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Scoutcast Episode 263 – squads and strategies for FPL Gameweek 1

8 August 2018 3764 comments
J0E J0E
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The start of the new season is just days away and the Scoutcast crew are still full of doubts about their 15-man Fantasy Premier League squads.

Andy, Az, David and Mark join me to mull over our likely strategies for the start of the 2018/19 campaign as well as reveal our current line-ups.

Across our 82-minute chat, a consensus emerges on backing Manchester City and Liverpool premium assets. But that could all change depending on tomorrow’s transfer deadline day deals and surprise team news.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth look set to supply our teams with a supporting cast of bargain enablers due to favourable fixtures. Well, for now at least.

But the groupthink soon breaks down when we discuss forward options, with Mark looking exclusively for value up top, while the rest of us are more keen to splash our cash.

The hive-mind soon returns at the end as we reveal our top choice for the Gameweek 1 armband, so to help those daring to shun a certain Egyptian we also offer up a host of alternative captaincy options.

This ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday evening. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link on the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

Also, this week we are publishing a series of videos looking in detail at each of the Scoutcast regulars’ current Gameweek 1 line-ups.

Rate My FPL Team #1 – Bargain Hunting at Crystal Palace

Rate My FPL Team #2 – Maximum Man City and Liverpool

Rate My FPL Team #3 – Daring to be Salah-less

Read more with Scout

Visit our PRE-SEASON PAGE to get the latest pointers from pre-season friendlies and read scout reports on new players by CLICKING HERE.

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Goalkeepers | Defenders: Budget | Defenders: Mid-Price and Premium | Midfielders: Budget | Midfielders: Mid-Price | Midfielders: Premium | Forwards: Budget | Forwards: Mid-Price |Forwards: Premium

Also check out our detailed statistical analysis articles on every team comparing data for the last two seasons to highlight the players to sign and the players to avoid:

Arsenal | Bournemouth | Brighton & Hove Albion | Burnley | Cardiff City | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Huddersfield Town | Leicester City | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Newcastle United | Southampton | Tottenham Hotspur | Watford | West Ham | Wolves

Read them all in one place

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the pre-season price of just £12.50. This will increase to the regular price of £15 after the first Gameweek of the season.

Join now to get the following:

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

3,764 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. nisag17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) De Gea and Daniels
    Or
    B) Patricio and Robertson

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  2. Roy Rovers
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering this.......

    Shaw and 4.0 def > 2 x 4.5 def (Tomkins and Zanka possibly)

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    1. nisag17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not getting Shaw in as I don't want a 5.0 defender who just starts 1 or 2 gameweeks. I know things will go wrong somewhere and don't want this headache so soon.

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      1. Roy Rovers
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Who would be the best 2 x 4.5 defs?

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        1. nisag17
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I have gone with Tomkins and Daniels as of now. I am still trying to find someone I like more than Daniels.

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          1. BananaNose Maldonado
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Cook is safer than Daniels if you are looking for a Bournemouth defender.

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        2. The Big Fella
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          The two you've said!

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          1. Roy Rovers
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Tomkins and Zanka or Tomkins and Daniels?

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    2. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I am thinking of this too. Tomkins and Duffy/Cook/Kabasele probably

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      1. Roy Rovers
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Or Shaw > Periera (Leicester)

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  3. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rich & 6.0(VVD/Bavies) +1.0itb
    B) Mahrez & 4.5(Boly/Doherty)

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    1. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Probably A for me, depending on what you might do with the 1.0

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    2. Fplnoobies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Why not b silva and 6.0 def.

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      1. Scheister
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Fo you think Bilva will play as much as mahrez?

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Early doors, yes. Long term prolly not.

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  4. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Townsend an option? I like his price if 6.0 and he came into his own later on in the season. Think he could match Zaha for value with a 1.0 difference.

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    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Of*

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    2. nisag17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes he is. Could provide value and be a differential. Not sure he is a coverage for Zaha although having both would definitely be excessive.

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    3. Fplnoobies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agree. He has value. I would spend another 0.5 and get richardlison or jota

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  5. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A. Rich + Jota (3-5-2)
    B. [Rich or Jota] + Bavies (4-4-2)

    Mendy and Robbo are in either.

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    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’m going Jota. Everton has good enough fixtures to where you can hop on after a few games and we see if they are worth it, and who that might be.

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      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. I think I am set on Jota too. Need to decide whether to go for Rich or 3rd 6.0 def (likely Bavies if Rose leaves).

