FanTeam
15 August 2024 549 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
Share:

Sponsored by FanTeam


It’s time to reveal what Fantasy Football Scout will be submitting as our Gameweek 1 team for EPL Unlimited. A few of us recently put forward some drafts, which were then rated by AI.

Once again, this season-long FanTeam competition comes without a team budget, meaning we’re able to build a dream team of current stars. No debating whether to start with Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah or both.

Join the FanTeam fun: EPL Unlimited

At FanTeam, EPL Unlimited offers a £30K prize pool with a £3 entry fee. This is Fantasy unchained – build your squad without worrying about player pricing. It’s the perfect way to flex your football muscles and see how you fare against the best in the game.

FanTeam is back for 2024/25 with exciting welcome offer

Scout’s Gameweek 1 team

In our AI experiment, it was concluded that picking a squad of big hitters would be more successful than cleverly making it entirely fixture-based or with some differential options.

With that in mind, let’s base it around some of the set-and-forget names discussed last week.

FanTeam EPL Unlimited is a wonderful place where Haaland, Salah, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Son Heung-min can all be chosen together again. Without the need for sacrifices or settling for riskier team-mates.

The Norwegian has scored 63 times during these two Manchester City seasons and, like Salah, is refreshed from a summer without any international tournaments.

2023/24 was actually the latter’s worst year at Liverpool from a Fantasy perspective. However, minutes were fewer because of AFCON and a subsequent injury. But he still found time to create the most top-flight big chances (22) and almost catch Haaland for attempts (114) and shots on target (54).

Saka is similarly good in both areas. He ranked fourth overall for chances created (91) and fifth for penalty area shots (80), whilst nobody else achieved his 290 touches inside the box.

FanTeam: Scout's Gameweek 1 line-up for EPL Unlimited 1

Across north London is another asset unfamiliar with rotation. Son’s latest four campaigns have accumulated 67 goals and 37 assists, so early meetings with Leicester City and Everton offer great potential.

Such is the perk of no budget restrictions, we’re able to cheekily bench Palmer for his tough fixture and instead have Diogo Jota’s trip to Ipswich Town.

Up front, Alexander Isak could cause devastation. He netted 21 times in 30 appearances, at a rate (every 108.0 minutes) bettered only by Haaland. And Ollie Watkins outdid everyone by delivering a whopping 19 goals and 18 assists – fixtures get particularly juicy for both himself and Ezri Konsa from Gameweek 3 onwards.

Elsewhere, it’s probably wise to get an Arsenal defensive asset. They kept 18 clean sheets during the last campaign and were by far the best at preventing big chances (40). In a world where £4.5m goalkeepers aren’t a thing, we’re opting for the security of David Raya over their centre-backs.

Little needs to be said about Trent Alexander-Arnold, an elite attacking full-back armed with attractive early fixtures. Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol bagged four goals, two assists and four shut-outs in those final seven outings. Man City are aiming to win their fifth consecutive league title.

It made Pedro Porro’s three strikes in the last eight look poor by comparison. Yet he was the leading defender for shots (53) and expected goal involvement (xGI, 8.98) over the whole 38 Gameweeks.

Finally, a slight risk has been taken with back-up options Bart Verbruggen and Jarrad Branthwaite. The Brighton and Hove Albion stopper is at home to Ipswich and Nottingham Forest when Raya has trickier prospects.

New customer offer

FanTeam: Scout's Gameweek 1 line-up for EPL Unlimited

If you’re new to FanTeam, there’s an even better reason to dive into the action. New customers can get a free £10 entry to the £200k EPL Season Game and two £2 Pick6 tickets.

All you need to do is make a £10 minimum deposit and enter EPL Unlimited. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore what FanTeam has to offer and maybe even pocket some cash prizes.

So, whether you’re a seasoned Fantasy veteran or someone looking to try something new, EPL Unlimited from FanTeam is where the real fun is about to begin.

Why not start drafting your team today and see if you can create a line-up that rivals the all-time greats?

DON’T MISS OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN FANTEAM AHEAD OF AN EXCITING SEASON

In partnership with FanTeam, 18+, Play Responsibly | BeGambleAware.org | #ad



FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

549 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Moxon
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    West Ham have been quietly been putting an exciting team together. Looking forward to see how they do this year.

    1. Polka
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Yes, could be much more solid…Areola could be the big FPL winner

    2. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Yeah agree!

