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Mark Sutherns’ latest FPL team draft for Gameweek 1

Fantasy Football Scout’s very own Mark Sutherns has been discussing his latest Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team draft with video regular Andy North over on our YouTube channel.

This is an exclusive for Premium Members – and there’ll be plenty more to come in 2021/22.

Mark will be filming one video just for subscribers every week throughout the upcoming campaign, so sign up via this link in order to see them.

FPL pre-season: Trossard hits hat-trick from wing-back role 1

In this first instalment, the FPL BlackBox co-host and Andy chat about Jack Grealish (£8.0m), Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Danny Ings (£8.0m) before launching into a discussion on their latest drafts.

Mark explains his 3-5-2 set-up, premium midfielder choices and omission of Bruno Fernandes (£12.5m).

Andy throws his own selections under the spotlight, explaining his preference for a 3-4-3 and inclusion of Harvey Barnes (£7.0m).

Subscribers can view the embedded video below:

2,238 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Don't know what to do with my GK situation. I was set on Meslier, but while (a) Leeds defence does look leaky and (b) everyone here keeps telling me so, I'm not keen on any of the 4.5s to be honest. What's your take?

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I also seriously dislike all the 4.5 GK options. I think I'm going to set and forget Pickford.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        It's one of him, Schmeichel or Meslier for me, honestly.

        1. interpolnyc
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I've gone for schmeical and ward for GK. Won't have to touch that all season I don't think.

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I'm seriously considering it.

          2. Scheister
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Unless a Leicester game is postponed.

            I’ve gone for Sanchez and Bachmann. Should be nice to have cover in case of unexpected postponements. Or for trips to Anfield etc

        2. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I looked at Schmeichels points per hame from last season, and it put me off.
          So it's just Meslier vs Pickford in my opinion.

          I'm worried about second season syndrome for Leeds (like sheffield united went from a defensive fortress in season 1, to relegated in season 2). And I am optimistic about Rafa adding defensive solidity to Everton.

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Do you think it's too crazy of me to ignore friendlies and bet on Leeds/Meslier?

            1. Egg noodle
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I'm unsure about Leeds without Kalvin Phillips.

              But if there is one thing my 11 years on this website taught me, it is that pre-season form has no correlation with actual season form.

              1. sirmorbach
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                It's good to hear, mate. Good to hear. Good luck to both of us!

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

      Meslier is a set and forget. he gets lots of save points.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        THANK YOU. I finally feel I am not alone in this one.

  2. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) Shaw + AWB
    B) Shaw + Rudiger

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Tough call, but I think I'd take the Rudiger risk and go B.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is Rudiger a risk then, in your view? I'm hoping for him to play all of the first 6 games. Assuming Chelsea don't sign another central def.

        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I think you're safe for the first gameweeks. Maybe a risk long term, but then again, who isn't?! B for me!

    2. JUNITED
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B all day.

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

  3. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Few last-moment tweaks:

    Bachmann | Foster
    Chilwell | TAA | Digne | White | Amartey
    Salah | Bruno | Grealish | Buendia | Brownhill
    Antonio | Richarlison | Deeney

    Grealish will be benched the first GW. After the United demolition, I might be tempted to dump Digne for Maguire/Shaw/AWB, just need to pick which. Not 100% on the 7.5 forwards, either, but Rich does have decent fixtures and form coming off the Olympics.

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      One thing I could do is Grealish + Rich to Ings + Gundo, but it feels a bit of a sideways move.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You have too many unsafe starters in my opinion.

        Chillwell Amartey Grealish.. And Richarlison is also unfit apparently (I think?)... And there's Deeney - how much will he feature this season?

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Amartey is 4.0 bench fodder. Is there a better option?

          Chilwell I can drop for James. Grealish is more of a long-term investment, but he might actually be best avoided now I think of it after he's benched in GW1 and the casuals sell him off.

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

      wont rich go on a break now ?

      He was in copa squad also

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I don't know what they'll do without him, but it's a valid concern all the same.

  4. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How is this draft? Actually is ings gonna start straightaway?

    Sanchez
    Taa shaw coufal
    Salah bruno buendia esr barnes
    Antonio ings

    Subs foster white veltman deeney

    1. GUNNERINHO
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wait until Villa's game tonight to see if Ings gets a run.
      This draft will get you off to a good start, but I would replace Deeney with Ofafemi 4.5 - should get some game time with Ings gone, or keep eye on Idah 5.0 at Norwich - played in all preseason games and has come back with 4 goals.

  5. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Isn't De Gea an option with Hendo's covid?

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      he is but how long he keeps his place is a doubt

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      May get dropped after one or two games when Hendo recovers

  6. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which combo of players is likely to return the most points in the first 3 weeks:

    A - Buendia & Toney
    B - Ings & Coufal

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B

  7. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Benrahma can't be nailed right? Good preseason I know but Fornals, Bowen, Yarmolenko and Lanzini all in the mix.

