Pro Pundits - Tom

FPL team reveals: 4-4-2 with Diaz as the ‘third’ Liverpool player

With Gameweek 1 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) almost upon us, we’re welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors for the new campaign.

Our writers will be providing regular articles and team reveals throughout the new season, with only Premium Members able to access every single one.

Next up is five-time top-1k finisher and Scout’s Deputy Editor Tom Freeman, who talks through his Gameweek 1 plans.

The FFS Pro Pundits 27

On the eve of the new FPL season, I’m ready to share my Gameweek 1 team.

I’ve opted for a 4-4-2 formation which includes big-hitters Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Erling Haaland (£11.5m), as well as two outfield substitutes who should both get plenty of minutes.

If you’re anything like me, then tinkering will undoubtedly continue right up until deadline, but it does feel like I’m almost there with this latest draft.

AARON RAMSDALE

I usually start with a £4.5m/£4.0m ‘keeper combo, but this year I am spending a bit more on Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m). The 24-year-old finished with a very decent 4.0 points per match last season, despite a late run of blanks which coincided with an injury to Thomas Partey (£5.0m). Arsenal were significantly weaker at the back without the Ghanaian, conceding an average of 0.96 goals per game in matches he appeared, compared to 1.64 without him. They also struggled to control matches, so the return of their best defensive midfielder is huge, as is adding Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.0m) into the mix. It’s also worth noting that Arsenal have a great run of fixtures to start the season – they only play Manchester United from last season’s top six in the first eight Gameweeks.

Haaland Foden


1,276 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Robertson or Cancelo ?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Cancelo if i have TAA

      1. MGMT
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Have Walker and TAA

      2. ted mcnure
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Robbo + Alisson way to go!
        Oh, and Walker..?

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Robbo

    3. undersarmy
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Both

    4. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Both

  2. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Book in a transfer Kane to Haaland or just start Haaland?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’m thinking this, spurs have the best game possible at home to get the ground running. I am just on haaland but i think city’s game will be tighter than people think but could be wrong (usually am)

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Unless you are captaining Kane I would go straight to Haaland

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      This is literally the biggest conundrum prior to the start of the game.

      If only we knew Kane wouldn't haul then Haaland is an easy pick

    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Mines booked in already

    5. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      That's what I am doing

    6. N1ceguyEdd1e
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'm with Haaland, don't want a.planned transfer Gw2 when they'll be at least 2 or 3 other fires to fight after Gw1 carnage

    7. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’m booked in, despite many saying not to book a transfer. Southampton/Bournemouth could both be dream fixtures for both players.

  3. Gross Blank Point
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Bench boost team for GW1
    To be honest the front 3 have pretty decent fixtures until about GW10 so the WC might not get needed as soon as GW2 lol
    Sanchez/Ward
    Robertson/TAA/Cancelo/James/Trippier
    Salah(c)/Saka/Aaronson/Bailey/Andreas
    Bamford/Toney/Jesus
    0.5 in the bank

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Nah save the BB

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Think I scored 7 with it last season on a double GW, I'm not too fussed about keeping hold of it for a 'good occasion'!

        1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I’m thinking same s last 2 years it got Me 13pts max

          I’ve never used a chip early but really considering it with my line up

          What you think? Posted above

          1. Gross Blank Point
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            You've gone big up top, should work. I'm hoping that back 5 of mine don't need touched all season, that's why I've gone like that. No Kane,Son etc is gonna hurt me but the way things are set up no one can have all the big hitters and I'm only a couple of transfers away from a twomium if one of them are really on fire

    2. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I like the BBgw1 strategy, but don´t think I can..
      You´re good till a WC gw 5 or 6 there, which is fine

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I had about 50 variations on the template but just decided that a perma (c) of Salah gives me a lot of leeway elsewhere.
        And the extra wildcard negates a lot of the damage if things go pearshaped early.

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      what's the bench, Ward, Andreas, Aaronson, Toney ?, it can work but Ward is a doubt and Andreas has Liverpool so not for me, fwiw i plan to BB in gw3 with a proper cheapo bench of Ward, Andreas, Neco, Patterson as they all have good fixtures that week

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yeh, waiting on the press conference, that's why I held back 0.5.
        I did have Neco and Patterson in earlier, but have decided that new back 5 should be set for the season really. Can always swap about if either of these cheapos catch fire.

  4. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    What is your honest opinion on Jack Grealish at Man City not as an FPL asset but generally? Do you think Pep feels he has to try and make him work to justify the £100m price tag or he is starting to see more from him in terms of his understanding of the way Pep wants to play?

    Just looks painful watching him continuously dribble towards his opponent then play the side pass, dribble towards the opponent and play the side pass. Always playing the safe option and not playing with any freedom.

