Pro Pundits - FPL General

FPL General’s Gameweek 1 team reveal: Bench Boost active

19 August 2026 315 comments
@FPLGeneral @FPLGeneral
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As we count down to the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1 deadline, we’re welcoming back our team of guest contributors for 2026/27.

This time, we hear from FPL General, who shares his Gameweek 1 Bench Boost team reveal.

General, aka Mark, has abandoned the Haaland-less experiment of 2025/26! He has three top 500 finishes to his name – and plenty more excellent ranks besides:

SeasonRank
2024/2543,049
2023/2445,480
2022/2315,148
2021/2210,112
2020/2148,541
2019/2021,997
2018/19516,873
2017/18362
2016/1741,734
2015/16102
2014/15352
2013/1413,247

The Only FPL Companion App You Need for 2026/27 1

Score More Points. Win More Mini Leagues. Join FFScout.

Here we go again! How good is it to have FPL back in our lives this weekend? 

I’m very excited for the season ahead after my experimental one last year. There won’t be any self-imposed player restrictions this time around! It’s back to basics. Another top 50k finish is the end goal – if I don’t win it outright, of course!

There’s no point beating around the bush, so here’s my current draft…

Current Gameweek 1 Draft

FPL Stats Centre
315 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 hours, 36 mins ago

    If you had Calafiori White and Tzolis would you get Konsa and put him in the 11, if he got a start it’s 4 against COV and hope he does not get just a few mins?
    Would have to move him for next transfer but if not planning any for 2-3 weeks anyway
    Worth it or not?

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    1. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      2 hours, 58 mins ago

      He won't start

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    2. Davros
      • 17 Years
      2 hours, 56 mins ago

      Madness

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    3. Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 55 mins ago

      Wishful thinking. If you don't plan of BB the first 3 weeks then I'd bring him in.

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    4. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 41 mins ago

      Yeah it’s all wishing thinking and trying to be too smart.
      But no BB plans and no transfers planned til 3 or 4.
      If it ain’t going to work for GW1 it probably just costs me a transfer out.
      Knowing my luck he takes White place instead of Mos ..

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    5. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 hours, 24 mins ago

      unless you plan to sell Tzolis, you will need to take a hit to bring in whoever is the hot thing after GW1

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  2. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 34 mins ago

    Rice or ode
    Gomez or gross?

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    1. FPLamateur
      • 2 Years
      2 hours, 55 mins ago

      Ode and gross

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    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      1 hour, 43 mins ago

      Tzolis and Sangaré?

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  3. Wet Bandits
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 hours, 32 mins ago

    First post of the season, and my first real dratf! It's good be back.

    How is this looking for BB1?

    Lammens
    VVD, Cal, Gvardiol,
    Mbuemo, Semenyo, Slob, Tzolis,
    Haaland, Pedro, Brobbey,

    Kinsky, Diop, Shaw, Gros

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    1. FPLamateur
      • 2 Years
      2 hours, 53 mins ago

      If you’re not starting Shaw vs Hull then just downgrade him to a £4.0

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      1. Wet Bandits
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 hours, 53 mins ago

        .....

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        1. FPLamateur
          • 2 Years
          2 hours, 51 mins ago

          Sorry I missed the important BB bit . I like it, slightly different to the other teams I’ve seen

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          1. Wet Bandits
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 hours, 46 mins ago

            All good.

            Bruno and Tark have been solid for me over the years. I have FOMO already.

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            1. FPLamateur
              • 2 Years
              2 hours, 44 mins ago

              VVD was the one I had a question mark over but be a decent differential if he does well

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  4. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 hours, 32 mins ago

    GW2 BB?

    Kinsky Rushworth
    O'Reilly Calafiori White Shaw Van Ewijk
    Bruno Mbeumo Szoboszlai Semenyo Tzolis
    Isak Pedro Wissa

    The BB in GW2 is Rushworth (HUL), Van Ewijk (HUL), Wissa (tot), O'Reilly (cry)

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    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      3 hours, 28 mins ago

      I like it, Wissa great shout, could be golden. Maybe a bit too much $ in defence for my liking

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        3 hours, 22 mins ago

        I like heavy defense personally. O'Reilly and Calafiori are super high upside picks for the first few weeks.