  8. tom66
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Think I am nearly there....any suggestions? Thanks

    Martinez
    Shaw - Cresswell - Tierney
    Bruno - Salah - Pepe - Barnes - Sarr
    Ings - Antonio

    Subs: Sanchez - Coady - Ayling - Obafemi

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Are you fine with playing Tierney against Chelsea and City?

      1. tom66
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Ayling for WKs 2-3

  9. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Bachmann)
    TAA Shaw Digne (White 4.0)
    Salah Son Barnes Buendia (Gilmour)
    DCL Antonio Toney

    1.5 ITB
    Where would you use it?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      DCL is injured. I'd perhaps switch to a 352 and get Mahrez.

      1. Scheister
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeesh. How long is he out? Didn’t see that.

        Good shout, cheers

        1. Chandler Bing
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Apparently a toe injury (but not serious so should be back soon). It is worth noting that he just came back to training so hasn't had any preseason. I'd avoid unless announced fit to start GW1.

  10. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Are people still keeping Digne after yesterday's result? I almost don't want to but I just don't see how Southampton will score against them without Ings and JWP. No other defender has better fixtures either.

    1. Scheister
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t think I’ll be dropping him.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I knee jerked him out but just put him back in. Don't really like any of the alternatives and it's probably not a great idea to put too much emphasis on one preseason result.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Exactly the same. Removed him earlier only to put him back because there are no better options.

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm sticking with him though am admittedly wavering on this.

      Those fixtures for the first 10 are too kind. They won't be playing anyone with Utd's attacking threat (apart from one game against Utd when he can be benched or dropped if Everton haven't improved by then)

    4. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Why have him in the first place? PPG isn’t great and neither is his team

  11. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Has ings played pre season yet?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He did for Southampton. Villa have a game tonight. Watch out for him there.

    2. GUNNERINHO
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Three games for Southampton
      45, 62 and 30 mins

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

    G2G?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Digne
    Salah Mane Barnes Buendia
    DCL Antonio Toney

    4, 4.5, 4.5 ,4

    Keen to punt on Mane early.
    And gives me a way of bringing in Kane (or Lukaku) after GW3.

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say G2G but DCL is injured. Might miss a couple games. Good team though, very similar to mine except I have Bruno instead

      1. klopptimusprime
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        just seen Bruno's goal, will be a big call to make before the lockout.

        DCL to Ings seems logical?

        1. Chandler Bing
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          If he starts tonight, looks a good move. But I'm not sure if I'd want to double up on Villa attack.

    2. JUNITED
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      DCL hasn't play one pre-season match.

  13. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Pick 2: Watkins, Antonio, Nacho

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      First 2, Nacho isnt nailed

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nacho doesn't look likely to start so the other two.

    3. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Antonio
      Watkins

  14. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A. Barnes + Harrison/Benrahma
    B. Buendía + RaphinhA

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

  15. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    For GW1 - who to play?

    1. White
    2. Amartey

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Amartey

  16. rayyanfarooq
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Bachmann)
    Robbo Shaw Tierney (Ayling, Femenia)
    Bruno Salah ESR Raphinha (Bissouma)
    Toney DCL Bamford

    Wondering if I should add one of Gundogan, Pepe or Saka and sacrifice on the above. What say?

    1. GUNNERINHO
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Play Gundogan instead DCL.
      DCL apparently has injured toe and has not played any preseason mins.
      De Bruyne also has not played any preseason mins and Pep has said "Kevin is still out, I think he will come back quicker than Phil (Foden), but both are still out for a while".
      Gundogan to fill in for Kevin De Bruyne !!!!!

      1. rayyanfarooq
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        But then who to get in place of DCL?

        Tough calls

  17. SILENTWAR
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else starting with Bamford instead of Ings?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I plan to get him later in the tournament. Just don't like those starting fixtures.

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Love that you called it a tournament.

        1. Chandler Bing
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Well league lol

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ings to start. Bamford to replace him when the fixtures turn for both teams

    3. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

  18. Vlekz
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Many are planning on Or know they might WC early yet I don't see any villa defenders. Am I missing something?

    • Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Who sits?

      A) Jota
      B) Greenwood
      C) Barnes
      D) Wilson
      E) Antonio
      F) Ings

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Jota is the least nailed of those. But im not benching him if i have him.

      2. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Wilson or Jota for me.

      3. noahzark22
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Barnes and Ings

      4. Garth Marenghi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        thx all

    • Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Current draft and honestly I can see myself going for this.

      Sanchez
      Alexander-Arnold Shaw Cresswell Bertrand
      Salah Fernandes Barnes Benrahma
      Ings Antonio

      Gunn Gilmour Omobamidele Obafemi

      2.0m ITB

      > All 4 starting defenders on set pieces
      > Barnes and Benrahma bang in form
      > Omobamidele looks nailed for the first few. I could go Livramento for higher upside. Was fantastic yesterday.
      > Obafemi gave another industrious performance, if a little ineffective. Fully expect him to be a regular cameo substitution option for us.
      > 2m ITB for flexibility.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Great team. Looks like most of us have gone 442 now. Are you fine with tripling up with West Ham though? Their UEL games start very soon into the tournament.