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      2. Fplnoobies
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Jota and richardlison. 2 6.0 def is enough. Not sure if u want mendy in the long run anyways u might have to switch him to another 6.0.

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        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Good thoughts!
          Would love a 5.5 or 5.0 option, but not keen on Luiz or PVA, Bailly an injury doubt, and Shaw likely fire to put out in a week or two.
          Maybe I’ll start with J and R and have the option to downgrade one if a great 3rd Def option emerges.

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    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If Rose leaves I would vote B. If he's still around I vote A.

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  6. Fplnoobies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Simple question.

    A. Tomkins + Bernando Silva
    B. PVA + Richardlison

    I have wba and peliter as my 4th and 5th def.

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    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Simple answer.

      A

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      1. DT42
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        ^this

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    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely A

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    3. Chillada
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think A
      #edinknowsfootball

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    4. Roy Rovers
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

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  7. DT42
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Looking for a 4.5 Def with a good GW2 to rotate with my CPL defenders

    A. Jagielka
    B. WHU but who?
    C. Surprise me!

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    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C

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    2. lugs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      if you have Peltier then play him

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  8. peco12
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Rich or Jota?

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    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jota. Better player, better team

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      1. St. Joseph
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Wolves better team than Everton?

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          In my opinion, at the moment yes.

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        2. Ragabolly
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Yes

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  9. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    One more time:

    A) Mahrez + Cairney
    B) B Silva + Jota

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    1. lugs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B easily imo

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  10. premierglaser
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How're people thinking of Arnautovic vs. Zaha (or 6.5 options, not interested in Tosun)?

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    1. Chillada
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mitrovic

      #edinknowsfootball

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      1. premierglaser
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I looked at him. I like him - just a bit unproven with mediocre fixtures. Why're you thinking him?

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        1. Chillada
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Aleksandar Mitrovic was on loan in Fulham last season. He scored 12 goals in 17 games. He is integral to their attacking with creative players around him to supply.

          #edinknowsfootball

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    2. Kim Jong Kün
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Arnie.

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      1. premierglaser
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Why?

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        1. Kim Jong Kün
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I think some of his support will be really good and getting better, he's in incredible form, personally always rated him, fixtures aren't very good but I try to keep that as a secondary consideration. Zaha been linked away all year, better fixtures, worse help- just doesn't feel as good to me. Just personal feeling, could understand other side.

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    3. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Flip a coin, both in good form.

      im going with Zaha because of fixtures.

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  11. Foozeball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is D.Silva now a non-option? Has he been in training this week? I heard he missed the CS game because he had a slight knock

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    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Great player but minutes will be managed

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    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pep said his minutes will be managed (ie reduced) this season. My opinion is Bilva will effectively be a direct replacement for Dilva (in FPL terms I mean). 7.5 - great value!

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  12. HerrPep
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hey guys!
    a) Tosun, King or Zaha?
    b) Richarlison or Willian?

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    1. Chillada
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A) Tosun
      B) Sessegnon
      #edinknowsfootball

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    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going Tosun and King and I just replaced Rich with Moura. Going to need to see a little more out of Everton before I commit two spots to them

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      1. HerrPep
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks! What do you think about Fraser from Bournemouth?

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        1. Disco Stu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I like Fraser, and considering him as my 5th Middie

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        2. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          An excellent differential. Seriously considered him myself.
          BOU best 2 options are King and Fraser imo.

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    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      King,Rich

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    4. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You're all mad leaving Zaha out of your teams.

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      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Waiting to see if Zaha is still even with Palace come tomorrow

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      2. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I had him for ages until yesterday. I've bitten the bullet and gone Kun/Aub up top so I can no longer afford Wilf.

        I've got Miliv to convert the pens from his tumples and dives though!

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  13. Silva’s Left Nut
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So will caballero be starting?

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    1. 420king
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nope

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      1. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        who instead?

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        1. 420king
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Kepa

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    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kepa will likely get one short training session. Unless he knocks himself out I reckon it'll be enough to get him a start.

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  14. yer old da
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Boils down to this for me:

    A. Mahrez and Firmino
    B. B.Silva and Aubameyang?

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    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B, just

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    2. Rotation City
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If I had to choose I'd say B. But it really depends on the rest of your team. I think 3 Liverpool is the way to go.

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      1. yer old da
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Robbo and Salah for Pool. And 3 Man C the other two being Mendy and Aguero. 3 of each is a good strategy but Aubameyang has been nothing short of sensational from the moment he arrived at Arsenal.

