Tips + Guides
12 August 2026 150 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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If you’re about to go on holiday, want to squeeze in some advice before the Gameweek 1 deadline, or generally enjoy reading about Fantasy Premier League (FPL) strategy, it’s worth checking out ‘The FPL Playbook.’

Available on Kindle (£6.95) and in paperback (£12.95), author Gregory J Zuckerman goes into detail about how managers can use the six Fs – form, fixtures, forward planning, full commitment, finer details and fortitude – to avoid classic traps and improve the way they make each key Fantasy decision.

The FPL Playbook is the ultimate guide for fantasy football managers who want to ditch gut instinct and master the numbers game.

Blending sharp statistical insight with cold, calculated strategy, this book unveils the hidden patterns, mathematical models, and data-driven truths behind consistent FPL success.

The book dishes out advice about how to correctly use statistics, but then reinforce the advantage by having a particular mentality.

Hopefully, it can help improve your rank and help you win mini-leagues in 2026/27!


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

150 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Could never ditch gut-instinct to have a slightly better rank. No-one cares about our FPL ranks apart from us ;))

  2. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Bring back WH Smiths so I can buy this book!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      Do you have Trigger Lips book?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 18 days ago

        I have a signed first edition.

        1. Jaws
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 18 days ago

          There never was a second edition

  3. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    United after Jorge Salinas. 19 year old who can play LB and CB. Doubt he'd dislodge Shaw straight away, but the competition would be there.

    1. Boydinho
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      Thought Atletico had snared him, anyways i like that bet or Matehalie over the likes of Raum or those older duds.

      1. Raoul Nogues
        • 1 Year
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Methalie is expected at Sunderland

  4. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Pretty darned happy with this team, what we thinking here guys?!

    Lammens (Dubravka)

    Calafiori, Palestra, Muharemovic (Hume, Van Ewijk)

    Bruno Guimaraes, Mbeumo, Semenyo, Cunha, Wirtz

    Haaland, Joao Pedro (Walle Egeli).

  5. FantasyClub
    • 5 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Cant decide lads...
    A) kerkez
    B) Gavrdiol
    C) palestra
    D) double up on ARS defence

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      Which double Arsenal defence?

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      C

  6. Stimps
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    A) Shaw, Bollard
    B) Maguire, Hume

    1. FantasyClub
      • 5 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      B

  7. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Subway Socceroo Lucas Herrington having a medical at Hull. If he’s 4.0m he’s in! Can’t underestimate growing up on a diet of toast and vegemite, meat pies, succulent prawns and lots of meat! He is commended to all.

  8. Sabz_1111
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Am I mad for considering Hinshelwood? Just a gut feel but those have proven to be wrong over and over again. Thoughts? Him or Gross?

    1. Funkyav
      • 17 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      Think there are good arguments for Hinsh, Gross and Gomez. Definitely can have one of these depending on your budget and set up.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      The vagus nerve can never be underestimated! Tis the feasting nerve after all!

  9. BR510
    1 month, 18 days ago

    Kinsky Verbruggen
    Calafiori Palestra Shaw Hume Davis
    Bruno Palmer Mbeumo Tzolis Semenyo
    Isak Pedro DCL

    BB1

    1. Raoul Nogues
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Close to mine but different
      I have Haaland but no Ars/Liv/Che
      Calafiori-Palestra-> Ajer-Bogle
      Isak-Pedro-Palmer->Haaland-Bournemouth (Evanilson or Kluivert)-Palace (Mateta or Sarr)
      Tzolis-> KDH Garner or 5.5 midfield
      Kinsky -> 4.5 or 5 Villa keeper

      1. buzzkill
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Close to yours but completely different!

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Wooohooo you got an answer! Persistence is to character as carbon is to steel!

  10. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    1 month, 18 days ago

    UCL fantasy is live.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      To the ramparts, quickly!

    2. Boydinho
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 18 days ago

      "Haha building a team w/o knowing the games is crazy"
      *Starts tinkering*

  11. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Why no love for Dango Outtara?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Why do you think we should love him? Explain yourself.

      1. davewg59
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        His stats were pretty good last season. Why such low ownership?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          I’m guessing many will have Bruno, Mbeumo, Szob in a 3-4-3 which just leaves one spot left. A lot of competition for that spot.