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Not for me, i think mahrez is a better option (yes ok a mill more). I think grealish is there just to win free kicks and pens

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      As soon as he signed I thought it was a bizarre fit. He's someone who needs to be unleashed and given freedom to lose the ball.

      I suspect it was the board who wanted him...

  5. The Pesci challenge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Done on previous page. Which one?
    A. Robbo, mahrez/mount, Kane
    Or
    B. Perisic, Diaz, haaland

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I said b before but actually think I am drawn to a - Mahrez could be a great shout

      1. The Pesci challenge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That’s what i am thinking but it means booking a transfer in for gw2 so not sure. Currently on B so we’ll see. Thanks

    2. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A please

    3. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      R-Mah-K

    4. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    5. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Thanks all

  6. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Loads of Mounts today.
    What happened?

    1. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Must be a remount

  7. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which option

    A. Start with Rashford
    B. Start with Bailey (With Perisic on the bench first 2 gw)

  8. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Repost

    G2G?

    Ward
    TAA - Robertson - Perisic - James - Cancelo
    Rashford - Salah (c) - Martinelli
    Kane - Jesus

    Iversen - Bailey - Andreas - Greenwood/Archer

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yeah good to go, good luck

    2. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      VG.

    3. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yeah
      I just don’t like non playing fodder so not a fan of 4.5 striker

  9. Uns95
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Think I am finally set, any thoughts? Thought Kulusevski was a good pick given Richarlison suspended and allows flexibility to various £8M mids.

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Walker
    Salah Martinelli Kulusevski Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Ward Andreas N. Williams Greenwood

    1. N1ceguyEdd1e
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      We have a similar team. I can't afford Son so gone with Kulu for Spurs coverage. Less than 24hrs to tinker now, arrggghhh

      1. Uns95
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Can't have 'em all!

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Like it.
      Pretty similar to mine except for Walker for Zinc and Rans for. Ederson

      But that could change

      1. Uns95
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Nice - yep I looked at Zinc but want to see where he shakes out with Tierney coming back.

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Very similar teams, but I downgraded def so I could get son

      1. Uns95
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Strong team! I considered Son but just couldn't convince myself that it was worth it.. soon find out!

      2. Jrot94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'm on the "downgrade defense to get Son" train too, although it feels like the minority huh? I really like Perisic/Cash out of the gate, which gives you the money to go Kulu >Son. Plus you got Arsenal assets at the 5.0 level at some point, Or Doherty, or Trippier, lots of attacking defenders...

  10. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Aaronson?

    (thanks for the recommendation Buzz)

    1. TheTruth
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Good pick. Nice price too.

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      My punt

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Let the player settle into the league, not many foreign players hit the ground running so no need to get now

    4. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      In my team

  11. TheTruth
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Bamford being overlooked. Leeds have nice fixtures aswell.

    1. N1ceguyEdd1e
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Maybe but Leeds are 7 players down :-/

  12. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Wait…. Walcott out GW1?!!

    Back to the drawing board

    1. Atwood
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Well at least I save my TC now

  13. undersarmy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A) Neto or B) Aaronson

    1. TheTruth
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I've gone against the grain and went B

    3. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

  14. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    I have a question

    This Plange….. he won’t be a starter will he?

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      And then this Archer guy?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Archer minutes from the bench

    2. DaftPunk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      He's one of many Palace forwards, competing with Mateta, Benteke and Edouard for a starting place. I doubt he'd be a regular starter.

  15. Zoostation
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Please end the debate! Template or Threemium? :/

    Mendy (Ward)

    TAA Cancelo Gabriel Trippier (Williams)

    Salah (C) Saka Kulusevski Bailey (Andreas)

    Haaland Jesus (Archer)

    Mendy (Ward)

    TAA Walker Gabriel Trippier (Williams)

    Salah (C) Martinelli Son Bailey (Andreas)

    Haaland Jesus (Archer)

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Out of those options I’d take the threemium. But you can make a much better team with 2 premiums than that

      1. Jrot94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I'm on Threemium, with Ward/Sanchez to be able to get to Perisic.

  16. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    I was all for the threemium.. i then broke it down and realised I'd be choosing
    A) Bailey + Neto + Haaland
    Over
    B) Robertson + Mount + Toney

    Suffice to say I've now gone with B) lol

    1. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      ..eso !

  17. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    a) Ward/Sanchez, Perisic
    b) Ward/Iverson, James

    1. Mount, Kane
    2. Kulu, Haaland

  18. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    It's really hard to make a bad draft. Prices are so generous this year.

