Pro Pundits
9 August 2021 697 comments
Lateriser 12 Lateriser 12
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There is one thing this game can never take from us and that is the hope that comes with Gameweek 1. The new season is upon us and with very little time to go, I thought it would be a good time to share my current draft. I do want to mention that it is very much a work in progress and I don’t know where I will land when the deadline on Friday finally arrives.  

Before we move into my draft, I did a fair bit of contemplation over the summer after my disaster of a season last year where I finished at 678,991 in the world.

Those of you that have read my previous articles know that I do like to take a few punts with my captaincies in an attempt to make huge gains in rank. What I did during the break was look back at my previous campaigns and one thing that stood out to me was that most of my captaincy calls where I went against the crowd came through mainly after Gameweek 10 and primarily in the second half of the season.

(Click above to expand)

I had a very poor start last year and never really recovered from it. This is playing at the back of my mind and while I build my Gameweek 1 team, I want to make sure I’m not taking a lot of risks early season (especially with captaincy) and will do so once I have seen enough games and processed enough data. That is when the subconscious really starts acting and I want to continue playing the game I like to play. That is, at least, the thinking at the moment.

Right then, let us get into the team.

TEAM REVEAL

If you are free at any point, I highly recommend watching/ listening to our first FPL Wire Roundtable where I (along with Zophar) had the pleasure of hosting Tom Freeman, Mark Sutherns, FPL General and Adam Hopcroft for a laid-back chat where we discussed macro FPL. You can watch that below or find it on your favorite podcast platforms.


697 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Help appreciated chaps, any major issues?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Coufal, Tsimikas
    Salah, Fernandes, Son, Greenwood
    Antonio, Toney

    (Foster, White, Bissouma, Davis)

    Likely go for Gundogan GW2 and see how Villa and Chelsea shape up.

    Cheers

    1. thewakka
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Odds of Tsimikas being the replacement?

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        High

      2. Catastrophe
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Can't say I'm 100% sure but believe he is the only other LB.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Looks good to me, no glaring issues Coufal but I'm sure he works out his issues with WHM before kick off, other than and like your wait and see plan for Chelsea & Villa players. Greenwood to Gundo sounds like a plan as well

      1. Catastrophe
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Cheers, yeah hopefully all OK. Otherwise will probably go for Targett or Keane.

  2. Thomas Magnum
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Is it madness to start with Benrahma & Rodrigo over the more nailed Toney & Harrison?

    1. marcos11
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I would go Toney over Rodrigo but Benrahma could be a good option

  3. Bavarian
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    A-Digne-Barnes
    B-Coufal-Jota

    1. FPL Joker
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I’m unsure of Digne cos Everton look very rubbish.

      1. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Not sure I'd pay too much attention to pre season form.

        1. Pukki Pies
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          I've seen this said quite a lot, but seeing as there's not a huge amount else to go off, surely pre-season form has some merit? Granted managers will be trying out different options etc, but if a team looks really rusty in pre-season why wouldn't you pay that attention? Also Everton are without their main goal outlet, which is another reason Digne might have looked bad. All in all I think they're an avoid personally until proven otherwise.

  4. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    too risky?

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Shaw Amartey Livramento Hoever
    Salah Bruno Jota Greenwood Barnes
    Ings Antonio Obafemi

    1. thewakka
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Yeah, your defence is not 100% to be at least 3 nailed.
      Barnes/Jota/Greenwood may not even play if you are unlucky.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        I suppose I’ll have to drop Jota for Raphinha and get some 4.5s and the Tsimikas

      2. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Why won't Barnes play?

  5. Stokelona
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Bachman
    TAA Tsimkikas. Shaw
    Salah (c) Bruno Son Barnes Benrahma
    Toney. Antonio

    Foster White. amartey Obafemi

    Good to go?

  6. unido
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Thoughts please guys

    Schemeichel
    Shaw Dias Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Grealish Greenwood Dallas
    Ings Antonio

    Foster White Amartey Obafemi

  7. FPL Joker
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Who’s better to start with, Arsenal or Everton?

    1. ☈☾
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Lol neither

      1. FPL Joker
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Ha ha.

        Ok, So bar Liverpool, United & Villa who are the best teams to start with? Everton and Arsenal fixtures looked solid.