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  15. meksss
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I just completed a draft and i have got an offer of Firmino/Neves for my Jesus/Richarlson. Should I take it?

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    1. Rihanovic
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yessssss

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    2. Rotation City
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think so. I'd never take Neves for Richarlson. Spose you just have to decide how much you want Firmino.

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  16. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Last decision: could use some help
    A)Mitrovic and Siggy
    B)Firminho and Cairney

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    1. Kim Jong Kün
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A for me. Assuming you have at least 1 liverpool M.

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  17. Kim Jong Kün
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Short term:
    A. B. Silva
    B. Pedro

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    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

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  18. Shiva_Destroyer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone knows of any cash leagues I can join? Also I am managing a cash league with $45 buy in for a season, top 3 prizes. Let me know anyone is interested in joining. So far 7 people confirmed.

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  19. No Salah
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I already have Mendy and Robertson in defence. Who would you choose if you can afford one more big defender?

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    1. lugs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Davies

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    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I've gone with PVA and TAA.

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    3. No Salah
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’m currently on Davies but feeling the need to change as spurs likely to concede with all the first team defenders missing.

      Can’t have TAA as no point having two defenders from Liverpool!

      Currently leaning towards ward if he’s fit.

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    4. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Bailly. Clean sheets coming for United.

      I’ve got Mendy VVD Bailly & Lindelof at the moment..
      Double united defence for double clean sheet points lol

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  20. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Will Kepa Azscsdfdjgrjdfvfhpdfver start GW1?

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Presumably he'll have a short training session today and Sarri will let us know tomorrow. My hunch is probably yes.

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    2. lugs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      its possible but i'd doubt it

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    3. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Think you should probably ask Edin.

      #edinknowsfootball

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Who is Edin?

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        1. fedolefan
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Was just messing with you. Someone who's signing off his posts with #edinknowsfootball. Search on this page.

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  21. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best combo for remaking two spots?

    Bavies & Bilva
    4.5 & Mahrez
    Other, Luiz, Rich?

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  22. JJJ
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Why no mention of Zaha on the scoutcast?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nobody picked him I guess.

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    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      so that they can talk about him next week after his brace.

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    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It's pretty ridiculous tbh. One of the strongest picks at the end of last season with great fixtures, good preseason form and high ownership (over 30%) doesn't get a single mention.

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    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looking at Mitrovic 16/17 he has similar figures to Zaha last season in less minutes and Zaha no CS or extra points for goal now. Still deciding on which one but Mitrovic atm

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  23. Wakanda
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    kepa is coming in , anybody know when will this be updated ?

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    1. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No, but 99% sure he'll be 5.5m

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      1. Wakanda
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        hoping to get him in draft..is there a normal timing when players are updated so i can snatch it ?

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        1. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Dunno. The timing of the closing of the tran window is unprecedented so FPL Towers must have their work cut out trying to get all the new prices sorted in time for the GW1 window to close.

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  24. Dave Dreamer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Feel like Luiz and Coleman are my weak spots.

    Any suggestions?

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    1. Dave Dreamer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Have Mendy & Robbo

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  25. The SK
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on front 8?

    A)
    Salah Mane Bilva Jota Cairney
    Aguero Arnautovic King

    B)
    Salah Mahrez Jota Cairney Ralls
    Aguero Firmino Arnautovic

    Thanks guys?

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    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Basically
      A) Mane, Bilva, King
      B) Mahrez, Ralls, Firmino

      think A.

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  26. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Arnie or King?

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    1. The SK
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Arnie

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  27. GOTHAM City F.C.
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Been toying with the team for two weeks, such a waste of time. Pretty sure i'll not be certain even 5 minutes before deadline.

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  28. HellasLEAF
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best cheap 5th mid??

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    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Gambling on Costa atm. If keeps place in front 3 very undervalued

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        sad he wont

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  29. I am 42
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    gtg? 0m itb

    Patrício
    Daniels Wan-Bissaka Bednarek
    Salah Mané Mahrez Richarlison
    Agüero Zaha King

    Fabianski Mkhitaryan Dunk Zanka

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    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Bednarek is not certainty. 5 players competing for 3 spots if 352 or worse 2 if 442

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    2. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Wait, what happened to that defense? I don't understand why Mkhi is on your bench when you have a defense like that.

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  30. yer old da
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A. Aubameyang and Neves

    or

    B. Zaha and Eriksen?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    2. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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