Team Reveals

FPL winner Simon March’s team reveal: £5.0m ‘keeper, Barnes in and Watkins out?

6 August 2021 890 comments
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The 2014/15 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) champion, Simon March, discusses his Gameweek 1 draft in our latest team reveal video on YouTube.

Simon chats to Joe about his 3-4-3 set-up for the opening weekend, including his slightly leftfield pick of a £5.0m goalkeeper when so many of us are plumping for a £4.5m option between the sticks.

Burnley’s defence is represented, while the former FPL winner has eschewed attacking full-back options in the form of Lucas Digne (£5.5m) and Luke Shaw (£5.5m) and opted for the steady drip-feed of points from Ruben Dias (£6.0m).

Leicester City’s fit-again Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) – who scored on Wednesday – also makes an appearance alongside some more ‘template’ midfielders.

Up top, Simon discusses his thoughts on Danny Ings‘ (£8.0m) move to Aston Villa and what it might mean for his initial Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) pick.

Ivan Toney (£6.5m) also makes an appearance in the three-man frontline.

You can watch Simon and Joe in the embedded video below, while you can see all previous YouTube team reveals via this link.

And if you missed it, you can read Simon’s first Pro Pundits column of the season below:

Ex-FPL winner Simon March: How to avoid getting carried away with your GW1 picks

You’ll be able to read Simon’s articles throughout the season with a Fantasy Football Scout subscription, which also gives you access to our new Premium Members Area.

890 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. cm790
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What we thinking of this?

    Sanchez (Foster)
    White TAA Dias (Lowton, fodder)
    Barnes Salah Sancho Raph (Saka)
    Watkins Nacho Antonio

    Is there too much money on the bench? Upgrade Sancho to Bruno somehow?

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    1. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who’s ur second striker?

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      1. cm790
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'm playing 3-4-3 with those 3 up top.

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        1. Cert
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          but who is nacho

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        2. Cert
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          ohhhh iheanacho. good team but he’s a bit risky cos he cld get rotates for daka or vardy

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          1. cm790
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Think I might put Wilson in for a punt instead of Nacho. Thanks.

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Downgrade Saka if he’s gonna be on ur bench

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    3. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Play 3-5-2 downgrade nacho and upgrade Sancho to Bruno and Saka to a 6.5…

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  2. Pukki Blinders
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Comes down this I think…

    A. Robbo + ESR
    B. Digne + Barnes

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    1. mack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B especially if you already have Trent

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B if you have Trent already

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    3. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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    4. Carlton P
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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  3. pmletch
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is KDB being overlooked now Grealish will be drawing fouls?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Drawing fowls more like it, on ghd bench.

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  4. Tic Tacs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    GW1 squad:
    Bachmann
    TAA, Cancelo, Taylor
    Salah, Mane (C), Greenwood, Bowen
    Ings, Wilson (vc), Toney

    Foster, Veltman, Brownhill, Johnson

    Undecided over the West Ham trio of Bowen, Fornals and Benrahma. Currently on Bowen due to set pieces and the potential for penalties if Noble doesn't start, but having .5 ITB by going with one of the other 2 does appeal.

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    1. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      buendia and raphinha better than bowen, cancelo too much of a risk as he will be rotated with walker and zinchenko and ings too risky as we don’t know how villa will play with watkins and ings

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  5. mcginnntonic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a) buendia and bruno
    b) son and barnes + 1.5m

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

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  6. ClothedinSun
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Ziyech a viable option for GW1 after his preseason form then?

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    1. cm790
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wondering the same, is it a fluke?

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      1. ClothedinSun
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Bar the few minutes I saw him play last season, when I watched him in the CL for Ajax he was incredible. I wonder if Tuchel will bring the best out of him this season…and the preseason form is the first sign of this?

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    2. JELLYFISH
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Mate of mine whose a Chelsea fan says he's looked really good in pre-season, and he started last season well if I recall (up until his injury).

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    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure he starts TBH

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  7. No Salah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Seeing Mahrez in lots of draft, does he look nailed for the first 3/4 Gw?

    City fixtures are not too good, I know they’re fixture proof but being stuck with a non certain option with poor fixtures doesn’t make any sense.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very true. So does no Salah btw.

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    2. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      How city lineup is a wait and see for me,im sure Mahrez starts against Spurs but once Sterling,Foden etc are available he will get splinters again imo.