        1. ☈☾
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Leeds City Chelsea West Ham

          1. FPL Joker
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 8 days ago

            Cheers

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Depends what you mean by start? 1 gw? 2? 3? Up to 6?

      Fancy arsenal to have a good immediate start, then get spanked by mci, could hold Chelsea to a draw and then two more easy fixtures

  8. SKENG
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    I think I'm set on this if I stick to the plan and don't panic to get Bruno... thoughts?

    Bachmann Foster
    TAA Shaw Coufal White 4.0
    Salah Son Mahrez Jota Benrahma
    Ings Antonio 4.5

    1. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      This is very very similar to Lateriser's team.

  9. King Kohli
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Who scores more in the first 3 gws?
    Need to start 2 each week.

    A. TAA + ESR + 4.5 def (3-5-2)
    B. Shaw + Greenwood + 4.5 def (3-5-2)
    C. TAA + Shaw + 4.5 mid (4-4-2)

    1. jb1985
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      C

  10. Sanchit
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Definitely want to get 3 Liverpool.
    Was almost set on TAA Robbo and Salah.
    Robbo's injury now means , I have the following options.

    A) Get Tsimikas for Robbo , and use the 3 million to upgrade a 6.5 mid

    B) get Jota ( essentially the same cost as would be doing Robbo+4.5mid to Jota + 4m def)

    C) change complete structure ( or let go of Bruno) to accommodate Mane as my third Liverpool player.

    1. SKENG
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I was in the same position. Went for Jota as I was almost 50/50 between him and Jota anyway.

      1. Sanchit
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        The only doubt I have is about his playtime. Even when he starts, he's not sure to get 90 mins

    2. FPL Joker
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I have a similar dilemma. The issue is Robbo could only miss one GW. If so, maybe just leave him in and rely on the bench.

      1. Sanchit
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Lots of talk on twitter that he'll be out for atleast 4-6 weeks.

        1. FPL Joker
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Twitter is full of twits

    3. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Tsimikas, TAA + Jota for me... 3 Liverpool starters for only £19.0m! Use the savings to get other premiums.

      1. Sanchit
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Those are 3 Liverpool starters for GW1 yes. But you never know, 2 of them are not regulars and they could suddenly get benched

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Surprisingly similar to @lateriser.
    I'm going gundo instead of mahrez and have coufal.

    Who do you prefer for that 5th mid punt?
    A) barnes
    B) benrahma
    C) raphinha
    D) torres
    E) willock
    F) sarr
    G) mbuemo

    1. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      C

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Probably the safest, and was my first choice when I started doing drafts. Thanks

    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      A

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Does barnes seem nailed? He's my preferred option but not sure how the Leicester team will line up

        1. Andy_Social
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          I'm happy with b and c
          btw, word is Willock signs for toon today. 22M, permanent.

          1. waltzingmatildas
            • 15 Years
            5 years, 8 days ago

            Yeah I heard about the willock move, he looked so good end of last season!
            I've got jota and gundo so after a couple of gws may downgrade to raphinha.
            Cheers

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      c

    4. Drexl Spivey
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I'm on Willock and Wilson, currently. Toon loyalty.

  12. damiang2233
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Who's first choice striker for Villa now? Watkins or Ings?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Probably Ings with Watkins on the left?

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Both I think, Watkins is fitter so will get more minutes though

      1. damiang2233
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Okay so who would you have in your team?

    3. Sanchit
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Both will definitely play in the starting 11 when fit.
      It remains to be seen if they would have 2 up top, or shift Watkins to left( he'll still mostly come in to support the striker)

  13. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    A) Tsimikas, Raphinha, Havertz
    B) Tsimikas, Greenwood, Gundo
    C) Tsimikas, Benrahma, Mahrez
    D) Amartey, Jota, Greenwood
    E) Amartey, Jota, Gundo

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA, Shaw, Coufal, Veltman XX
    Salah, Bruno, Barnes, XX, XX
    Antonio, Toney, X

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Last striker is Obafemi

    2. Sanchit
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Too confusing this way, I think you can first make a decison on which Liverpool player you want. Once you're done selecting one of Jota or Tsimikas, then you can select the others based on that.

