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The data-led optimal FPL squad structure

Community writer ritzyd discusses Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad structure ahead of Gameweek 1 – and argues why ‘big at the back’ may not be the optimum approach.


With lots of talk about ‘big at the back’ and 5-2-3 drafts flying around, I wanted to look at what was the optimal FPL squad structure based on previous seasons’ data.

So I set about building the best FPL squad structure using statistical analysis for the 2022/23 season.

I looked at points gained by different player positions at different price points over the previous three seasons to work out the best team structure to maximise potential points based on this season’s starting prices.

To analyse this, firstly I excluded the lowest price point in each bracket (£4.0m goalkeeper, £4.0m defender, £4.5m midfielder, £4.5m forward) assigning this as the base cost of a player. To be included players also needed 500+ mins played.

I split defenders into ‘defending’ defenders and ‘attacking’ defenders based on less than/more than 40% of their touches being in the opposition half. Midfielders/forwards also needed minimum expected goal involvement (xGI) to qualify.

Using starting prices, I then split player positions/prices into the following categories:

Goalkeepers:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m)
  • premium (5.5m+)

Defending defenders:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m, 5.5m)
  • premium (6m+)

Attacking defenders:

  • bargain (4.5m)
  • mid-price (5m, 5.5m)
  • premium (6m+)

Midfielders:

  • bargain (5m, 5.5m, 6m)
  • mid-price (6.5m, 7m, 7.5m, 8m, 8.5m)
  • premium (9m+)

Forwards:

  • bargain (5m, 5.5m, 6m)
  • mid-price (6.5m, 7m, 7.5m, 8m, 8.5m)
  • premium (9m+)

From here I then ran an analysis to find out which Opta stats most closely correlated to FPL returns. For defenders, this included things like touches in the opposition half, attempts from set plays, goals conceded and shots on target, while for attacking players it included touches in the penalty area, shots on target, touches in the final third and others.

Using these stats plus expected goals (xG), I worked out an expected points set (excluding appearance points) and from this, an expected points per million (ppm) spent over and above the base cost in each position.

The sample used data from the past three seasons and contained over 500 individual player data sets.

Here are the results:

  • Bargain GK: 90 ppm
  • Mid price GK: 59 ppm
  • Premium GK: 69 ppm
  • Bargain Def Def: 50 ppm
  • Mid price Def Def: 54 ppm
  • Premium Def Def: 60 ppm
  • Bargain Att Def: 96 ppm
  • Mid price Att Def: 83 ppm
  • Premium Att Def: 61 ppm
  • Bargain Mid: 74 ppm
  • Mid price Mid: 51 ppm
  • Premium Mid: 33 ppm
  • Bargain Fwd: 71 ppm
  • Mid price Fwd: 34 ppm
  • Premium Fwd: 23 ppm

So how do we extrapolate this data to look at building our squad? Firstly we need to understand how to use it.

As an example, a £4.5m bargain ‘keeper would be expected to get 90 ppm above the base price (£4.0m) so from previous seasons would be expected to get 45 expected points (90 ppm*0.5m (0.5m being 4.5m cost less 4m base price)) above any appearance points. A premium GK at £5.5m would be expected to get 104 expected points (69ppm*1.5m) above any appearance points.

What are the takeaways from this data?

  • Premium forwards offer the least value per million spent of any position (excluding captaincy),
  • Forwards generally offer the worst points per million spent of any categories above.
  • Defending defenders all have a reasonably close points per million output regardless of price bracket so there is little point in spending budget on a premium defending defender. For example, you may as well choose Lewis Dunk (£4.5m) over Virgil van Dijk (6.5m) and use the money elsewhere.
  • Choosing a budget goalkeeper is only marginally detrimental to your side’s output. Don’t waste money in this position.
  • Premium midfielders offer the greatest overall points potential, followed by mid-priced midfielders with premium attacking defenders close behind that. These three areas are where you should focus most of your budget.
  • Bargain forwards compete surprisingly well with mid-priced and premium forwards.
  • Mid-price attacking defenders are generally overlooked but offer some great value and FPL points potential.
  • There is very little value in attacking (MID/FWD) premiums generally; it would be interesting to try a single premium strategy and transfer in/out for captaincy but not sure I’m personally brave enough.
  • Bargain attacking defenders don’t offer much. Choose mid-price or premium attacking defenders only.
  • Bargain midfielders offer good value, especially at the higher end (£5.5m/£6.0m)
  • There is a lot of talk about big at the back but mid-price and premium midfielders should not be overlooked. Throw away those 5-2-3 drafts! 
  • When looking for attacking premiums, 2x midfielders is better than 1x midfielder and 1x forward.
  • Returns on ppm are not linear as price increases every 0.5m step.