        The Haaland plan is set as well. Bruno + Pedro > Haaland + 4.5m in GW3.

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        1. The Pretender
          • 10 Years
          1 hour, 46 mins ago

          Probably better off going Bruno + Mbeumo > Haaland + 5.0 mid

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    2. Beto Hall Tzol
      • 9 Years
      3 hours, 3 mins ago

      Hopefully Konsa / Hincapie don’t blow best laid plans wk2. Quite a bit of attacking ££ on bench after BB … what’s the exit?

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 hours, 48 mins ago

        Fernandes + Pedro > 4.5m + Haaland in GW3.

        The bench then becomes:
        Rushworth, Van Ewijk, 4.5m, Shaw. That's completely reasonable until first WC.

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        1. pundit of punts
          • 13 Years
          2 hours, 39 mins ago

          Plan for Chelsea in GW 4?

          Also, I feel you won’t want to sell Pedro in GW 3. Have another plan in place for Haaland.

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          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            7 mins ago

            Then I sell Isak.

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        2. Beto Hall Tzol
          • 9 Years
          2 hours, 37 mins ago

          Gotcha. Bring on the Slater!

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  5. FPLamateur
    • 2 Years
    3 hours, 30 mins ago

    Who’s on pens for Lpool this year?
    Sboz? Isak ? Gakpo?

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    1. Wet Bandits
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 53 mins ago

      I want it to be Slob.

      Must be Isak.. surely?

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    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      2 hours, 48 mins ago

      No one knows
      But probably Isak first and Szobo second

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  6. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    3 hours, 30 mins ago

    For first couple of weeks ?

    A DCL (nfo, BRE)
    B Brobbey (ips, FUL)

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 hours, 17 mins ago

      If you're hell bent on WC3 or 4 I'd go Brobbey. But DCL's fixtures are better over the next 5.

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      1. Buck The Trent
        • 14 Years
        2 hours, 48 mins ago

        Thanks!

        Don’t intentd to WC short term unless circumstances changes (already own Haaland Bruno). But tempted to use FT to downgrade Bruno to upgrade the Brobbey/DCL to Isak from GW3.

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  7. D15jones
    • 4 Years
    3 hours, 29 mins ago

    Which 3 do you prefer?
    A: Van Dijk, Le Fee, Tzolis
    B: Muharemovic, Rice, Dewsbury Hall

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    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      2 hours, 41 mins ago

      B

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    2. Beto Hall Tzol
      • 9 Years
      2 hours, 24 mins ago

      Muhar, Rogers, Tzolis

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  8. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    3 hours, 28 mins ago

    Konsa is a real headache.
    I was happy with White + Mosquera but one of the will lose some starts to Konsa. Annoying.
    I could go for Calafiori but you live in fear of a 59th minute sub off.

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    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      2 hours, 47 mins ago

      Mosquera is meh anyways
      Calafiori has a high upside, comes with a risk of being subbed early

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    2. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      2 hours, 46 mins ago

      Just remembered that Arsenal is the Friday night so we will have team news before FPL deadline.

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    3. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 hours, 46 mins ago

      I wouldnt be TOOO worried of a 59th min sub, I think the pre 60 sub in Community shield game was a case of, the games done, youve got some more minutes in, no need to risk you anymore, plus gives Hincapie some mins to keep him fresh.

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      1. x.jim.x
        • 11 Years
        2 hours, 42 mins ago

        Got booked for diving anorl

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        1. Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 hours, 41 mins ago

          Yeah that was silly

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  9. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 24 mins ago

    RMT

    Raya,
    Shaw, Calafiori, Vuskovic,
    Bruno, Semenyo, Wirtz, Tzolis, Mbuemo,
    Isak, J Pedro,

    Kinsky, DCL, Muharemovic, Konsa/4.5m (just got him in the team in case we miraculously hear that hes straight in the team).

    Plan is BB GW1, then GW3 do Bruno, Isak to Schade, Haaland, or earlier if no Haaland goes t*ts up.