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Because there is a plethora of mids which are very kindly priced, playing for better team and\or with fpl pedigree.

      1. davewg59
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Who is in a better team?

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          What do you mean who?
          All the top teams picks priced between 7-8m

          Starting with Foden for example.

          1. davewg59
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            Ok fair enough but i am referring to a 6.5 but never mind

            1. el polako
              • 9 Years
              1 month, 17 days ago

              I didn’t say matching in price, I’ve said kindly priced.

              But even if you look at 6.5m and below you get the like os Ndiaye 0.5m cheaper, nailed and on pens or Le Fee cheaper and on pens and set pieces.

        2. Nomar
          • 16 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          Sangaré is worth a punt imo.

          Keith Andrew’s has already said he’s going to have a huge part to play and Brentford aren’t loaded like Chelsea, Arsenal and City, so these are the types of player teams like Brentford start every week until they get injured.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            This!

  12. PogChamp
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Limited time means I can only do a few drafts. How this looking?

    Kinsky
    Nunes Shaw Mosquera
    Bruno Foden Le Fee Ndiaye Groß
    Isak Haaland

    ——

    Dubravka Hume Kayode Wright

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Given the limited time, it’ll do for now.

  13. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Have any 4.5 mids emerged as starters (I realize they are 1 pointers at best but might as well pick one that plays!)?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Slater at Hull.

    2. Raoul Nogues
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I would rather have a 4.5 defender and and a 5.0 playing midfielder

      1. Fitzy.
        • 14 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Who you dropping from your other front 7 to play one?

        1. Raoul Nogues
          • 1 Year
          1 month, 17 days ago

          Unless specific circumstnces, he would stay on the bench

          1. Fitzy.
            • 14 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            You may as well have a playing 4.5 then.

            1. Raoul Nogues
              • 1 Year
              1 month, 17 days ago

              I think if Norgaard (or Rohl) plays at Everton he could have a valuable point average and not lose value like any 4.5 defender

              1. Raoul Nogues
                • 1 Year
                1 month, 17 days ago

                (4.5 midfielder)

        2. Powers106
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          I have Slater now but just for bench - starting 7 are:
          Bruno - Mbeumo - Semenyo - Sadiki (Slater)
          JP - Haaland - Isak

  14. Zimo
    • 8 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Ballard or Muharemovic?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Both good, I like the latter.

  15. Falafel333
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Any thoughts on Tsoliz? Will he be a starter for the first GWs?

    1. JBG
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Maybe first 3, at max

      1. Falafel333
        • 4 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Hmm yeah I agree

      2. Jaws
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Have you ever seen him play?

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Most talented winger league have seen since George Best.

      1. Mother Farke
        • 2 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Georgios Bestos?

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          🙂

      2. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        That’s not the issue though. The problem is there’s Eze, Odegaard, Saka, Madueke, Bruno G, Martinelli, Rice, Dowman, amongst others. They don’t all play the same position but they equally can’t all play at the same time.

        Tzolis may well nail down a starting spot, but at the moment we’re fairly certain he starts GW1 because Saka will be rested, but after that it gets a bit murky.

  16. Falafel333
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    A- Palmer and DCL
    B- Tsoliz and Isak

  17. Klopp it
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    How this team looking?
    Open to feedback and help,

    Kinksy
    Shaw, neco Williams, Mosquera
    Semenyo, gross, Bruno Fernandes,
    Szoboszlai
    Haaland, Calvert lewin, Pedro

    Bench, petrovic, sangare, ajer, van Ewijk

    1. HotCrossGuns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      On the basis that it's almost 100% template, yeah looks good :p

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Looks fine for now.

  18. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Team 1 - No WC No BB

    Kinsky
    Shaw - Mykolenko - Reinildo
    Bruno - Semenyo - Mbeumo - Wirtz
    Haaland - Pedro - DCL

    Dubravka - Mitchel - Slater - Thomas

    GW 4 - Bruno + Reinildo + Shaw ➡ Palmer + Palestra + Munoz

    Team 2 - BB 1 WC 4

    Lammens - Verbruggen
    White - Mosquera - Gvardiol - Palestra - Hume
    Bruno - Semenyo - Mbeumo - Tzolis - ELF
    Isak - Pedro - Brobbey

    0.5m in the bank

    GW 2 - Save
    GW 3 - Bruno + Pedro ➡ Haaland + Slater
    GW 4 - WC

    Gotta decide between these two paths.