So what does this mean for squad structure? Based on the data above (and my own elements not included in this article), the most efficient squad structure if data from previous seasons holds reasonably consistent is as follows:

  • 1x Bargain GK (£4.5m), 1x Fodder (£4.0m)
  • 3x Premium Attacking Defenders (£6.0m+/£6.0m+/£6.0m+), 1x Mid Price Attacking Defender (£5.0m-5.5m), 1x Fodder (£4.0m)
  • 1x Premium Midfielder (£9m+), 2x Mid Price Midfielder (£6.5m-£8.5m), 2x Bargain Midfielder (£5.0m-£6.0m)
  • 1x Mid Price Forward (£6.5m-£8.5m), 1x Bargain Forward (£5.0m-£6.0m), 1x Fodder (£4.5m)

That comes out at a base cost of £94.0m at the higher end of the brackets. In reality, this might look something like the following (players chosen to highlight the point rather than because I think they are a good pick!):

  • Jordan Pickford (£4.5m), fodder (£4.0m)
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Joao Cancelo (£7.0m), Reece James (£6.0m), Lucas Digne (£5.0m), fodder (£4.0m)
  • Mohamed Salah (£13.0m), James Maddison (£8.0m), Phil Foden (£8.0m), Pedro Neto (£5.5m), Andreas Pereira (£4.5m)
  • Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m), Dominic Solanke (£6.0m), fodder (£4.5m)

This comes out at £96.5m, giving you £3.5m to upgrade elsewhere (likely to get a second premium in midfield or attack, ideally upgrading one of the mid-price midfielders to a premium one) but you can play around within those brackets to find what works for your own squad and the players you want to have.

As an aside, I ran a small sample size analysis on the effect of fixture strength on the numbers above (all Premier League games from 1st Jan 2022) but not in enough detail to warrant full discussion here.

However, a few things that stood out fairly clearly were that forwards’ points tend to be least affected by fixture difficulty as their points tend to be scored fairly randomly, premiums across all positions benefit most from easier fixtures, and bargain defenders tend to be generally poor no matter the fixtures.

The data was clear enough to lead to the thinking that rotating your premiums to target easier fixture runs is a very valuable tactic while buying lower-priced assets to sit and tick along. Focus transfers where they can be most effective (premium assets).

Hopefully, you found that helpful – and good luck for the season ahead.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

ritzyd <p>Long time FPL player who mainly plays for fun, enjoys a differential punt and loves a good data dive now and then.</p> Follow them on Twitter

820 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KeanosMagic
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    How's this fourmium with 3 playing subs)?

    Ward (Iversen)
    Dalot White Botman Jonny (Neco)
    Salah KDB Bailey (Andreas Colback)
    Haaland Jesus Kane

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      If the highly owned premium defenders all flop you could be doing very well

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        which is unlikely

      2. DCSpurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        When has TAA/Roberston ever flopped though...I don't think it's worth the risk.

        1. space mercenary
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          As an example 20/21 season TAA and Robbo scored 160 and 161 respectively. Hardly a flop but the defenders in Keanosmagic team could easily hit that season point total

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Really poor 1/10

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

      TAA Robbo & Cancelo could score as much as Kane & Haaland over a season even in the first 6 so I don’t like this team.

  2. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which do you prefer:
    A. Cancelo James Kulusevski
    B. Walker Jonny Kane

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      a

  3. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    What now to change ramsdale to two 4.0’s keepers from leicester??

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Sounds tempting

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Sanchez & ward

  4. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Too risky?

    Ramsdale
    Robbo, TAA, Cancelo, Doherty
    Salah, Zaha, Martinelli, Aaronson
    Kane, Jesus

    4, Bailey, neco, Archer

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Not sure where the risk is, other than maybe no City attack

      1. Boly Would
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Looks good to me though

  5. Bevan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Robbo and Foden
    OR
    Cancelo and Dias

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  6. FPL MAN 123
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Good to go?

