FPL

Which £4.0m FPL defenders look set to start in Gameweek 1?

11 August 2025 664 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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Shortly after the relaunch of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for 2025/26, we attempted to pick out the best £4.0m defenders in the game.

Now that we’ve seen every pre-season friendly take place, we have an even better idea of which of these bargain buys will start in Gameweek 1.

£4.0M DEFENDERS – PRE-SEASON GAME-TIME

Before we go further, a quick look at the £4.0m defenders with the most pre-season minutes. This data comes courtesy of our trusty Pre-Season Minutes Tracker.

We should stress that some sides contested friendlies, especially earlier in the summer, that were played behind closed doors and were kept relatively hush-hush. Line-up information wasn’t available for those games, so the true number for some of the names below may be slightly different.

With that caveat ringing in your ears, here are the leading names for (known) pre-season game-time:

 

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  1. Vasshin
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which option is better:
    1. Munoz in starting 11 and 4.0, 4.0 defenders in bench
    2. Lacroix in starting 11 and 4.5,4.0 defenders in bench

    Other bench players will be Dubravka and 4.5 forward and you aren’t sure when to use bench boost

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    1. The Pretender
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      2.

      I prefer Munoz but Lacroix isn't much behind him. It's the 4.5 that makes a difference, they're much better than the 4.0 stocks, and having 2x 4.0 doesn't appeal to me at all.

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    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I think 2 - it gives you more rotation options

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    3. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I think with DCs and converting some goal threat Lacroix can outscore Munoz, for less

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    4. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      4.0 x 3 give you nowhere to go when you need to change things

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  2. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which looks best:

    A) Ekitike and Porro
    B) Gyokeres and Lacroix

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    1. FPLamateur
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Depends on rest of your team. Guess you’ve got Salah and no Saka so would go B in that case as Arsenal cover but not convinced on Gyokeres as will likely get subbed at 70 minutes for Havertz. I personally have Saka and Ekitike

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      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        No Salah, but have Wirtz

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        1. FPLamateur
          • 1 Year
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Also think Murillo/ Milenkovic are better 5.5 options. Possibly also James all better than Porro

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          1. cravencottage
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            I dont see James in any teams- why not do you think?

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            1. AAAFootball
              • 1 Year
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Gusto competition and injury record.

              Plus cucu is only 0.5 more for much more nailed and more attacking

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            2. FPLamateur
              • 1 Year
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Injuries would be my guess and people going Sanchez or Cucu as a way into Chelsea back 4. But on set pieces and pretty attacking so a good differential in my opinion

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            3. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
              • 1 Year
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Far too brittle

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            4. FHRITP
              • 2 Years
              11 months, 9 days ago

              Can't be bothered getting 4 games of 58 minutes out of him then injured

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  3. Raiser153
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Rate my team please lads

    Sels (Dubravka)
    VVD, Konsa, De Cuyper (AWB, Esteve)
    Salah, Wirtz, Palmer, Rogers, Anderson
    Gyokeres, Joao Pedro (Gulu)

    0.5 ITB

    Any upgrades or changes you'd make?

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Strong

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    2. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Not bothered with dubruvka.

      Possible injury, might not start, and likely to fall in price.

      Sels very unlikely to get injured, and even then i would not want to play dub, would rather take the hit for a new gk

      Personally just going hegyi because i cant see myself needing a whm triple up
      also has a funny name and a clean haircut

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    3. Bushwhacker
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Would truly wait for Gyokeres to prove he can score in a top league consistently. It's a huge step up for him, find the money for Watkins.

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      1. Raiser153
        • 5 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Watkins is the same price as Gyokeres. I put him in as I want arsenal exposure and putting Watkins on would give me AV double with Rogers. It's a step up, but I think he's shown in the CL that he can deliver on the top level.

        AAA - will look for another GK to rotate with sels - have a spare 0.5 so may go for Kelleher...

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  4. shredder
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Evening all, team almost done now.
    Just 1 spot to fill and it's the one I'm struggling with the most and would appreciate any advice. Have 6m to spend or 6.5 of I swap Munoz for Aina.
    1. Rutter
    2. Tielemans
    3. Damsgaard
    4. Do the swap and get a 6.5
    Cheers

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    1. AAAFootball
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I like rutter or damsgaard

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      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Cheers, I had Tielemans for a while last year and he did ok for me. Damsgaard I like cos of his set pieces, Rutter should play up front for a while. Tricky

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    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Don't like any of the 6.0 mid options, I'd go 5.5 and invest 0.5 elsewhere. I have got an eye on Ndoye for Forest at 6.0 as he's apparently looked good in preseason, but not one to start with.