    Not seen any in ages with anything wrong with them, they're just not mine.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Have you posted your final 11?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I charge £5

        1. Saka Rice
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I have the best draft...thanks to Ward.

          Ward
          TAA Robetson Walker White (4.0)
          Salah Martineli Bailey (4.5 4.5)
          Kane Haaland Jesus

          Then after a few fixtures you can downgrade one of the forwards if needed

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Nope. I'll give you the correct answer after the deadline.

  19. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Thanks for any time take to reply…

    Am I good to go? Only dithering on the slot occupied by Dalot at the moment…. At 4.5 who would you suggest given my line up ?

    Mendy Ward
    TAA Walker Ake Neco Dalot*
    Salah Martinelli Bailey Neto Andreas
    Haaland Kane Jesus

    1. scottc333
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Fofana , looks like he's goin chelsea

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        But will he start you think ?

        Silva Azpi Koulibaly possibly even cuvarella too

        1. scottc333
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 8 months ago

          you don't spend 70mil+ on a center back to put him on the bench

          1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            They are paying 70m for Fofana ….. seriously - where’s you see this?

            Pants truly pulled down

  20. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    This is the kind of flapping around that we want to see.

    https://twitter.com/FlapjackFpl/status/1555208485847138308?t=GVmCt5mEKObqtQM6CI6x9A&s=19

    Was anyone else set and then Conte messed it up? I have now abandoned 5 at the back and got double villa attack

  21. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    https://mobile.twitter.com/paddypower/status/1554506741131481091

    Funny, and sadly probably true too.

  22. Philip Jones's Diary
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    RMT: any pointers greatly appreciated.

    Ward,
    TAA, Robbo, Cancello, White
    Salah, Saka, Sancho, Bailey,
    Kane, Jesus

    Bench: Iverson, Williams, Perriera, Williams.

    1. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Is Sancho fit?

  23. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A) perisic
    B) trippier + save 0.5 itb

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B please

    4. N1ceguyEdd1e
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B for me

  24. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Gtg?!

    Ward
    Taa cancelo dalot ait-nouri
    Salah son(c) martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Iverson neco andreas archer

    1. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'd maybe consider White or Saliba for one of your 4.5 defenders

    2. Jrot94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I personally went Cancelo > Walker and spread the 2.0m around defense and goalie. You can get some real attacking players in the 5.0-5.5m range for defenders....Cash, Perisic, Arsenal, Doherty, Trippier

  25. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A. Maddison and Jonny
    B. KDH and Trent
    C. Other combo

    1. ceerus
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bailey+TAA

  26. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    For all those that are not sure what to do with the whole Kane/Haaland situation the first few gameweeks why not try this? Now that Ward is available at 4.0 you can actually use both...

    Ward
    TAA Robetson Walker White (4.0)
    Salah Martineli Bailey (4.5 4.5)
    Kane Haaland Jesus

    Then after a few fixtures you can downgrade one of them if needed

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I like this

    2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Simile to my team though instead of Robbo I used funds to have Mendy and a 5.0/5.5 mid instead of two 4.5s

    3. FredrikH
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      It's just that two premium defenders and a 8m mid beat Kane imo.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Or Haaland...

      2. Jrot94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        this is the debate right?

        Cancelo > Walker
        Robbo > 5.0 attacker defender (Trippier, Cash, Arsenal, etc.)

        gets you 8.0MF to Son

        defense of TAA Perisic Walker and Cash/Trips/Gab feels strong enough to me?

      3. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I still keep the two premium defenders (Robertson and TAA) so its really this:

        Kane/Haaland + Ward + Walker + White vs 8M mf + Raamsdale + Cancelo + 5m defender

    4. Jrot94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I downgraded Robbo to Perisic and that allows you to go Kane > Son (better balance), White > 5.0 (lots of attacking choices) and go Ward/Sanchez in goal

      1. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Robertson is a must in my opinion. Kane is 0.5 cheaper it actually makes a difference when you're doing 3 premiums.

  27. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Ward
    TAA-Robbo-Cancelo-Perisic
    Salah-Saka-Martinelli-Bailey
    Haaland-Jesus

    Sanchez---N.Williams-Pereira-Plange

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Almost identical to mines except i have Mount over Saka. Even though they look great I just couldn’t bring myself to triple up on Arsenal’s attack

  28. Wakanda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Ward/Iversen
    TAA/Robertson/Cancelo/Trippier/White
    KDB/Diaz
    Watkins/Jesus/Haaland

    all unplayable sub

    523 formation!!

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Is 5-2-3 an option?

  29. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Has Watkins scored any goals this pre season? Am keen on their fixtures, it doesn’t say if he’s scored on FFS

  30. Atimis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Ramsdale worth 5.0?

    Mount over Foden and Mahrez?

    Digne over Cash and Trippier?

    Ramsdale
    TAA/Robo/Cancelo/Digne
    Salah/Mount/Martineli/Bailey
    Kane/Jesus