  2. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Worth noting Chelsea will play a Europa Conference qualiifier. Next Thursday is the first leg, return match the 29th.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      nkunku fail

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      2nd leg in Switzerland right before GW3, good for anyone starting with Palace players

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Probably not a bad thing at the start of the season. More games to get sharp.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        And give Maresca more info on his best team

    4. Skalla
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Chelsea have 3 full teams on the books, so they should be fine but yeah not good for fantasy so makes them an easy wait and see for me.

  3. thom830g
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Best 4m defender? Barco?

    1. Polka
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Certainly biggest upside, but not without xmins risk

    2. Bod
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Isn’t he injured?

      1. Bod
        • 15 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Sorry, not inured, estupinian back I mean

  4. Polka
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Start Nkunku or Joao Pedro? (Other will be benched). Thank you.

  5. Nightf0x
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Fab x
    Hall quansah gabriel x x
    Saka esr rogers jota x
    Haland isak wood

    Which ?

    A) sels taa porro nkunku
    B) hendo myko aina son
    C) sels porro munoz bruno

  6. jack88
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Salah quansah gordon
    Or
    Saka trent jota

    1. revelc
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      A for me

      1. revelc
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Sorry meant B

    2. thattreblefeeling
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      B

  7. Big W
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Who's more nailed, Diaz or Jota?

    1. Polka
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      You should be setting A Level exam questions with these types of curveballs

    2. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Neither.
      Gakpo and Nunez will both get equal minutes with D and J

  8. revelc
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Anything you would change?

    Hendo (4.0)
    Porro - TAA - saliba (barco faes)
    Eze - Saka - MGW - Jota (Winks)
    Haaland - muniz - Isak

  9. Manani
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    got .5m, what would you upgrade?

    Henderson
    Porro Harwood Quansah Hall Robinson

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Porro to Saliba/Gvardiol

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Quansah to Muñoz

  10. Hutchiniho
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Isak and 4.5 mid
    or
    Solanke and ESR?

  11. F4L
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    is the safest 4mil defenders to chose Johnson and Faes? Just want players that'll play

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Soton have some good 4.0

    2. Vjm6891
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Johnson will definitely push forward so could be the best bet for assists.....

    3. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      I am on Harwood, i am pretty sure he plays

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      thanks all

    5. Fellaini's Fro
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Harwood is as safe as Faes but without the OG threat

  12. thom830g
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    A) Quansah + nkunku + 0,5 m ITB

    Or

    B) VVD + ESR (possible to go VVD -> Gvardiol at later stage)

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      A

    2. thattreblefeeling
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      B

  13. lions
    • 17 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Anyone know who will start in goal for Forest?

    1. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      They reckon Sels

  14. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Any thoughts on this? Still tempted by salah.....thanks

    Areola fabianski
    Trent munoz hall (robinson johnson)
    Saka jota Gordon rogers (esr)
    Haaland solanke isak

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Not keen on WHM cs's
      Rest good.

      If you could pick one.
      Solanke +£1m or Isak.

      1. Flynny
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        I'd go isak mate. Thanks

        Can't any any keeper at 4.5 worth having

        Would go for the forest one but don't know who starts....

  15. lions
    • 17 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Hall a likely starter for Newcastle?

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Yes

    2. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Yes in the short term, after that unsure

  16. Vjm6891
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    No-one fancy Leno as GK?

    Seems to have decent fixturers for the first 6 games? Are people just put off by his £5.0 price and think £4.5m goalies are just as good?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      fulham havent even got close to replacing palhinha and it'll be noticeable until they do. esp if Pereira is set to start next to lukic. and plus not getting in a rcb yet

      1. Vjm6891
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Good point. Forgot Paulinha moved on. He's a vital cog in their wheel

    2. Fellaini's Fro
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Leno is a good GK. would have him over Pickford

  17. One for All
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    A)

    Henderson
    Saliba, Burn, Quansah
    Salah, Son, Nkunku, Kamada
    Haaland, Isak, Muniz

    Matthews, Barco, Hardwood, Winks

    B)

    Henderson
    Gvardiol, Taa, Mykolenko
    Salah, Son, Nkunku, Eze
    Watkins, Isak, Solanke

    Matthews, Barco, Robinson, Winks

    Down to my 2 final drafts, help me choose guys please!

    Thank you

  18. SantiTotti
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    A) Gordon + isak
    B) Semenyo + Mateta

    I know A is pretty much the best pick , but if u are looking for a differentials play would u go with b?

    1. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      100% A

    2. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      No chance.

    3. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      A

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      wouldnt bet against isak

      there are viable alternatives to gordon for starting the season, but A here

  19. lions
    • 17 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Feeling a bit brave not having Palmer in this moment; 39% ownership.

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Chelsea need to settle for me.

