Rate My Team

FPL Rate My Team surgery with five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman

The 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is almost upon us, with champions Manchester City visiting newcomers Burnley in tonight’s big kick-off.

As a result, the questions on team drafts, specific players and differentials are coming thick and fast in the comments section, so we’ve asked five-time top 1k finisher and Scout’s Deputy Editor, Tom Freeman, to answer some of your conundrums over the next 60 minutes.

He’ll be on hand to first reply to requests from Premium Members in the Hot Topic below the line of this piece and will get through as many as he can until the next article goes up. If there’s time, Tom will also turn his attention to other requests in the comments section.

If you’d like to receive an email notification letting you know when future RMT Surgery’s are live, you can now do so. When editing your profile, under ‘Alerts & Notifications‘, you’ll find a section on ‘Email Notifications‘. In there is an option for ‘Rate My Team Surgery‘, check that box and you will receive an email letting you know when the surgery is about to go live.

You can, as ever, chip in with your own opinions on the RMT requests filtering through – and naturally, you’re free to ignore the article subject matter and talk about any other wider FPL topics that you’d normally be musing on.

Don’t forget that, if it’s an algorithmic answer you’re after rather than an opinion-based one, we also have a ‘Rate My Team’ tool available in the Premium Members Area.

Haaland Foden


968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RMT SURGERY WITH TOM
  2. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    What about Jota?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Tempting

    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Good pick I think.

    3. TanN
      • 3 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I'm tempted but according to drafthound predicted lineup he won't start. Don't want to waste 8.0 on a non-starter unless i hear different

      1. Mooster©️
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        How much can drafthound be trusted?

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      If he starts vs Bournemouth I'd happily bench him this week.

  3. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Not really getting the Stones hype for 5.5.

    If City continue to do what they did last season (and previous seasons): dominate possession and look great defensively but still manage to concede the odd goal in too many games, how is Stones much more than an outfield Ederson? I'd rather take a chance on an attacking defender.

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Goals from corners?

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Which he will get occasionally, but Ederson (for example) gets save points and the possibility of penalty saves. Gabriel carries more threat of goals from corners at 5.0

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          I’d get Gabriel over Stones for sure.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Agree on the comparison with Ederson.

    3. Joelinton Travel Tavern
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Stones has a much higher chance of goals from open play given his new role. I'd say he is now an attacking def, he's certainly OOP.

      Long term I think the best defence is Chil, Stones, Gab

  4. Fake Madrid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Richardson a good option now at Spurs?

  5. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    I am suddenly not feeling so great about Estupinan now that Caceido is gone.

    1. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Starting to think Steele may be a better option now we have Turner to cover a surprise dropping.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Brighton already had a tendency to concede a few chances in most games even with him and MacAllister in the side

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      He's in my team for a few GWs, but will probably sell for a Chelsea defender or Botman.

    4. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      The first three fixtures are great plus his attacking output is part of the reason you have him surely?

  6. simonfrankland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Should we give Gvardiol a miss for the first few GWs?

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      He's in my team, I think he will start as Ake is a doubt

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Pep said Ake is fit

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Pep Roulette lol

  7. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    GTG

    Pickford
    Shaw, Gabriel, Estupiñán
    Rashford, saka (VC) , odegaard, mbeumo, Szoboszlai
    Haaland (c), Watkins

    Bench, turner, chilwell, cash, osula

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Nice team
      Like the Szob pick
      Was in my First draft.

      Might go with him again.

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Thanks 🙂 thank I'm settled on this now

      2. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Plus hes Guna be taken alot off set pieces

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Yeah exactly.
          He was decent at Leipzig

          1. Where dahoud at
            • 6 Years
            9 months, 21 days ago

            He was, can't stretch to Salah, it's hard to pick an attacker in that team that is nailed but I thank he is, I like Jota but mins is a big risk

            1. Weasel Boy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 months, 21 days ago

              Yeah would love to get Jota myself but his mins concern me.
              I'm pretty sure Szob's is nailed.
              Also someone posted earlier that Maca may be on penalties, which lessens Mo's appeal.

              1. Where dahoud at
                • 6 Years
                9 months, 21 days ago

                I seen that, Salah appeal drops for that, Szob's seems klopps kinda player a worker and a runner so fingers crossed, I'm just Guna stick at this point, just feel like Jota could do well,

                1. Weasel Boy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 months, 21 days ago

                  Yeah same on Jota
                  Good luck

                  1. Where dahoud at
                    • 6 Years
                    9 months, 21 days ago

                    You too 🙂

  8. Roshen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Thoughts on this lineup?

    Johnstone
    Saliba – Gabriel – Estupanian – Tarkovski
    Salah – Rashford – Saka – Mitoma
    Haaland – Watkins

    Turner – Pau – Osula – Nakamba

    Could go Pau/Tark to 4.0 and upgrade Saliba to some 5.5 option

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Eze for Mitoma?...Eze on pens too.