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I like their first 4-6 game run. Its unusual but I back them, before my GW7 WC that is.

    • Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Which trio would you go for? Have Bruno Salah.

      A. Son, Veltman and Toney
      B. Raphina, Cancelo and Ings
      C. Greenwood, Cancelo and Toney/Watkins

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        C looks good short term

      2. Garth Marenghi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        C

      3. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        B. Raphinha probably underpriced by a lot.

    • Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Take buendia and maybe switch to raphinha from gw5 onwards?

    • Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I watched West Ham's last couple of pre season highlights, as a team they've had one of the best pre-seasons in the league.

      What stood out most though was Benrahma, reminds me exactly of when Lingard came in last season, an attacking player playing with SO much confidence, he's literally the centre of everything that's going on.

      As things stand he has to make my GW 1 draft, what a player

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Agree. Was on Bowen but his recent knock and Benrahma's current form is too good to ignore. Saves the .5 as well. He's 100% in my XI.

      2. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is Benrahma nailed?

    • SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts here folks? 0.5m itb

      Martinez
      Taa Shaw coufal
      Salah bruno Barnes esr
      Bamford Antonio Toney

      Foster brownhill ayling oba

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe you've seen this before but you really think Martinez for 5.5m a wise use of funds?
        I like the 3man defence. ESR can rotate with Ayling well enough.
        No Villa attacker could prove costly, especially with those first 3.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Not convinced by any of the 4.5m gks. Meslier is one I can get instead of Martinez and upgrade esr. Cheers mate

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Sticking with Toney?

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Is he injured? Just saw something on Twitter

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Apparently precautionary and should be fine for Gw1

            https://twitter.com/jaydmharris/status/1424085113382612992?s=19

            1. SpaceCadet
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Thanks. Just changed my squad to 3-5-2 with buendia instead of Toney. Guess it’s one to monitor.

          2. TheSteel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            He’s good to go for Friday.

            1. Holmes
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Ah ok, cheers. Thought he didn't want to play for Brentford.

    • R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone considering capping Bruno?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes

      2. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Tempting considering Leeds are abysmal away from home + Llorente injured. Dont think Im brave enough to back against Salah though

    • SweepaKeepa
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nice to see Team News page updated.

    • the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking that Gundo might be the easiest way into City as Foden & KDB are injured right?

      Was on Barnes but thing Gundo will be more so nailed from get go.

      Thoughts?

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Im gonna let it play out before i decide. Starting with Barnes.

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Just worried with Barnes being subbed off at 60 min mark for Albrighton etc...

      2. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Gundo looked good yesterday. Denied in a direct fk by a brilliant Schmeichel save. His late runs into the box constantly causing problems. Even in corners when they take short corners the late runs are evident from him. He represents good value especially if KdB remains out.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          didn't get to see the game..how did Torres play? He's tempting at 7

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Not it. If anything it highlights City's need for an actual striker.

          2. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            No special moments for him, didn't looked like he was playing upfront, not much movements or touches in box. But again, Man City as a whole were struggling, so can't derive much from that.

          3. jia you
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            thanks gents

      3. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Gundo was great, Im very convinced at least until KDB returns.

        Personally starting with both Barnes and Gundo, both too good to ignore imo

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Nice to have both but if i did i would need to drop Buendia which i am not sure I want to just yet.

    • jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      How's the tinkering going lads?
      I'm currently rocking a 523:

      .......................Sanchez...........................
      Trent Cancelo Chilwell Shaw Robertson
      ................Son...........Greenwood............
      ............Ings.....Vardy(C).....Antonio..........

      Gunn - ESR - Tella - Gilmour (1.0itb)

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I like that team but as with any back 5, its just too inflexible for my blood. No Mo is also eyebrow raising.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers, true that it's a bit inflexible but does allow me to get Lukaku/Kane very easily. I'm going without Bruno & Salah this season (hence 'the no BS league') just to try something different and hopefully fun 😉

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Oh crap yeah I didnt realize. Yeah that looks great without those 2!

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Cheers...also have a Mane(C) over Vardy draft but think I might risk it on Jamie...heard that Wolves manager plays very attacking and tends to leave space in behind which could play to his strengths...GL for the start of the season mate!

              1. Differential C (Mark)
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                You too!

    • R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Which combo?

      1. Benrahma + Bamford
      2. Raphinha + Antonio

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        2 for me

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks. Tough one - Bamford is in really good form

    • Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts?

      Sanchez
      TAA Shaw Ricardo
      Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes Benrahma
      Ings Antonio

      Foster Amartey Obafemi Omobamidele

      Ricardo could be Coufal/Cresswell/Konsa, not fully decided

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Actually like it alot! GL

      2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Similar to mine, not bad at all

      3. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Really like it too. Have something similar.