    2. Vjm6891
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      I have no idea how good Chelsea will be and he might have a more rigid position........

      I'm leaving him for now and see what happens.

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Can't own them all. Chelsea are a wait and see for me. They only have one nice home fixture in the first 5 gameweeks so happy to go without.

  20. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    A) Minteh
    B) Rogers, bank the 0.5m

    1. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      B) to start the season until Brightons fixture run turns

  21. FPL Equilibrium
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Best option please guys

    A) Gvardiol, Eze, Sangare (bench)
    B) Munoz, Jota, Roger’s (bench)

  22. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Before I put the armband on Saka, he’s expected to start, not injured etc? I have Haaland and Salah too, but Saka feels like a hattie to me…

    1. Fellaini's Fro
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Yes start, not injured. He did have a short pre season though and I wonder if he still hears Gareths voice when he closes his eyes.

      Your premiums are screaming captain me!

  23. gauzah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Think I’m locked on this, any issues?

    Henderson 4.0
    Gabriel Gvardiol Porro (Robinson)
    Saka Jota Gordon Eze ESR
    Haaland Isak 4.5

    No Trent isnt ideal but can’t find the money.

  24. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Which do you reckon is stronger for first 5 gw’s?

    A) TAA ESR
    B) Gabriel Nkunku

    1. Hutchiniho
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      A

      1. Chilli Heatwave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Thanks

    2. FPL Equilibrium
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      B

  25. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Attack first two gameweeks, WC GW3

    With that in mind, any way to improve this?

    Henderson
    TAA Porro Hall
    Saka Jota Diaz Murphy
    Haaland Isak Solanke

    Fodder bench

    No Arsenal is a worry, but Son _should_ outscore Saka over the first two?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      *Sorry, Saka is Son

    2. Blanka
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Is Saka meant to be Son then?

    3. Zladan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      You have Saka?

      I’m avoiding Arsenal I just don’t think the fixtures are great… or rather there are teams Newcastle, Liverpool, City that I’d rather attack for first 6 fixtures.

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Looks good. Like the Diaz Jota double trouble. I'm going Arsenal-less too, so let's hope it works out!

      1. Zladan
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Brereton

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 days ago

          Oh... Well decent punt that too.

          1. Zladan
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 days ago

            I realise I could be wrong and it could be Luis Diaz actually. I have very similar team and assumed Nkunku was on bench, but he mentioned fodder - thus not Nkunku but a 4.5m so the maths does indeed math to be Luis.

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 days ago

          No, Luiz Diaz

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        It's a bit risky but the reward is potentially high

    5. Zladan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      TAA to Quansah
      Saka to Salah?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Nah, wont captain Salah anyways.

        1. Zladan
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 days ago

          He’s a good option in 1 or 3, but either way don’t you think just base points Quan + Salah our scores TAA + Son/Saka?

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 days ago

            No, I don't think it's even close. I could be wrong, of course, but I prefer two high-ceiling players over one.

            1. Zladan
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 10 days ago

              I’m really going to have to have a think on this. My team below is literally 3 players diff.

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 10 days ago

                I don't love going without Salah, but this is the first time it doesn't feel uncomfortable to start without him. I'm sure he will do well, though.

  26. Bobby Digital
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Consensus on the best 6.5m midfielder? Are we still agreeing it's Nkunku?

    1. Zladan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      1. Nkunku
      2. MGW
      3. Garnacho

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        Cheers!

  27. Zladan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Ran this through the gameweeks and bench rotates so well. What’s your thoughts? (CHO could be Elanga or less likely ESR)

    Henderson
    Porro Quansah Hall
    Salah Jota CHO Murphy
    Haaland Isak Solanke

    Vald Nkunku Robinson Johnson

  28. F4L
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    which team structure would you prefer

    A - 10mil mid, 5.5mil def, 5mil def
    B - 7.5mid, 6-7mil def, 6mil def, 0-1mil left over

    for the record already got 2 premium mids slots

    1. Fellaini's Fro
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      Hard to comment on structure without seeing all the price points, but it sounds like B is more balanced.

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 days ago

        cheers.

  29. Button Phobic
    • 17 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    Which combination
    A - MGW + A Young
    B - J Gomes + Quansah
    C - ESM + Livramento/Mykolenko
    D - CHO + Mykolenko
    E - other combination of above def and mid

    1. Zladan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      I have CHO + Quansah of all the players you mentioned there. Wouldn’t switch either for any player above.

  30. dshv
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 days ago

    1. Pickford Saliba
    2. Raya Porro

    1. STILL ILL
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 days ago

      2