      Lots of choice at 5.5:
      Reijnders
      Malen
      Caicedo
      Zubimendi
      Wilson
      Arias
      Alcaraz
      Bobb

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      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        That's an interesting idea actually. I notice u don't list Anderson, any particular reason ?
        Good players listed there alright. Need them to play each week so I'd be nervous of a couple of them like Alcarez and Malen

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    3. Raiser153
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I'd go with Anderson personally

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      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        I've had him in a few drafts, it's just Forest not scoring goals at the moment is putting me off a bit

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        1. Raiser153
          • 5 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          He's in there for his defensive points tbf & I can see Forrest continuing their counter style which means he should be a nailed 4 points s game with the potential of scoring / assist upside

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          1. Kloppen Schloppen
            • 9 Years
            11 months, 9 days ago

            He won’t get DC every game. The best was Tarko with 40 odd which is 2/3 of games, using last seasons data. Good pick, just clarifying he’s not a nailed on 4 a game.

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            1. The Pretender
              • 10 Years
              11 months, 9 days ago

              When you add in CS, and his attacking returns, it should work out to be north of 4 a game on average, but agree no such thing as a nailed 4.

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    4. Tanaka'd
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I like Minteh

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  5. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which draft do you prefer folks?

    A.
    Sels
    Cucu Murillo vdv
    Palmer Saka Bruno wirtz gakpo
    Watkins pedro

    Dub konsa esteve guiu

    B.
    Sanchez
    Cucu Murillo vdv
    Salah Palmer wirtz sarr reijnders
    Watkins pedro

    Dub konsa esteve guiu

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    1. Bushwhacker
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      A

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      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Same, but not sure I can make it to deadline without Salah though

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        1. Raiser153
          • 5 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Agree with this

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    2. shredder
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      I like A and it's very similar to what I'm going for

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    3. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      A

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  6. Oldbloke
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Apologies if I missed this in previous messages, but I don't think enough discussion has been had re newly promoted defenders and defcon points. My searching leads me to believe players from Soton, Ipswich and Leicester would have ranked in the top 6 last season, with 40, 34 and 34 points. If you want to go light at the back to load up on those premiums, pick the right three centre backs from the 4.0s and they may not look too shabby. Would I be brave enough, probably not.

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    1. The Pretender
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Been plenty on it - the problem is non-promotion guys were able to match them, in much better sides capable of some CS.

      those 3 guys still wouldnt have cleared 100 total points (two under 90), which equates to 2.5ppg. There will be players in the 4.5 bracket who get into the 120's or possibly 130's, so a full point per game for just a 0.5 investment. Nearly the best 0.5 you can spend in the game id say is a 4.0 def to 4.5 def. Maybe 4.0 gk to 4.5 gk.

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      1. Oldbloke
        • 7 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Great reply, thanks...where to find those 0.5s

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  7. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Good to go?

    Sels (Dubravka)

    Cucurella Tarkowski VVD (Gudmundsson, Esteve)

    Palmer Wirtz Gakpo Ndiaye (KDH)

    Haaland (C) Watkins Fullkrug

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    1. Raiser153
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Don't like the Everton double up personally

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  8. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Would you pick Sunderland players if you were doing BB in GW1 and WC in GW4. Sunderland's first 3 fixtures look really good. Any assets worth considering for that run?

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    1. 3 A
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Xhaka looks good, Reinildo Mandava just 4.0. Adingra proven in Prem.

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  9. Hibbopotamus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    presume everyone is fit:

    A. Kudus/Sarr/Evanilson
    B. Semenyo/Anderson/Solanke

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    1. Raiser153
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      B

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  10. Costa Nostra
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Is there a LMS league code floating around out there?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      In a day or two.

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      1. Costa Nostra
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        I’ll be looking. Only league I care about besides my money mini league! Thanks

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        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Vqc49y

          Quickly!

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          1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
            • 1 Year
            11 months, 9 days ago

            You’ve posted this previously, what is this about, if you don’t mind me asking?

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  11. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which defence is better?

    A) Gabriel, Tarkowski, Richards, N.Williams, Esteve
    B) Tarkowski, Murillo, Munoz, Dorgu, Esteve
    C) Tarkowski, Murillo, Lacroix, Dorgu, VDV

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

    Is Füllkrug an option yet or just go with Beto for the first 3 games and reassess?