      1. Roshen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Scary to go with only Estu vs lots of triple Brightons

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          AT least you dont have 2 or 3 booked in transfers GW5 when Europa league starts

    2. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I like this

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I think with salah you have to have A 4,4,4,4.5 Bench

      Watkins could be Martinelli and have Pedro.

      Are you keeping Salah long term.

      Then G2G

      Then that one is Saliba (Chelsea mid)

      1. Roshen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Have no plans to drop Salah (only in case of injury or terrible performance)

        I think about dropping Mitoma and getting Pedro as semi-bench option, but don't like going with just one nailed forward. Haaland can miss some games and than your team is just goes down to 10 players

        1. Roshen
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Another idea is to go Haaland + Alvarez. No way at least one of them not in starting XI

  9. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    A) Onana and Gvardiol
    B) Johnstone and Stones?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      B

    2. Roshen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Johnstone + not Stones

      1. Rbyrne95
        • 7 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Why not stones?...attacking threat is more given new position. Could downgrade to Gvardiol with 0.5 saved.

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Easy B.

  10. Mid-Table Obscurity
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Foden vs Maddison?

    Onana and Martinelli vs Pickford and Bruno?

  11. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Which would you prefer?

    a. Mitoma (have Pedro & Estu)

    b. Diaby (punty)

    Cheers

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      A for the first 3

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        cheers mate

  12. Vasshin
    • 5 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Who might be better pick between Jackson and Darwin nunez?

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      If Darwin's mins were cemented I would say him. Although, it's more punty and could reward especially with Bournemouth 2nd gameweek

  13. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Bench 2
    1) Udogie v. Brentford
    2) Joao Pedro v. Luton
    3) VVD v. Chelsea

    1. CLOD
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Play Pedro

  14. hoya4life3381
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Have Salah Saka Eze via Pedro Haaland front line.

    A. Rashford and Maddison (goal and assist guy)
    B. Bruno and Watkins (goal and assist guy)

    Was super hype about A and thought Maddison to Kane could be gold but scrambling with the Kane news.

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      A based on fixtures

  15. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    So final draft. Please any comments would be most welcome. Need all the help i can get and ill be sure to give advice back 🙂

    Pick/Turner
    Stones/Gabs/Estu/Henry/Kabore
    Saka/Rash/Martinelli/Eze/Mbuemo/
    Haaland/Jackson/Watkins

    Thanks everyone!

    1. Joelinton Travel Tavern
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      9 months, 21 days ago

      It looks great. Only issue is you're going to have a benching headache with that front 8.

      1. Bumbaclot
        • 13 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Yep i figure that. I guess just play the fixtures to start?

        1. Joelinton Travel Tavern
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 1 Year
          9 months, 21 days ago

          If you're good at hiding your disappointment, sure...

          I always end up making the wrong decisions so my pref is always to have 7 perms and one fodder. But your way can definitely work out.

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I like it. Eze / Watkins rotate really well

  16. jimbo_smells
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    For a 2 week punt (before prob moving both to Chelsea/Spurs), which combo do you prefer?

    A) Jota + Pedro

    or

    B) Mitoma + Gakpo

    Cheers!

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      A

      1. jimbo_smells
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Cheers. Forgot to say A leaves 0.5 ITB too

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      A

    3. Joelinton Travel Tavern
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I'm struggling with exactly this as well. Leaning towards B for security of starts but I do like A as an explosive diffy

    4. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      A

  17. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    anyone going Gvardivol as a punt?

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I am 🙂

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      It's very tempting .... but surely he'll be gradually introduced in the usual Pep MO.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        I wouldn't think they'd pay £77.6m to leave on the bench though?

        1. x.jim.x
          • 9 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          They spent £100m on Grealish and only started him 22 times

    3. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Yes but would prefer to do it with a leak.

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      If Pep is willing to start him at Burnley, that's a strong sign.

    5. Boz
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Think so

  18. Thewoodyhorse
    • 9 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    What's everyone's opinions on the most fruitful formation for the opening game weeks?

    Currently on a 3-4-3 as I have Alvarez as a bit of a differential but surely the mids are where the big points are early doors?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Would certainly say 3-5-2. Weak up top this year.

    2. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I'm on 442 with Salah, its basically Shaw/Chilwell v 6.5 mid when I look at the template.

