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.

Palmer latest

1,276 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lacikasz01
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Bailey + Bernardo
    B) Neto + Rashford
    D) Another midfield combo out of 12 mil

    1. FootballDog
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    2. dabber7
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      D) Bailey + Neto and invest the £1.5 mil elsewhere.

  2. Livfc
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A. Sanchez/Ward
    B. Ward/Iversen and potentially using that 0.5 some other place or just keeping itb

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

      A

    2. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

  3. balint84
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    A) Bailey+Aaronson
    B) Martinelli+ Andreas

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

  4. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Not really sure if Wood, Koch or Longstaff are potent picks?

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

    (4.0, Koch, Wood, Longstaff)

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

    Martial injured. Ronaldo not ”fit”.
    Rashford will play up top v Brighton at home

    1. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Interesting

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

    A) Ederson Gabriel Diaz
    B) Ramsdale Robbo Rashford

    What we thinking?

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

      B

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

      I have b

  7. FootballDog
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is Salah less a risk? I could get Kane, Jesus , Darwin, kdb, TAA, James and Cancelo....

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

      Play the game how you want but could be tempting go without salah

    2. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Pretty much everyone's captain gw1, could be good, could be s*£t.

  8. Dannyb
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Final draft, gtg?
    Iverson
    TAA Walker Trippier Dias
    Salah Aaronsen Martinelli
    Haaland Kane Jesus
    Ward, Neco, Da Silva, Andreas

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

      Dias to James. Go kane or haaland and spread the money around

  9. NZREDS
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Any improvements on this team?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Perisic James
    Diaz Salah Neto Martinelli
    Kane Jesus

    Cheers!

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Very template, nothing much to dislike.

    2. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Extremely template

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

      This is the template

    4. NZREDS
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Yes sorry super template and nothing exciting, never know someone might think mount instead of Diaz etc

  10. james 101
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    £1m spare

    A. Upgrade Neto - to who? (Have Marti already).

    B. Upgrade Perisic (have TAA, Robbo, Canc, James)

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

      A, Rashford?

    2. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A Rashford maybe?

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

      A. ASM

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

        This

    4. Casual crab
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Think Perisic is a good pick - keep

    5. dabber7
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      C) You don't HAVE to spend the money, bank the £1 mil.

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Got 1 mill, where would you spend it?
    Or just save for an upgrade on defence/Martinelli/Bailey if they fail?

    Raya
    TAA Walker Trippier Ait-Nouri
    Salah Son Martinelli Bailey
    Kane Jesus
    (Ward Neco Andreas Archer)

    1. ZiZou10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      James/Perisic/Alisson/Ederson

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

        Trippier or Walker to James?

        1. ZiZou10
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Ait Nouri to Perisic. Walker to James

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

      I did 4.5m defender to perisic

  12. ZiZou10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    In the spirit of A or B

    A- Martinelli & Neto

    B- Rashford & Bailey

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

      Martinelli and Bailey?

    2. Speedu
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Martinelli &Bailey

  13. One Man
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Contemplating going Jesus, Wilson, Bamford as my strikers. Way of template. Rest of squad is template. Could this work ?

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Left field but could just about work.

      What does it allow you to elsewhere that you couldn't if you had a premium striker?

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        It allows me Ederson and James and a decent bench. I might BB gw1 just to get it out of the way. I’m still conscious of Covid which will inevitable hit some squads in the first 6 games weeks.

    2. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I’ve gone template and it feels wrong. If you’re going to break with it those picks look sound.

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

      Yes

    4. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I guess you’d have to be lucky and everything really go your way…..the early wc is of course a ‘get out of jail card’ if things go t**s up early doors. If Jesus, Haaland and king Harold all misfired it’s entirely possible. Have you an easy route and plan to jump on those your worried about ❓ if they do fire and your draft stinks the place out. Good luck bud. 🙂

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

        Apologies seen you have Jesus. But my points still stand if the big hitters fire.

        1. One Man
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I’m still a little sceptical of Kane’s early season form and Haalands minutes. I’m very confident Of Wilson in good fixtures. Bamford is a risk, but he had great fixtures, and Leeds like to open teams up and create chances.,

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

            More than one way to build a team and play this game bud so can only wish you the best of luck. Hard to tell without seeing your team bud. If you don’t have an easy way to jump on Haaland for example in wk 2 it really could be very painful.

            1. One Man
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Yeah I hear you, maybe I’ll stay with Haaland and dump Bamford, no point in have excess millions on my bench.

  14. Livfc
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Robbo or Diaz?

    1. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Robbo

    2. ZiZou10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Robbo

  15. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which combo?

    A. Bailey + Wilson
    B. Watkins + Almiron

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

      A

  16. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Who in your opinion is the best standalone 8m mid option?

    A) Saka
    B) Mount
    C) Kulu
    D) Diaz
    E) Mahrez
    F) Foden

    1. ZiZou10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Kulu

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Kula gw1, then Saka & Diaz but I’d prefer other 3 Pool assets instead.

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

      Saka on pens

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Saka isn't technically on pens, just whichever attacker wins the foul has been taking it. Perhaps in the case a non-attacker wins a foul he might take it, but we don't know and it unlikely a non-attacker in the final third

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

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

      E

    6. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      why no maddison in the list?

  17. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Ramsdale (4.0)
    TAA, Robbo, Cancelo, James (N. Williams)
    Salah, Son, Martinelli, Bailey (Andreas)
    Jesus, Welbeck(!) (Archer)

    Pretty template...but different. Any thoughts?