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  8. JoeShmoe
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Will Cavani start week 1? And what's view on Grealish vs Gundogan vs Mahrez?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You could simply have just said 'may I have some trouble please?'.

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      cavani will start idk what pep will do tho

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    3. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cavani not back in training yet

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  9. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Completely missed Ings to Villa!

    What does this mean for Watkins?

    Does this mean neither are an option?

    Surely it's a wait and see now???

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    1. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      yep wait and see

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      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Will Ings get pens? Think they gave to El Ghazi last year didn't they and he was a bench player more than not right?

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You'd think ings the one to get now.

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      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Indeed

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  10. pmletch
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) TAA, Grealish, Cavani
    B) Digne, KDB, Toney

    Are there any better 8.0 or similar?

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    1. pmletch
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      8.0 Mid ^

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  11. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else as confused as I now am about picking a squad?

    With all the moves it's getting harder not easier.

    I've changed my squad so much I've confused myself now

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      It's going to get worse before it gets worse.

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      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ugh

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    2. aapoman
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would expect Watkins to move to a winger. Ings is the one I'm currently really thinking about. The lad loves goals and is very likely to be on pens

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    3. slamdunk
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just start with a core of 5/6 players you deffo want who are nailed and build around it,i have totally ignored other peoples drafts on here or twitter.Has helped alot menatally and feel less confused,even if i have a poor start.

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      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

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    4. caldracula
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Build a team around the players that you definitely want to own, and then have a list of players that you would like in your squad and then have a play around with you can fit in around the base of your team. Try not to overthink and listen to too many other peoples opinions.

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  12. Chelsea91
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts???
    Ederson
    Taa,Shaw,Digne
    Raph,Salah,Barnes,Buendia,Bruno
    Antonio,Toney

    Forster White,Amartey,Perica

    0.00 itb

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    1. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      downgrade ederson and upgrade amartey

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      1. Chelsea91
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Amartey to?

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        1. Cert
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          maybe coufal and use the 0.5 somewhere else or bank it

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          1. Chelsea91
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Okay cheers

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Needs more Chelsea

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      1. Chelsea91
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Fixtures are not good

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  13. sean 2099
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Customary RMT

    Sanchez foster

    Trent Robertson cancelo shaw Duffy

    Salah mount Barnes James bisouma

    Calvert Antonio pukki

    Obviously James probably switched out if he's definitely going

    Thanks!

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Obviously the whole midfield switched out, bar Salah.

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      very weak midfield, cancelo a but avoid and pukki is terrible

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  14. Life_Ban
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Just had my second covid jab and waiting out the subsequent 15 mins.

    First thought is to check on Fantasy Football...if you are mad like me (not about taking covid jab), please feel free to compete with us:

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/1nbmz6

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    1. El Presidente
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is it a jab league?

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    2. Stupendous
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Get this fkin crap off here.

      Rules for some and not for others if not.

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  15. SILENTWAR
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ings + Harrison/Benrahma
    or
    B) Antonio + Buendia

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Prob B

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      definitely B not even a question

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    3. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd go B

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  16. Champions League Varane
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts? Last decision is Son and Toney or Mahrez and Antonio.

    Sanchez
    Webster White TAA Shaw
    Mahrez Bruno Salah Barnes
    Antonio Ings.

    Foster Ayling Brownhill Obafemi.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Son toney

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    2. Carlton P
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Son Toney out of them but I think having son/Mahrez is compromising your defence too much. If playing 4 ATB I would be spending another mill or two

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  17. FantasyClub
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know if Pickford is back in training? I think he’s still on holiday...would that mean Begovic starts GW1?

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No. Keepers only run around in a small box.

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  18. Carlton P
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else refusing/being stubborn with city midfielders?
    Every season I look at Sterling/Mahrez at 8-11 mil on 150 points and see Leicester on 130 and they’re 7 mil!
    Not making that mistake again. Get in my team Barnes

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    1. caldracula
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Starting with Mahrez and if the rotation because a nightmare it's a pretty easy swap to Sancho/Son/Havertz etc

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  19. drughi
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I dont see mount in many drafts, is he not likely to play gameweek 1 ?

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    1. CBonci
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think he’s a good option who will tick over regularly, but points are spread for Chelsea and the early fixtures aren’t great. Not a sexy pick so to speak.

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      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ok just havent seen him in any drafts so thought it was something I have missed.

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    2. Cert
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      idk but he’ll definitely get rotated throughout the season

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    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not for gw1

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    4. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He's just not prolific enough to be a decent FPL option.