    3. Return Of Chamakh
      • 10 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Like the Alvarez pick, I've done the same! I've ended up on 4-4-2 as it seems to work best for a Salah draft (good value in defenders basically) and it helps that there are cheap options in every position - mubama, nakamba etc

  19. outernational
    • 9 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    Hi Tom,

    Who do you think is the best midfielder to start the season in the 6.5 m price bracket?

    Also, what do you think about a punt on Trossard as an alternative to Martinelli?

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      He’s 7m

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Ah nvm, 2 separate questions

  20. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    9 months, 21 days ago

    A) Mbeumo (2m itb)
    B) Maddison (1m itb)
    C) Odegaard

    Last spot I just can't decide on. Felt I'd be happy with Maddison even if Kane left but feeling unsure now for the early games, especially with the way Kane's leaving has come about. Wasn't really interested in Mbeumo but with his ownership dropping and Spurs looking messy I'm tempted now. Odegaard temptation is obvious enough

    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Odegaard for sure

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I think I'll hold off on Spurs til GW3 or so & probably take a punt on Jota for the first 2. Think I'd go Øde of your options

    3. Patrick Cobbold
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Odegaard, I have both him and Maddison

      • Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Thanks all

      • AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        C

      • Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        C

    4. yalala
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      I need a smoke

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Healthier habit than playing FPL

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Zip

    5. rikupo
      • 1 Year
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Who to pick for £4m defender?

      Baldock, Kabore or Bell (or someone else, who)

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Kabore

      2. Leeds2116
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        baldock

      3. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Baldock

      4. germanyozil10
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        K

      5. Gommy
        • 14 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Baldock, for the fact he doesn't blank GW2 and you happen to need him off your bench.

      6. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Kabore

    6. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      Who are Best 5 Mid players to start with and play 3-5-2 and without Salah ??
      For me :
      Saka Rashford Maddison Bruno Mitoma

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Madds > Eze

      2. germanyozil10
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Mbeumo to Foden

    7. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      9 months, 21 days ago

      If money is not an issue, pick one from: Bruno, Eze, Odegaard, Martinelli, Maddison, Foden or Grealish?

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Odegaard

      2. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Bruno

      3. outernational
        • 9 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Bruno

      4. Patrick Cobbold
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Odegaard

        • Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Marinelli

      5. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Will Pau start for Villa?

        1. hogree
          • 7 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          50/50

        2. germanyozil10
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Not nailed

      6. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        So now there’s a u turn in the saga, this is ridiculous!

        1. Konstaapeli
          • 7 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Popcorn time!

        2. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Blocked from flying?

        3. yousunkmybattleship
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Usual media BS. He’s gone.

          1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
            • 7 Years
            9 months, 21 days ago

            Apparently he’s not on the flight

            1. Crunchie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              9 months, 21 days ago

              missed the Lufthansa flight out of Heathrow?

      7. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 11 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Maddison a more sensible pick than Richarlison?

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Given Spurs are likely to replace Kane (leaving Richarlison a rotational option) I think so. Maddison should be on a good few setpieces too

          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 11 Years
            9 months, 21 days ago

            Thanks Nate

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          I think I'll wait to see how Spurs line up and perform without their most influential player.

          1. Johnjo
            • 6 Years
            9 months, 21 days ago

            Yes, I'm going to steer clear of Spurs for now and will re-evaluate prior to GW3 when their fixtures turn good.
            Will be clearer then how they line up and would be a relatively easy switch from one of my existing midfielders to Rich, Maddison or Son.

        3. germanyozil10
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          6.5 to 7.0 is more easy

      8. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Can we actually see price drop for popular 4.0 picks like Mubama or Beyer?
        Better to avoid?

        1. germanyozil10
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Agree

        2. TanN
          • 3 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Mubama is 4.5

        3. Johnjo
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Agreed. I try to avoid the the most popular base priced players for that reason.

      9. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        1. Cash
        2. Colwill
        3. Udogie
        4. Baldock (+0.5m)

        1. germanyozil10
          • 6 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          Can you show me your team?

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            9 months, 21 days ago

            Doesn't matter - consider it in isolation

      10. germanyozil10
        • 6 Years
        9 months, 21 days ago

        Which keeper should rotate with Turner?
        Is Steele a sure starter later on?

        Pickford (Turner)
        Chilwell Estupinan Gabriel (4.0) (4.0)
        Saka Rashford BF Martinelli Foden
        Haaland Watkins (4.5)

        0.0 itb

        Plan to downgrade Watkins/Foden to James on Gw3.

        Is it good?

        1. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          9 months, 21 days ago

          In the first 8 weeks, Pickford & Turner rotation gives:

          Fulham (H)
          Sheffield Utd (H)
          Wolves (H)
          Sheffield Utd (A)
          Burnley (H)
          Brentford (A)
          Luton (H)
          Bournemouth (H)