    Ederson
    TAA | Cancelo | James | Trippier
    Salah | Diaz | Martinelli | Bailey
    Kane | Jesus

    Forster | Neco | Andreas | Greenwood

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yes

  7. MamboNumberOne
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Fantastic article and completely agree about premium forwards being poor value and yet we don't listen every time. Because despite knowing this i'm finding it very hard to drop the premium forward and i don't even know why.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      One premium forward is still optimal

      1. MamboNumberOne
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Maybe not if you can have both Salah and Son instead.

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          There is this, but 2 premiums is optimal to get the best value.

        2. Lukakus Unit
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Kane and Son will likely end up with nearly identical points this season if they’re both fit, but Kane is 0.5 cheaper (and only because he downed tools the first half of last season).

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      We don’t play for 38 weeks with our GW1, though? If you think over a 4-5 week period Kane’s going to bang in the goals then get him is my opinion, at least.

  8. RohanVaswani
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Cancelo Sanchez 4.5

    Or

    B) Walker Ederson Perisic??

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      a

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

  9. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Opinions welcome

    Ramsdale (Ward)
    TAA, Robertson, Perisic, XXX, Cancelo
    Salah, XXX, Neto (Bailey, Andreas)
    Haaland, Jesus (Archer)

    A) James + Rodrigo (until gw3)

    B) Digne + Grealish

    C) Rashford, Bailey to 4.5

    D) Get Mount, downgrade James + Bailey

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

    I seldom get to watch a full PL game as I work weekends. I’m I at a real disadvantage ?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      No

    2. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Nah, assimilating all the data available these daysand just being involved in here is great, maybe better way of being FPL savvy

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Can still watch replays when you're free? Since starting FPL I watch a lot more full match replays during the week now. Don't mind knowing the score if I'm primarily scouting for FPL

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Not really, thought if I couldn't watch games I probably wouldn't play FPL as that's where all the fun is.

    5. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have never watched a PL game in my life.

  11. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Aaronson
    B) Gabriel
    C) Trippier

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      cba

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      CAB

  12. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    White or Saliba? Who’s more nailed ?

    1. unholysmoke
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I think it's White's place to lose.

    2. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Wait and see when Tomi comes back.

  13. unholysmoke
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Right I think I'm mostly done. The Schmeichel departure is such a cat/pigeon move.

    Ward/Iversen
    Reece TAA Cancelo White (Patterson)
    Salah Martinelli Sancho Mount (Andreas)
    Kane Jesus (Greenwood)

    Arr Em Tee.

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

      Very nice team. I hadn’t considered going for the Lei keeper combo.
      Just cheaper or actually worth it though. Any news on someone coming in to usurp both of them?

      1. unholysmoke
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Hoping it's too late in the day for that. I've downgraded from Alisson and it's allowed me to stretch for Kane, which is hard to turn down.

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

          Would allow me Martinelli over Bailey or even the cash for my KDB / Son slot be Salah if it backfires badly.
          Might be a gift horse. Changed from Ramsdale already. Thanks.

  14. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I will wait to get Arsenal attack til GW3
    Son to KDB GW2. So no Salah and no Jesus !!
    GW1 back Spurs at home to SOU
    GW 2 Cancelo KDB and Haaland V BOU
    GW3 get some arsenal attack for bou.

    Ramsdale

    TAA Robbo Cancelo James Perisic

    Son Kulu Diaz Bailey

    Haaland

    Ward Pereira Archer Greenwood.

    1. unholysmoke
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Good team, this. Love Son and Kulusevski.

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

        Bailey better start.
        Should I go for the Leicester keeper and Martinelli over Bailey from the start.
        Chance are with prices changes I won’t be able to afford Bailey to Martinelli

        1. unholysmoke
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Or downgrade to four at the back....

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

            Maybe but it’s the “perfect” back 5
            I suppose it just be the perfect back 4

  15. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Things I still consider:

    1) Is Ramsdale worth the money? Especially with 4.0 Lei duo.

    2) Had Mount now but tempted by punt on Foden/Mahrez. Thoughts?