      I personally like A

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Thanks for input! Cannot look at the Liverpool player in isolation though, all comes down to alternative options. No doubt Jota is a better pick than Tsimikas, but also takes up a midfield spot. Mainly between A and C for me, cheers

  14. 1895Reds
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    No price for Woodman yet?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Tardy in extremis.
      Gotta be 4.0

      1. Andy_Social
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        I need him forGW1 actually, as I'd rather not play Meslier.

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Now that Bruce says he's likely to start GW1, it's a bit too late for his price to be 4.0

        Most likely 4.5, sadly

  15. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    How's it looking?

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Cancelo (White, Amartey/Tsimikas)
    Barnes Salah Havertz Son Greenwood
    Antonio Toney (Obafemi)

    Cheers

    1. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Havertz had a good output at the end of last season cos he was playing up top so that's going to be nullified by Kaku coming in, You miles as well get the brighton reserve in Steele and use the extra cash.

      1. FPL Joker
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        He’s not the Brighton reserve anymore though.

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Who is? I thought the other chap was injured.

          1. FPL Joker
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 8 days ago

            Yeah, but when he’s back - which won’t belong - it’s a transfer for a sub keeper. Meh.

      2. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Havertz just for GW1 plan to move to Grealish GW2

  16. damiang2233
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Is Iheanacho guaranteed a starting place at Leicester this season?

    1. FPL Joker
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      No. Daka could take his place. Could play with two up top. Some will say Nacho is nailed but that’s because they want him to be and our trying to convince themselves.

    2. Sanchit
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Nacho is nowhere near nailed.
      - Leicester played a 4-2-3-1 in all preseason games ( I know it shouldn't really matter as it's pre season, but that's mostly because of Barnes coming back). Vardy is obviously the first choice striker.

      - BRodgers has mentioned previously that Nacho only plays well when paired with another striker

      - Even if they play 2 up top, they have 3 top strikers for those 2 spots.

  17. Bartowski
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    The 4.0 defender team gamble?

    Sanchez / Steele

    Coufal / Tsimkas / TAA (Amatey, Livramento)

    Fernandes / Salah / Son / Zaha / Raphina

    Toney / Ings (Obafemi)

  18. 3 A
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    https://twitter.com/scaaryhours/status/1424418349069606918?s=19

    This is 11.0 million player?

    1. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Yes. That is a 2 minute video of someone miscontrolling a ball in 519 senior appearances.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        No it’s just inter milan games

    2. Sanchit
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Could make a video like that of anyone.
      Even the GOAT
      https://youtu.be/5wG_Nwu-PpU

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        No way you can make a video for Bendtner

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Haha great post

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      OMG, HT this for anyone considering LOLkaku

  19. dshv
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Jota or grennwood (long term more nailed and yes why)

    1. FPL Joker
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Jota as I’d think he has more chance of regular minutes as Firmino could very well be dropped form him. But I may be missing something with Greenwood, see below…

  20. FPL Joker
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Why are people getting Greenwood?

    1. Fatboy_Slim
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      For short term (2 gameweeks) greenwood is definitely playing and looking sharp... possibly will play forward, so his point haul in these 2 weeks could be massive

      1. dshv
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Okay and after this two weeks what we will do with greenwood ?

        1. Fatboy_Slim
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Well the same could be said of jota when firminho returns...so as with most people at least me personally would aim at the wildcard once the transfer window closes and the first teams have settled

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      because he is a likely starter.

    3. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Its a good question. He looked good at the end of the season before last and not so much last year.

      1. damiang2233
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Who will take greenwood's place after the first few weeks?

  21. Chandler Bing
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Why has Ogbonna not featured for West Ham? Is he injured? Diop looks a decent shout at 4.5.

    1. shakeyjake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Slight knock 10 days back is all I can find, hasn't started since but I'd still say Diop is a risk. Haven't they also been linked with Zouma?