    Also note Isak could be Thiago, not fully decided which yet but as a pool fan I may stick with Isak possibly against better judgement.

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    1. BR510
      1 hour, 59 mins ago

      Only issue is selling Isak before good fixtures

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      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 hour, 47 mins ago

        True. I guess I'd have to see how it plays out. Maybe I just FH Haaland in GW3 instead. Its basically making sure I have an out if Haaland goes wild and I need to get him in.

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  10. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    3 hours, 23 mins ago

    Calafiori only completed 60+ minutes in 3 of his last 10 matches, and also came off in 59th minute of Community Shield.

    Risk seems higher than the reward.

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      2 hours, 45 mins ago

      I agree. i am trying to get raya instead but its hard going...

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      1. Beto Hall Tzol
        • 9 Years
        2 hours, 21 mins ago

        Mins risk for sure. But would not put full weight on community shield - pre-season, game was done, YC, give Hincapié mins.

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  11. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 23 mins ago

    Sanchez good pick this year?

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  12. Manani
    • 14 Years
    3 hours, 22 mins ago

    would you BB Robertson and Kinsky (bre)?

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  13. thom830g
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 21 mins ago

    Really do not like the balance in this team. Any suggestions for improvements?

    Raya
    Cala - Shaw - Hume
    Szobo - B. Fernandes - Mbuemo - Tzolis
    JP - Haaland - DCL

    (Verbruggen - Thomas - Davis - Slater)

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    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 hours, 38 mins ago

      ditch one of bruno/haaland

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    2. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 30 mins ago

      Good team mate, not sure about Hume akd shocking bench. Unless you're bench boosting early you could save 0.5m on sub GK and go Rodon or Mitchell at the back

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  14. Khalico
    • 11 Years
    3 hours, 21 mins ago

    Best 6m midfield option?

    1. Le Fee
    2. Kluivert
    3. Ndiaye
    4. Other, which one?

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      2 hours, 44 mins ago

      hinchelwood 🙂

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      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        2 hours, 42 mins ago

        Mm really like him, but prefer Schade

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    2. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 35 mins ago

      Have you already got Gros? If not I'd have hin and use the 1/2m elsewhere

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    3. Beto Hall Tzol
      • 9 Years
      2 hours, 18 mins ago

      Schade. Le Fee and Ndiaye are good players but eve/sun less attacking.

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  15. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 19 mins ago

    Bruno out again. Damn, it's difficult this season.

    BB1, FH/WC3 team

    Lammens - Verbruggen
    Calafiori - James - Vuskovic - Maguire - Hume
    Mbeumo - Szoboszlai - Odegaard - Tzolis - Schade
    Haaland - Thiago - Pedro

    James is risky, I know

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    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      2 hours, 39 mins ago

      so is vuskovic from I what i have read 🙂

      benching headache every week imo but good team

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  16. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    3 hours, 15 mins ago

    In your opinion what is the best 6.0 DF for this non BB team

    Verbruggen Kinsky
    Calafiori Shaw Mitchell Mykolenko xxxxxxxx
    Mbeumo Szoboszial Semenyo Sangare Le Fee
    Haaland Pedro Thiago

    Any ideas would be appreciated

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    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      2 hours, 38 mins ago

      It has to be Konsa

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      1. RogueBlood
        • 11 Years
        2 hours, 34 mins ago

        Think Konsa is a wait and see now he's going to Arsenal dont see him starting against coventry

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        1. Qaiss
          • 10 Years
          2 hours, 30 mins ago

          But it’s a non bench boost team and Konsa will be fine from GW2/GW3

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    2. RogueBlood
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 37 mins ago

      I`m personally going Guehi

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      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        2 hours, 34 mins ago

        He is not nailed

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    3. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 36 mins ago

      I'd go Maguire for Shaw and stick in Gvardiol

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  17. adstomko
    • 10 Years
    3 hours, 12 mins ago

    Which pair of defenders?
    A) Milenković & Kayode
    B) Milenković & Ajer
    C) N.Williams & Jacquet

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    1. theluckiest
      • 17 Years
      2 hours, 34 mins ago

      I like c

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      1. adstomko
        • 10 Years
        2 hours, 25 mins ago

        Only issue is it locks me out of Szoboszlai in GW3 onwards, in my team anyway.