    3) 5.0 def - I'm not sold on Trippier so maybe also punt on Doherty?

    1. mcpoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Leicester may yet buy a keeper, wouldn't go near pep roulette, doherty's a bargain imo.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      1. Sanchez & Ward
      2. Kulu
      3. Doherty

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Sanchez Ward
      Mahrez
      Trippier

    4. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Prefer Ramsdale to the 2 x 4.0s. I think Leicester will have a poor season by their standards.
      I'm in the Foden camp.
      Wary of Spurs to start with but it could be well worth the risk.

    5. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Cheers all!

  16. Indio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    So we all have our different favourites, but any glaring mistakes or mis-steps in this first draft please?

    Sanchez
    Trent, Cancelo, Trippier, Walker
    Salah, Saka, Diaz, Bailey
    Haaland, Jesus
    (Steele, Andreas, Neco, Greenwood)

    (£0.5 itb currently for any bandwagons, though might use this buffer for Sanchez > Ramsdale or Walker > Perisic)

    Thanks all.

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Looks really good mate.

    2. Lukakus Unit
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Solid, well-balanced team with players at each price point, so you can easily transfer players for better options if needed.

      1. Indio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thanks both, appreciate the feedback.

  17. FC Lviv Forever
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    What team to choose?

    A 4-5-1
    Meslier (Ward)
    Taa - Canselo - Cucurella - Digne (Neco)
    Salah - Son - Saka - Bailey - Neto
    Jesus (Mitrovich Greenwood)

    B 4-4-2
    Ward (IVERSEN)
    Taa - Canselo - JAMES - Digne (Neco)
    Salah - MAHREZ - Saka - Bailey (LINGARD)
    Jesus - DARWIN (Greenwood)

    B 4-4-2
    Ward (IVERSEN)
    Taa - Canselo - JAMES - Digne (Neco)
    Salah - MADDISON - Saka - Bailey (MARTINELLI)
    Jesus - DARWIN (Greenwood)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Should have got down to 2 teams by now

      1. FC Lviv Forever
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I think so....

        A 4-5-1
        Meslier (Ward)
        Taa - Canselo - Cucurella - Digne (Neco)
        Salah - Son - Saka - Bailey - Neto
        Jesus (Mitrovich Greenwood)

        B 4-4-2
        Ward (IVERSEN)
        Taa - Canselo - JAMES - Digne (Neco)
        Salah - MADDISON - Saka - Bailey (LINGARD)
        Jesus - DARWIN (Greenwood)

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Prefer B from a structure perspective. I see no point to have Lingard on the bench, just go Andreas. Prefer Kulu over Maddison. Darwin vs Jesus, interesting.

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A but with Sanchez over Meslier and Trippier+Walker over Cucurella+Digne

  18. mcpoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    (a) Doherty and James or (b)Cancelo and Bailey?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  19. Sho-kun
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Perisic/Bailley or Trippier/Neto?

    Current team:

    Sanchez
    TAA/Robbo/Cancelo/Perisic
    Salah/Mount/Bailley/Martinelli
    Haaland/Jesus

    Ward/Neco/APereirs/Archer

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Perisic Bailey

  20. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Help

    A Cancelo Van Djik Patterson

    B Dias Robbo AitNouri/White

    C Dias Perisic Trippier

  21. Start with Kane or Haaland?
    Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Erling Haaland. Yes or no?

    So I've thought about this at length and also listened to quite a few pods about it as well. And in the end, I most agree with Pras's assessment of the situation. Is Kane better in GW1? Probably yes. But I think the best play is to start with Haaland anyway because GW2 is a culmination of a ridiculous number of factors that makes Haaland almost must-have imo.

    1. It's his City home debut. Unless he's injured, he will start and City players will be looking for him as often as possible.
    2. It's Bournemouth, one of the weakest teams in the league
    3. Parker has come out and said they've gotten WORSE since finishing runner-up in the Championship.

    Everything points to it being a huge haul. Everything. So if we consider starting with Kane GW1 let's go over the possibilities vs Haaland.