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    1. Zoostation
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Seems to be a legit option and the fixtures are good to start

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

        That would mean dropping to 4 mids instead of 5 playing mids?

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Beto probably won't start with Barry around.

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

        Playing a 352 with Beto 1st on bench if that matters TM?

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    3. 3 A
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      he is the best 6.0 right now

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  13. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Familia, A or B, por favor

    A. Kudus
    B. Rice

    If you hate those options I’m all ears on suggestions for a 6.5 or less mid

    Gracias mis amigos

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    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Tentative on Mitoma

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      1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
        • 1 Year
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Thank you for the input

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    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Amad too

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  14. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    RAN starts GW1 100%?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Against Wolves, it would be tough to be benched.

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    2. The Pretender
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      It seems that way, the question is do they rotate in the first 3 weeks. I think if he was locked into 3 straight starts, that he is as appealing as VVD.

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    3. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 9 days ago

      With you st the helm hardly anyone is 100%

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    4. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Yeah pretty sure

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  15. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Getting down to it

    Kudus-Ekitiké
    or
    Rutter-Gyökeres

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  16. Meta12345
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Arent people aware that lamptey, hinshelwood, kadioglu and igor have played in decuyper’s position before and did well? Plus decuyper is a new signing, he might be introduced slowly

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    1. 3 A
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Thats right but from the pre season line up and performance, De Cuyper seems the best. That goal from tight angle is amazing.

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      1. Meta12345
        • 1 Year
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Si now you are brighton head coach assistant?

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        1. 3 A
          • 10 Years
          11 months, 9 days ago

          Lol. dont ask question if u just want to provoke. And dont pick anyone who u r not confident. Simple as that kid.

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  17. Dutchy
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Best 4.5 defenders?

    Virgil Sanchez or Cucurella Sels?

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Diouf-DeCuyper-Konsa make for a nice 2 of 3 rotation thru GW9
      I like sels better

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

        I like this too Freshy

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  18. 3 A
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    I want to show off my team.. but... hmm nevermind. Dont want to be copied 🙂

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  19. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Wood or Pedro?

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Pedro

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    2. Mainoo Magic
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Pedro

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  20. Mainoo Magic
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Hi All, how does this GW1 team look? £0itb

    Sels (dubravka)

    Aina frimpong VDV (Dorgu, Esteve)

    Salah fernandes wirtz rogers elanga

    Gyokeres pedro (Guiu)

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  21. tobyjc
    11 months, 9 days ago

    what are thoughts on Tosin at 4.5 to get into chelsea's back line? I don't see him being talked about much

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    1. ☈☾
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Fofana is back

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  22. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Saka or Gyokeres?

    Money not an issue

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    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Saka

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  23. b91jh
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Xhaka vs KDH?

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    1. Veni Vidi Vialli
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      KDH.

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  24. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Which combination?

    1. Haaland + Saka + Wirtz + Raya
    2. Marmoush + Gyokeres + Salah + Gabriel

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    1. vincentwsho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1

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    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      1

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  25. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Would you pick Virgil or Tarkowski in a BB GW1 squad?

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    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Virgil, easy

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      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        11 months, 9 days ago

        Cheers, I'm getting FOMO from all the DEFCON articles

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    2. iFash@FPL
      • 2 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      But one is also 0.5 cheaper. I’ll rather go with Tark.

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  26. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Havent been around this past few seasons. See a lot of Anderson in draft. Any reason why?

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    1. 3 A
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      Defcon. He get quite a lot of them and he just 5.5 .

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  27. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    Who is the best 4.5m GK?

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  28. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    RMT

    Sanchez
    WanB Frimpong Aina
    Salah Reijnders Ndiaye Palmer
    Wood Gyok Watkins

    Dubravka Konsa Miley Esteve

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  29. Tiamani Warrior
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    KDH or Xhaka as a starter until an early wildcard?

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    1. Veni Vidi Vialli
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 9 days ago

      KDH. Everton should have more goals in them.

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  30. Kloppen Schloppen
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 9 days ago

    RMT

    Sels / Dubrav
    Konsa / De Cuyp / Diouf / Reinaldo / Esteve
    Salah / Palmer / Wirtz / Rogers / Reijenders
    Watkins / Pedro / Evanilson

    BB2

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