a bench place for 4.5 striker, i'm not dreaming about any points here ;D

    • Honeyman07 42
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts?

      De Gea (Elliot)
      Stones Kolas Bertrand? (Ake Rangel)
      Willian KDB Zaha Redmond? (Carroll)
      Lukaku Kane Abraham

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Redmond iffy pick imo other than that I like it

    • Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Any concerns with this lot?

      DDG
      Trippier yosh kompany kola
      Willian Pogba KDB
      Kaku Jesus tekkers

      Elliot Tcarroll romeu 4.0

      TIA

      1. Honeyman07 42
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Looks solid

    • SlamSam111
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What you think guys?
      Any improvements possible?

      De Gea (Elliott)
      Kompany - Trippier - Yoshida - Daniels (Mee)
      Alli - KDB - Milivojevic - Willian (Carroll)
      Lukaku - Kane (Quaner)

      3 Spurs too much? No Liverpool/Arsenal?

    • Waxys
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Veeeeery interesting.

      My pre season pack has Bernardo Silva as a starter in midfield

    • Who Ayew
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT

      Foster (Myhill)
      Kolasinac - Bertrand - Ake - Ward(palace) (Mee)
      De Bruyne - Alli - Lanzini - JWP (Carroll)
      Kane - Lukaku (Ayew)

      Too much money spent on defence? Think i am planning on going 442.

      Cheers all!

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Not bad how much is Ayew? How often would you play him

    • Feyzi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      As you have pointed out yourself, ManU lack in the defence is the main problem here but that is easy to foresee and a preference... However, I cannot see how, once you have Lukaku and Kane and invest 12 per forward, you can still invest in a mid and not budget forward. 6.5 does not have too many good options and Austin may be better than others, but with his injury record and the Saints' lack of finish last year, it is a strong bet you are taking on there. I would surely downgrade that to insert a ManU defence..

    • Scotdownunder
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pls RMT
      Concerns over 3 Saints players in starting 11 and whether to switch Miki to Pogba. Thoughts appreciated

      Forster
      Bertrand Trippier Kolasinac Walker
      JWP Willian Miki KDB
      Lukaku Kane

      Elliott Carroll Smith Fletcher

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        All 3 saints players will provide value early on with fixtures . The defence double up is sensible.

        I would go pogba

        1. Scotdownunder
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate. I assume that's on the back of the Matic signing?

          1. Man Chest Hair United
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yes and the fact he will for sure play 90 each week

    • La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think I'm now settled with this;

      DDG
      Kolasinac Alonso Yoshida
      Milivojevic Salah Eriksen Willian
      Austin/Gayle Aguero(c) Lukaku

      Elliot TCarroll Hunemeier Rangel

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Very nice. One of the few Kun backers.

        What is making you pick him over kane? You think he will start early Dawes

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Ridiculously lower ownership and explosiveness. People seem to forget his capability and go ahead with Jesus who is also good pick of course.

          I'm just not sure on Gayle or Austin.

          1. Man Chest Hair United
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Austin worth the risk if he is benched swap him out

    • Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Surely Aguero starts up front for the first few game weeks?

      Really want to pick him over kane.

      A Kun Kompany
      B kane Yoshida?

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A yep I thought so

    • Concentration
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What are people's thoughts on holding some money back early on?

      I've currently got £2m saved, which means I'm only one transfer away from bringing in anyone.

      However, my current team could probably improve with a couple of slight upgrades.

      I'm trying to stay flexible this year, but is holding funds back taking this too far?

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Is two million worth a hit? Not in my opinion.

        Anyone is basically two moves away if needed

        1. Concentration
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          That's a fair point.

          Although I'm currently happy that I'll have a solid side out for the first two weeks and have a few low-owned punts with the potential to pick up steam early on.

          1. Man Chest Hair United
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Can't argue with that. Good luck sir

    • kNeejerk
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT Please 🙂

      deGea/Elliot
      Cedric, Trippier, Kolasinac, Ake, Rangel
      De Bruyne, Willian, Zaha, Redmond, Loftus Cheek
      Lukaku, Kane, J Rodriguez

      Not too happy about Rodriguez and Zaha.

      Thoughts please?

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Solid squad good downgrade kola and upgrade j rod

        1. kNeejerk
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks Man 🙂

          Any ideas as to whom do I pull in for J Rod?

          Austin - Minutes (Gabbi & Long may eat them up)

          Chicharito - Not too sure about him. Can he turn things on?

          Gayle - Mitro would eat his gametime?

          King - Defoe would take the spot..

          Berahino - Would this be the season for him to break through?

          Or we go Deeney? 😀

    • JonnyBravo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Help/advice please

      GK - Foster / Fabianski
      Def - Kompany / Cahill / trippier / Pied / hunimeier
      Mid - KDB / Pogba / Fabregas / Ruben LC / Carroll
      FW - Kane / Lukaku / Austin
      4-3-3
      Had Cedric in for Pied and Alli for KDB until today!

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Looks good I would downgrade Cahill and one of your goal keepers and upgrade RLC or pied

    • arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A/ Bertrand RLC Austin
      B/ Yoshida Zaha Quaner

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A

    • Temple
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Think I'm set on a team.
      Opinions? 

      Foster, (Elliot)
      Cedric, Trippier, Danilo (Daniels, Long) 
      Alli, Zaha, Willian, Pogba (RLC) 
      Austin, Lukaku, Kane 

      I'm on Austin at the minute, if it looks like Gabb will be starting I'll downgrade a defender .5 and have him in. And Danilo once Mendy is fit if he's dropped just be straight swap with another 5.5

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm also on Danilo how many games do you think he will start?

      2. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Nice team.

    • Clifford☯
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Any Thoughts on this Team ?

      Heaton
      Kolasinac Trippier Daniels
      Eriksen KDB Willian Groβ
      Kane Lukaku Abraham

      Elliot T.Carroll Suttner Hunemier

      0.0 ITB

    • Ballistics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RMT please

      Foster (Elliot)
      Trippier Yoshi Stones (4.0, Lejuene)
      Pogba Salah JWP KDB (Carroll)
      Kane Lukaku J Rod

      Still unsure on pogba and Salah could switch to Eriksen and Willian.

    • Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tough one!

      A) Forster & Kolasinac

      B) DDG & Bertrand

      Have Yoshida and no UTD/ARS defender.

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A.

      2. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        B

      3. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        B

      4. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Tough one

        B only just

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yup I think early fixtures favour B!

      5. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        B

    • Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Views on this one please, liking my 4 captaincy options, which for me, is a crucial part of the game.

      Begovic
      Kompany Kolasinac Cedric
      KDB Coutinho (C) Zaha Chadli Ward-Prowse
      Kane Lukaku

      Elliot Suttner Quaner Hudson.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        If you are picking big hitters based on captaincy options, wouldn't Aguero/Jesus be better than KDB?

        1. Pirlø's Pen
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Personally am very concerned about Agueros minutes. Also think KDB will be the top scoring City player as he has more ways to score points. 0.5 cheaper too and at 10 I consider him a bargain.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Fair enough, but if it's Man City v Huddersfield, would you not prefer to be captaining one of the strikers rather than KDB?

            I'm only saying because of your captain option comments as I am considering going down the same route (I currently have Sanchez, Mane, Kane and Lukaku in my draft)

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Solid team if Coutinho stays and doesn't get rotated around CL qualifiers.

        Not sure if Chadli is nailed.

    • joshbshp
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Real draft happening at 2pm for those who are interested. Code is 272481-69017