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  18. Manani
    • 14 Years
    3 hours, 12 mins ago

    best coventry mid for GW2?

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    1. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 34 mins ago

      I think Grimes is on a lot of set pieves and plays every week

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  19. theluckiest
    • 17 Years
    3 hours, 11 mins ago

    Settled on this (until I change it again)
    Bench boost wk1

    Kinsky - verbruggen
    White - maguire - vuskovic - Robertson- leif Davis
    Bruno F - Mbeumo- odegaard - Tzolis- gomez
    Joao Pedro- haaland - dcl

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    1. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 33 mins ago

      Is Robertson nailed over Udogie?

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      1. theluckiest
        • 17 Years
        2 hours, 30 mins ago

        Early on yes. Udogie not played in preseason

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        1. Fletch69
          • 5 Years
          2 hours, 28 mins ago

          Cracking team then, assume Tzolis is nailed over Eze as well

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  20. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 9 mins ago

    Will u bb tbis
    Verb ode gross dcl

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  21. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    3 hours, 9 mins ago

    BB GW1 team good to go?

    Kinsky Verbruggen
    Califiori White Maguire Rodon Davis
    Fernandes Tzolis Mbuemo Ndiaye Gomez
    Haaland Pedro DCL

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    1. Flynny
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 32 mins ago

      Good

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    2. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 27 mins ago

      Nice team

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  22. Talal Alkadi
    3 hours, 9 mins ago

    Is it worth it to go no arsenal defense for the first couple weeks

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    1. Flynny
      • 11 Years
      2 hours, 32 mins ago

      No

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  23. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    3 hours, 8 mins ago

    Wow the gross vs schade dilema is real
    Quite sure whichever i pick, the other will haul haha

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    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      2 hours, 29 mins ago

      Ndiaye and Hinslewood also looks great in that price range

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  24. LittleD
    • 15 Years
    3 hours, 7 mins ago

    Raya
    O Reilly shaw Williams
    Bruno mbeumo writz tzolis
    Haaland DCL brobbey

    How's my first 11 looking??

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  25. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    3 hours, 5 mins ago

    When is Solanke projected to come back? I can't see why Richarlison is not an option at 6.0, unless he is in danger of losing his place very fast

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    1. BECKS TO THE FUTURE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 hours, 21 mins ago

      Marmoush incoming

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  26. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    3 hours, 4 mins ago

    Is Maguire nailed over Shaw

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    1. Fletch69
      • 5 Years
      2 hours, 25 mins ago

      I think so, Man u apparently looking for a right back, but won't be instant

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      1. FPL Emu
        • 15 Years
        2 hours, 24 mins ago

        Left back, but yes.

        Should be nailed for now

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  27. hchauhan2203
    • 5 Years
    3 hours, 3 mins ago

    Please rate my team and provide advice. ...

    Raya
    Shaw, Gvardiol, Calafiori
    Mbeumo, Tzolis, Semenyo, Szoboszlai
    Haaland, Pedro, DCL

    SUBS - BBGW1
    Verbruggen, Nico Williams, E.Le Fee, O'Shea

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  28. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    3 hours, 1 min ago

    Need a 4.5 mid to sit on bench, any differentials?

    Who’s the Villa mid pre season, anyone else?

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  29. Trickster72
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 51 mins ago

    Donnarumma, N.Williams, Munoz, James,
    Szobers, Semenyo, Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis,
    Haaland, Pedro
    Dubravka, F.Kadio...Simms, Onien

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  30. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 hours, 48 mins ago

    Thoughts on this first draft?

    Verbruggen
    Shaw / Califiori / Muharemovic
    Bruno / Tzolis / Odegaard / Semenyo
    J.Pedro / Haaland / DCL

    Bench: Dubravka, Gross, Ajer, Van Ewijk

    0itb.

    Any advice is welcomed!

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