    1. Haaland scores and Kane blanks. You're almost definitely making that GW2 transfer and you've lost out on GW1 points.
    2. Haaland scores and Kane scores. If Kane does well you're probably gonna stick. But look at the factors above. You're betting against that and Kane is playing Chelsea away. You're losing a transfer basically if you make the switch with no gain.
    3. Haaland blanks and Kane scores. Best case for a Kane owner. The upside chasing move is to switch to Haaland. But be honest with yourself, are you gonna make that switch? I know that I will probably bottle it and/or justify another transfer somewhere.

    No matter what outcome from above, I will still want Haaland in GW2 (bar injury ofc). And over the two weeks, do you like Haaland (whu BOU) or Kane (SOU che). I prefer Haaland. If I'm wrong over the first two games, at least I will have 2 FTs in GW3 to fix it because I can roll FT.

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

      Still wondering about this. My feeling is that Kane will play an extra 90 minutes roughly over the first 5 though, so that could make the points up

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

        Then take Haaland for 2 GWs and use one of your FTs in GW3 to switch to Kane.

        I'm telling you, that GW2 vs Bournemouth on paper looks unmissable from where I stand. It really does.

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

          I think I will start with Haaland more than anything else. Just thinking out loud really

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Haaland

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Missed the outcome where they both blank but it's the same as the one where they both score.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Haaland is shorter odds to score in GW1 than Kane.

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

        Well there you go. Even more reason to go Haaland over Kane.

    5. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I'm going Son & Haaland so gladly skipping this dilemma. Maybe the one argument against Haaland GW2 is whether KDB might be more effective against what is likely to be the lowest of blocks. But I think Haaland's movement is smarter than this gives him credit for - he doesn't need to rely on runs in behind. And up against a defender that was playing for Fleetwood earlier this year, I certainly wouldn't want to bet against his potential for a monster haul.

    6. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Excellent post! Can we have one of these for Mitrovic Vs Solanke please I'm tearing my hair out

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

          For Mitrovic vs Solanke, just watch them haha. They both have like 6 games before they're viable options because of the fixtures. Any analysis done now will pale in comparison to the info we have 6 weeks from now

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              1 year, 7 months ago

              6 weeks is too late by that time it's SEASON OVER

        2. No Salah
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Couldn’t choose, so I’m Starting with both. Jesus will have to wait

          1. unholysmoke
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Matthew 10:30: And Jesus said, he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

        3. getfunky
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Pretty easy choice for me as I definitely want Haaland for the second game & I hate the idea of already having a transfer planned out. This is the team that had twelve 4+ goal hauls last season & he'll be the focal point of that attack... yes please.

        4. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Plenty of decent captains in GW2.

        5. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Not sold on City punt in mid?

        6. Bambi
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          This is all assuming Kane cannot haul vs Chelsea?
          Chelsea have looked far from convincing, have lost an amazing leader at the back in Rudiger.
          Defence is new and may take time to gel.

          Expect Chelsea to dominate the game in possession but are you not scared of Kane pinging over balls to Son for counter attacking play in this game?

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

            No. It's still Chelsea managed by Tuchel. Koulibaly is arguably better than Rudiger (I believe he is anyway). They will be ready. I don't think Spurs will get much.

          2. MrZ
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Chelsea used 4atb in preseason.
            With cucurella i think we'll play 3atb again.

        7. RichRover
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I'm coming around to Haaland from the off. I was on Kane, but may give Haaland the first 2 weeks. Worst case, a wildcard, or just an unwanted transfer, whatever!

        8. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I 100% agree with all this and that's why I switched (back) to Haaland a few days ago.

          The way I see it, I would captain Kane once in the first five gameweeks. In the same period I would definitely captain Haaland (if fit) at least twice and possibly three times, depending on whether United look like they have tightened up at the back for when Salah comes to town. I don't want to spend 11.5m on a player who I would only captain if injuries came into play, so I'd rather run with Haaland for the entire period and possibly keep 0.5 in the bank for eventualities.

        9. Ranger3
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          This is the kind of post that changes your mind on your team 1 day before deadline haha, thanks for that

        10. mixology
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I've been on neither since the game opened. Currently only have Jesus up top.

          I love the appeal with Haaland, and I understand that some premiums can come out of the gate firing every season opener (Salah, Bruno).

          I don't see myself going with a premium forward for the majority of the season (we get enticed every year, but the value isn't there), but I can see the appeal of starting with one, and downgrading if necessary with the opportunity to play the first WC earlier this year.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            I really really can't decide. I change them every time I check my draft. This one is going to the wire!