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      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I disagree think he is an excellent player

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  20. Super Frank
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Second draft.. What do you think of this team?
    Sanchez, Foster
    Trent, Shaw, Coufal, Targett, Veltman
    Salah, Bruno, Madders, Raphinha, Bissouma
    Antonio, Watkins, Toney

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Shitkins to ings

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    2. mack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes > Maddison seems to be the consensus

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    3. CBonci
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would do Maddison to Barnes too if you’re set on a Leicester mid (whether Maddy stays or goes)

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  21. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go? 0.5 ITB

    Bachmann (Foster)

    TAA Shaw Veltman (White, Omobamidele)

    Salah (C) Fernandes Raphinha Buendia (Brownhill)

    DCL Antonio Wilson

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      All good

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  22. Lucas World Conquest
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I’m starting to think that Bowen could be a better 6.5m option than Raphinha and no one else really seems to have him.

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is he on set pieces?

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      1. Lucas World Conquest
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Between him and Cresswell

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    2. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just put him in my 2nd draft as 4th mid, at least for those first few fixtures.

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    3. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Benrahma

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  23. mack
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Quick one:

    A) Fernandes, Dias, Obafemi
    B) Son, Ings, Veltman

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    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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  24. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any changes you’d recommend?

    Henderson
    TAA Digne Lowton
    Salah Son Mahrez Greenwood Buendia
    Antonio Wilson

    (Foster, Veltman, 4m, 4.5m)

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  25. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Might stick with this for now..

    Sanchez
    Dias Digne Taa Shaw
    Bruno Salah Raph Barnes
    DCL Antonio

    4.0 Brownhill White Obafemi

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    1. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like it

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      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes!!! It is screaming out to me and I just threw it together

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    2. mack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very similar to mine. One thing to consider is Dias and Obafemi to Toney and 4.0 (move to 3-4-3). That’s what I’m stuck on atm

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      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Nah not for me yet. Toney a wait and see

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      2. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers though!

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        1. mack
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No worries, solid team either way!

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

    Is Martinez worth the extra cash over meslier/ Pickford?

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    1. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think he is, especially when the dbl digits start rolling in..

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    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      For the first three GWs I think he is. Can then downgrade when we have a better idea who the value GK is.

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  27. Warby84
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Team A 4-4-2..

    Martinez (Steele)
    Veltman White Dias Trent (Ayling)
    Mahrez Salah Fernandes H.Barnes (Gilmour)
    Toney Ings (4.5)

    Team B 3-5-2

    Martinez (Steele)
    White Digne Trent (Veltman 4.0)
    Raphinha Salah Fernandes H.Barnes Buendia
    Toney Ings (4.5)

    Been on A for a while but starting to like 3 atb

    Any thoughts appreciated

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    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Team B

      Don't want to touch City's assets other than Dias or Stones. Barnes has good fixtures.

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      1. Warby84
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry A was Buendia over Barnes..

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        1. NULL-X-VOID
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Too much uncertainty with Villa mid. The only viable option now, it would be Ings as a placeholder waiting for Lukaku price

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    2. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B looks good

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  28. NULL-X-VOID
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I've got this bloke called John Stones in my draft, am I crazy or am I crazy?

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    1. Warby84
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not crazy just have decent back up..

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      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Tbh I think he's pretty much nailed, after last season I don't see him being rotated until CL.

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

          Laporte is making noises about wanting to move to Spain, so he hasn't been given assurances. Stones must be good to go.

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What's plan B?

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      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Well see, I'm assuming we'll get the rough idea on City's def in the CS. Tbh, I don't think I need a backup with Stones, but I still have 0.5 itb, if he seems dodgy I can take Dias

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    3. caldracula
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Dias and Ake starting CB's for first game? I guess the comm shield will tell us some more.

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  29. JariL
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts about starting the season with the classic Trent+Robbo double-up? The fixtures are there.

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    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      One thing I've noticed is that at one point, there's only one Pool's wing-back performs by taking the most of ball progression. I take it Trent is going to outshine Robbo by a lot.

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    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Taa

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  30. soulsaver
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Hello Guys!
    Thoughts?
    Så/Begovic
    ATT/Dinge/Cresswell/Targett/Veltman
    Buendia/De-Bruyne-Salah/Gilmour
    DCL/Ings/4.5

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    1. soulsaver
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry Barnes in mid as well

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