    Team 1 (saves the chips) or Team 2 (fast start) ?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Is it locked for now, locked for now, buuuuck, buck, buck buck, buck!

    2. Raoul Nogues
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Team 1 !

    3. buzzkill
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Booking in transfers 4 weeks down the line feels far fetched. Almost guaranteed you won't stick to that.

    4. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I really hate having Isak in place of Haaland. Its absolutely the worst use of funds

    5. One Man
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Team 1.

  19. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Better 4.5 pick?

    A: Cash
    B: Aina

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Only a nihilist could answer this!

    2. el polako
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Aina all about Cash?

    3. Raoul Nogues
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

      A safer

  20. Khalico
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Who are at 4.5m the best DefCon CBs? Looking for 2x 4.5m CBs

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      You’re doing it wrong.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      They all got priced up

  21. Jaws
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    I've seen about 25 games from Tzolis last season and it baffles me that many people already have an opinion about him without ever seeing him play.
    Martinelli will have to up his game or he'll only play Cup games. In fact he hope Arsenal can still sell him & buy another LW. It's obvious why Arteta rates Tzolis,
    since his workrate is out of this world. FPL-wise I think this bodes well especially for Calafiori (assuming he stays fit), since there will be numerous positional overlaps on left wing.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      From the one game I saw he looked outstanding. Given your Tzolis experience is he in your GW1 team?

      1. Jaws
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Definitely. I expect about 70min from him in the CC against City, so monitoring his gametime of course.
        Give him 70min against Coventry & he'll do the damage.

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          He’ll do the damage (or not) and then he needs to play (or not) Villa away, Chelsea home and Sunderland away.

          1. Jaws
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            I don't see your point. Strong CHE def? lol Villa keeping cleanies? lol
            Sunderland is tough for every attacker.

          2. The Knights Template
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            If it’s him or Martinelli, I’m backing him for sure.

  22. lilmessipran
    • 14 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    If you are settled on an early WC like Gw4, isn't it better to start with a Thiago/Brobbey over Pedro? Better fixtures for both, yet I don't see either in any draft at all.

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Better not to plan an early WC

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        This

        I've looked at my defense rotation up till GW10

      2. Funkyav
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        not sure about this. Im only considering GW1-5 as there is that huge IB and I usually WC early anyways. Looking further than that seems a bit pointless as there is so much unknown.

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I think so. I'll be a little nervous about the Fulham game with his ownership so high but I'm probably starting with no Chelsea. They struggled against Brighton last year too, and I don't want any attackers against Arsenal if I'm looking at a 3 week window.

      Was looking at WC4 but have an alternative plan in mind where I could start with Haaland Brobbey Jesus; do something like Bruno & Brobbey - Isak & Wirtz GW3 and still have 1.5m left over to upgrade Jesus to Pedro GW4 if I want.

  23. SIMBOBIANTHEIII
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Mbuemo or Rogers + 0.5
    Thanks

  24. SIMBOBIANTHEIII
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Mbuemo or Rogers+ 0.5
    Thanks

    1. SIMBOBIANTHEIII
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Sorry for double post!

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Mboomo

    3. STHH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Mbeumo is a very strong pick regardless of where he is playing. He looks seriously on fire in pre-season and keen to prove a point after seeing most of his teammates enjoy the World Cup.

      However, if Sesko is still injured he will be an even better pick as he'll be playing as CF.

      My draft currently has Bruno, Mbeumo and Sesko included.

      1. One Man
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Interesting to see another person with Sesko. He scored 9 goals in his last 14 games under Carrick. Some of them from the bench.

    4. Jules-C
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Definitely Mbeumo, Rogers playing time is too insecure at the start

  25. Big Mike
    • 4 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Semenyo or Mbeumo?

    1. Big Mike
      • 4 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Short term, maybe WC in gwk 6.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Same problem for me... On Semenyo atm.