  22. Ask Yourself
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Thoughts on this potential sexy Salah Bruno Son attempt?

    Sanchez // Steele
    TAA Shaw Tsimikas // Amartey Omo
    Salah Bruno Son Benrahma Sarr/Willock/El Ghazi
    Ings Antonio // Obafemi

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Defense not so sexy! But that's the risk you take I suppose and as long as TAA/Shaw/Tsimikas are starting you're good

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        They are and Amartey is too up until Evans returns in GW4 when I’m WCing anyway

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Apparently Leicester are looking to sign a new CB or two, so wouldn't bank on Amartey beyond GW1

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 8 days ago

            Oh damn you right

            1. Flaming Flamingo
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 8 days ago

              Well, I was due 😀

    2. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I think I prefer my attempt at the same above. You're gambling on the rest of your mids somewhat.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        I just don’t like the 6.5m mid price point. I like the zaha pick though on yours I think you should choose benrahma and shaw over Raphinha and Coufal personally x

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 8 days ago

          Yeah those are the sticking points. I did have Bamford, Willock and Shaw originally. Not really sure what all the Benrahma love is about on here though?

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 8 days ago

            Lingard gone and he’s taken over the talisman role

            1. Silecro
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 8 days ago

              in what world is the word talisman being connected to the player who isnt even nailed to start, let alone prolific?

            2. Bartowski
              • 15 Years
              5 years, 8 days ago

              This strikes me as the early FFS group think that made us all get Werner at the start of last season.

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      i like going balls out. drop TAA, get Barnes & Greenwood. Go.

  23. Nolberto Solano
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Which option?

    A) Digne, Benrahma, Brownhill & Ings
    B) Coufal, Greenwood, Barnes & Obafemi

  24. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Best option:

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Shaw Coufal Targett Amartey
    Salah Fernandes Raphinha X X
    Antonio Toney X

    1. Barnes Bissouma Ings
    2. Greenwood Jota Obafemi

    Thanks

    Thanks

    1. Grimo2
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I would be going with No.2 there, think Greenwood us a good differential.

    2. Nolberto Solano
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Both very good options. Security of start/minutes go with A. For more explosiveness go for B

  25. KirkhamWesham
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    How's my team looking?

    Sanchez
    TAA Veltman Cresswell
    Raphinha Salah Bruno ESR Barnes
    Antonio Toney

    Steele Shaw Digne Obafemi

    1. Grimo2
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Expensive bench for GW1, why would you not start Shaw?

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      If you’re not starting Digne at home to Southampton you don’t need to spend 5.5m on him. Start shaw

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        Downgrade Digne upgrade ESR I think

  26. Tinmen
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Who’s the better pick guys?

    Willock
    Cresswell

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      b

  27. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    Quick poll:

    1. Dias Tsmakis Barnes
    2. Targett Ayling Jota

    Cheers

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      a

    2. Sanchit
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      I'll take Tsamkis

  28. mataave
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    A) Bamford & Maddison
    B) Toney & Mahrez

    ???

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      b

    2. Grimo2
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      B - for Mahrez, opportunity to be a big point scorer in 1st GW.

  29. Holteenderinthesky
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    How are we looking, I've left the team for sometime but now it's tinkering time.

    Bachmann
    TAA, Shaw, Coufal, Tsimikas
    Salah(C), Fernandes, Barnes, ESR,
    Ings, Antonio
    Foster, Grealish, White, Obafemi.

    Fairly sure Grealish will be on the bench, and ready to go for the Norwich game so no need for a transfer. I currently think it's Worth Gambling on Tsimikas starting vs Norwich.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      Good luck. I play a different game where 'fairly sure' doesn't cut the mustard.

  30. Gabbiadini
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 days ago

    FYI Obafemi owners,
    Southampton has had a bid accepted for Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong and have also tabled an offer for Chelsea's Armando Broja.

    1. Zimo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 days ago

      It's not like anyone was gonna play him 😆

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 days ago

        No, but there have been questions on here hopeful and asking what his minutes may look like.