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

      Not welbeck but you already knew this

  18. Ballistics
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Are Palace going to spoil the Arsenal start of season party?

    Only Spurs & Liverpool conceded less goals in their last 10 games. They only lost 3 times over that period as well.

    1. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      It’s something that’s crossed my mind too. Add to those stats that it’s a London derby of sorts and it’s just the sort of game that can destroy expectations. Jesus has been great in preseason but when the season starts for real will he be able to maintain that form?

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

      Brentford did last season

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Weakened squad

    3. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      PAL 2-0 ARS

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        This definitely won't happen.

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

      they could do, but the fact Palace beat them 3-0 in the reverse fixture last season, and everybody is expecting a tough game, then i think that might actually help Arsenal, as they know beating Palace away would be a statement win, 0-2 Arsenal imo

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think they have improved their team immensely so win tomorrow

  19. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    How about this? Any changes here? Trentless but Robbo is here. Can maybe reshuffle that defence if needed and also Mount or Kulu can become Saka or one of the city guys, it depends what combo would you say is better?

    Raya Ward
    Robbo Zinchenko Dier Walker N.Williams
    Salah L.Diaz Kulu Mount Andersen
    Haaland Jesus Green

    1. NZREDS
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Think there’s better FPL options at 5.0 than Zinchenko. Trippier 3 assists in preseason, gabriel. Can’t see Zinchenko getting too many points

  20. Agbonlahorse
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Just a word of warning - not many Villa fans picking Bailey.

    Too inconsistent and injury prone. Expect to see him out the starting 11 in the coming weeks.

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

      Easy swap to KDH

    2. Eyes of Blue
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Thanks for this. May have settled my Neto v Bailey conundrum.

    3. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      We can transfer out amazingly...

  21. Livfc
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Bailey or Neto? If Bailey 0.5 itb for future transfers

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Don’t leave money in the bank with current UK interest rates.

    2. Lacikasz01
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Bailey, that 0.5 gon come in handy, when you'll have to make transfers in the first few gameweeks.

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

    With Richarldson sold and DCL and Rondon injured, Everton have no striker to start the first game v Chelsea.
    Double up on Chelsea defence with James and Mendy is a good way to go about this game.

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

      Indeed

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      but they have Spurs in GW2, I don't even want James for that reason let alone a double.

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Chelsea usually beat spurs

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

        They will handle Kane. Don’t read too much into pre-season. At least 1 Chelsea is worth it

    3. james 101
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I am

    4. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Dele Alli scores a 4 yard tap

  23. TheKeitaSuccess
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    One last question and then I’m good to go.

    Is Doherty worth the risk for gw1 considering his potential ceiling? Or is it safer to just go with Trippier as Doherty has Chelsea away gw2 anyway?

    1. NZREDS
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Trippier safer. 3 assists in pre season and on set pieces

      1. TheKeitaSuccess
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Ah useful to know he’s had 3 assists. Thanks mate.

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

      Also was listening to above average podcast the lads are spurs fans and seem to think maybe Emerson royal will play the Chelsea game.

      1. TheKeitaSuccess
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Yeah I’d heard sommat similar actually as apparently he’s better defensively. I just remember the end of last season when Doherty was banging the points in. Will maybe look into moving to him after a few gw’s. Cheers!

  24. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    a) Perisic (5-3-2)
    Bench of Neto/Bailey, Pereira & Greenwood

    b) Rashford (4-4-2)
    Bench of N. Williams, Pereira & Greenwood

  25. Hinchcliffe Thumper
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Gallagher on anyones radar? Any chance at Chelsea after good last season?

    1. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Good lord no

  26. james 101
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Mendy (Ward)

    TAA Robbo Cancelo James Perisic

    Salah Mount Saka Martinelli (Neto)

    Jesus (4.5 4.5)

    £0.5m spare.

    Smoke it? Blow it on fast cars / company?

    What to do with it?

    Thanks!

  27. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    So Perisic - who's starting with him?

    1. NZREDS
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I am - hope he starts!

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I'll leave that decision until the last moment

    3. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Too much will he won't he for me plus doubt he does much

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

      Lock in my team

    5. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      I bottled it and went Robertson...

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

        Robertson is probably the best differential in the game. I am shocked his ownership is so low for someone who is pretty much a guarantee!

  28. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Ederson + James
    B) Ramsdale + Robertson

    1. Eyes of Blue
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Chelsea have been poor so far, but if last season is to go by Sterling, Mount & James will be template very quickly

  29. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Which is the better squad?

    A,
    Alisson,
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Tripps
    Salah, Mahrez, Bailey, Martinelli
    Jesus, Kane,

    Ward, Neco, Andreas, Taylor

    .5

    B,
    Ramsdale,
    Trent, Cancelo, Walker, Cuc/Trips
    Sterling, Salah, Martinelli, Bailey
    Jesus, Kane

    Ward, Andreas, Taylor, Neco

    1. Eyes of Blue
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 8 months ago

      B

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Cheers

      2. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Which defender upto 5m?

        1. Eyes of Blue
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Trippier

          1. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Ta

  30. Livfc
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Last little question before im finished with my team.
    A. Mahrez+Kane
    B. Kulu+Haaland

    1. Dragon1983
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A

    2. NZREDS
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A just because of rotation risk with kulu

      1. Livfc
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Perfect! That was what I was thinking. Feeling quite happy with the team now