            1. ham34mer
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 7 months ago

              Same. I've changed these two over about 5 times today.

              The dilemmas have begun and it;s only GW1!!

          2. Sharkytect
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            I guess the issue for me is more about the mid priced mids vs the mid priced strikers. Yes the strikers tend to underperformed their price, but the mid priced strikers seem so pants. Only Jesus seems worthwhile.

        11. Diamondgeezer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Strong points for Haaland for sure, but I believe Kane is undervalued in assessments also. He was a monster the second half of last season and Spurs have got better since then. I think they will start strong this year.
          City haven't had much of a preseason and in a similar situation last season they were slow starting in the early games.
          I think the reality is both are good choices, sure one will score more than the other, but for me it is hard to pick which one.
          I don't mind the idea of switching between the two. I know "don't book a transfer" but with the early wildcard more likely this year given the world cup.

        12. Jock Grealish
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          just get them both. easy.

        13. 3 A
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Neither and only have Cancelo vs Bournemoth for now.

        14. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          The flaw in this argument is that you bottle the switch if Kane scores and Haaland doesn't. If you set the strategy surely you commit to it.

          I've decided that I think both is the best play, at the expense of Jesus and an 8.0 mid.

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

            So you wouldn't bottle the switch? If you plan to switch only 1 outcome out of 4 is good.

        15. David Parkinson
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I prefer Kane GW1 and Haaland GW2. I'll use a transfer, easy enough.

        16. Ode
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          All this just for Son and Kdb to outscore both of them

        17. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I hate this post. I was completely set on kane until you posted this

        18. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Great points Camzy, you have made me change my mind. Haaland in my dream (good old Dolly 😀 )

        19. FPL Brains
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          I think the other thing is. If you're going to go Kane in GW1 with the plan to switch to Haaland in GW2, you need to captain Kane. What's the point in the half measure?

          If you're captaining someone else entirely, Haaland is your go-to-player.

        20. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          What are the chances of Kane starting v Southampton - 99.9%?

          What are the chances of Haaland starting v West Ham. Be honest now. I would say 70% at best.

          So it’s not even a consideration. Haaland simply is not fit yet.

        21. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Well, here we are

        22. Ranger3
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Thanks again for this !

      • anish10
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Which one (have TAA)

        A) Robbo
        B) Cancelo

        1. Eric Banternaaa
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

        2. RichRover
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

      • We Go Again
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Trying to decide if saving the cash with the Lei duo GK is worth it

        Ramsdale, Perisic, Neto
        vs
        Iverson/Ward, Robbo, Bailey

        1. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          A

        2. RichRover
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B, all day

      • revelc
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A) Sterling + martinelli

        Or

        B) Mount + diaz

        1. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

        2. Eric Banternaaa
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

      • No Salah
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I have Walker already, need another 5m defender for first six weeks:

        A. Doherty
        B. Trippier
        C. Zinchenko
        D. Cash / Digne

        Please suggest

      • trigger_ezza
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 7 months ago

        A. James (or Dias), Son, Darwin
        B. Robertson, Saka (or Mount), Kane

        1. revelc
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B with mount

        2. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          B

      • Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I feel like its obvious but looking at other posts people seem to think different:

        A – Chilwell, James, Walker, Mahrez, Diaz & Andreas
        B – Trippier, Justin, Creswell, KDB, Martinelli & Bailey

        Have Kane & Jesus up top.

      • asr
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thoughts on this 4-4-2 draft?

        Ward
        TAA James Perisic Trippier
        Salah Sala Diaz Rashford
        Haaland Jesus

        Iversen Andreas N.Williams Archer

      • FPL MAN 123
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Think i'm finally settled on one of these two, which would you pick?

        A)
        Ederson
        TAA | Cancelo | James | Trippier
        Salah | Diaz | Martinelli | Bailey
        Kane | Jesus

        Forster | Neco | Andreas | Greenwood

        B)
        Ramsdale
        TAA | Cancelo | Robertson | Trippier
        Salah | Mount | Martinelli | Bailey
        Kane | Jesus

        Forster | Neco | Andreas | Greenwood

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

          A

      • linkafu
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Van Djik or Dias