      1. Big Mike
        • 4 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Me too, the only fly in the ointment with Semenyo is that he may stay out wide instead of cutting in. Plus I reckon Mbeumo will playas the striker as Sesko is flagged.

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          I think Sesko is back in training now, but yeah you could get a few games of Mbeumo as CF. Don't know if he's that good in that position though...

          1. The Hunt
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 17 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            Like everyone else, Mbeumo probably wanted to be a centre forward when he grew up but somewhere along the line someone told him that he wasn't particularly good at being a poacher so he was shuffled down the park. A midfielder playing centre forward doesn't guarantee goals; in fact they usually look like a fish out of water when they're asked to perform a different skill than they're used to.

            1. The Knights Template
              • 12 Years
              1 month, 17 days ago

              Like when I use chopsticks with mine gauntlets!

    3. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Semenyo for assists, Mbeumo for goals

    4. Jules-C
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Definitely Mbeumo for the first 2 if he plays up top. Semenyo has a lot of assist appeal under Maresca but way less goal threat

    5. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I have both since Obvious Dave told us Bruno won’t be starting.

  26. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Best 4.5m defenders besides shaw and Hume ? Need 2 more.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      No you don’t, start again.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Liking the look of 4.5m defenders and and a strong attack

        1. WVA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          Arsenal defender, 3 x 4.5, 1 x 4m

          I’m on Calafiori Shaw Hume Bogle Davis

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            My current front 7 doesn’t allow that.

            Bruno semenyo mbeumo Wirtz
            Haaland Pedro dcl

            1. WVA
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              1 month, 17 days ago

              I think you need Arsenal defence

              1. SpaceCadet
                • 12 Years
                1 month, 17 days ago

                Who would you downgrade in attack?

        2. Brosstan
          • 12 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          If you cant find 4.5 defenders without asking on here you don't really like the 4.5 defenders.

          United looking for a replacement for shaw. Hume on borrowed time

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 12 Years
            1 month, 17 days ago

            Valid point

    2. Big Mike
      • 4 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Kadioglu
      Ajer
      Cash
      Robinson

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Rodon/Bogle, Kadioglu, Mitchell and Aina

      A lot of options in that bracket

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Kadioglu and Mitchell probably, cheers

    4. Raoul Nogues
      • 1 Year
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Ajer
      One from Leeds
      One from Villa
      Kadioglu ?
      Robertson if Spence leaves Spurs ?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Cheers

    5. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Bogle

  27. Funkyav
    • 17 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    can anyone confirm which content creators (if any) are NOT on the early bench boost strategy?

    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      FPL Virgin will have the low down on most of them.

    2. CoracAld2831
      • 5 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I think all of them are.

      1. Funkyav
        • 17 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        yeah this is the issue, there is so much that is unknown Im not sure its that easy to pick 15 players that all start GW1. I just wish they wouldnt all copy each other. The whole point of content should be to discuss the merits of diffferent strategies but they all just do the same one as they think its "optimal". We dont know what is optimal yet!

  28. Jules-C
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Keep Virgil or downgrade to Gvardiol/Kerkez/Palestra to do Szobo to Wirtz and potentially upgrade Ndiaye or Kluivert?

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Keep Virgil and Szoboszlai

      1. Jules-C
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Sure? I am quite keen on Virgil but I feel like Wirtz and Tzolis for example might have more upside than Szobo and Ndiaye

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Downgrade

      1. Jules-C
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Who would you downgrade to?

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 17 days ago

          Palestra out of those

  29. WVA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Can’t work out if Anderson is being overlooked?

    1. Jules-C
      1 month, 17 days ago

      I personally feel that he is not being overlooked but also not super exciting to pick in that bracket. You can have a Kluivert or Ndiaye for 6m with a way higher upside and a Foden/Szobo for 7m. Anderson will definitely tick along, but probably won’t get you the really big hauls

    2. Funkyav
      • 17 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      he only returned to training today so may not even start GW1

      easy avoid until the early WC

      1. WVA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 17 days ago

        Ah thanks mate

  30. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    1 month, 17 days ago

    Mukiele and Alderete confirmed as benched at best v IPS. Unless Sunderland sign someone, it means O'Nien at CB with Ballard. Meunier at RB.

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 17 days ago

      Nice but prefer Davis from IPS