Scout Squad

The Scout Squad picks for FPL Gameweek 1

The start of the 2020/21 campaign is just days away so the Scout Squad panel reconvenes to champion the standout Fantasy Premier League assets for the first Gameweek of the season.

For the uninitiated, these picks always take the format of a ‘Free Hit’ for the very next Gameweek.

Fantasy Football Scout editor David, deputy editor Neale, video content manager Andy and Pro Pundit Tom will each propose an 18-man squad of players for the approaching Gameweek and explain their notable inclusions/omissions below.

The 72 nominations listed will then be narrowed down to a squad of 15 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83m) for the weekly Scout Picks selection ahead of Saturday’s deadline at 11:00 BST.

There are requirements for at least one goalkeeper costing £5.0m or less, at least one sub-£5.0m defender, at least one midfielder listed at £6.5m or below and at least one forward priced at £7.5m or lower.

Each panelist is restricted to no more than three players from the same team, as is the case in FPL.

We will again be adding a captaincy to the Scout Picks, with details of that revealed on Sunday.


 DavidNealeTomAndy
GKAlex McCarthyHugo LlorisRui PatricioKasper Schmeichel
 Mathew RyanAaron RamsdaleHugo LlorisRui Patricio
 Aaron RamsdaleAlex McCarthyAlex McCarthyAlex McCarthy
DFTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-ArnoldCesar Azpilicueta
 Matt DohertyKieran TierneyAndrew RobertsonTrent Alexander-Arnold
 Rob HoldingWilly BolyRomain SaissMatt Doherty
 James JustinCesar AzpilicuetaReece JamesWilly Boly
 Tyrick MitchellJames JustinJames JustinJames Justin
MFPierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick AubameyangPierre-Emerick Aubameyang
 Mohamed SalahSadio ManeMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
 Kai HavertzKai HavertzKai HavertzSadio Mane
 Jarrod BowenWilfried ZahaJarrod BowenChristian Pulisic
 Allan Saint-MaximinAllan Saint-MaximinJames Ward-ProwseAllan Saint-Maximin
FWTimo WernerJamie VardyTimo WernerTimo Werner
 Harry KaneTimo WernerJamie VardyJamie Vardy
 Che AdamsMichail AntonioHarry KaneMichail Antonio
 Eddie NketiahHarry KaneMichail AntonioDanny Ings
 Raul JimenezEddie NketiahChe AdamsHarry Kane

Most popular picks: Alex McCarthy, James Justin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Timo Werner, Harry Kane (four), Kai Havertz, Mohamed Salah, Allan Saint-Maximin, Jamie Vardy, Michail Antonio (three)

DAVID SAID…

The inclusion of Trent Alexander-ArnoldPierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah largely speak for themselves so I will dedicate a bit more time to some of my other selections.

Crystal Palace were the lowest scorers in home matches last season, while only Norwich found the net fewer times than the Eagles during Project Restart, making Alex McCarthy my preferred goalkeeper for Gameweek 1. Mat Ryan has some value going forward and should make plenty of saves at Chelsea, hence why he’s my second choice.

I’m expecting Matt Doherty to go straight into the Spurs team for their meeting with Everton and, judging by his attacking mentality at Wolves, I’m expecting big things for him in north London. Jose Mourinho has improved the Spurs defence while Everton struggled for goals during Project Restart.

James Justin looks nailed-on to start against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon and offers potential at both ends of the pitch.

Likewise, Rob Holding also faces newly promoted opposition in Fulham, while Arsenal’s defence continues to improve under Mikel Arteta.

I have my concerns about the long-term viability of Tyrick Mitchell, and Palace’s injury-hit defence fared particularly poorly during Project Restart, but he seems the most likely of the £4.0m defenders to actually start in Blank Gameweek 1.

Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are my chosen options from the Chelsea attack, which looks rather promising for the new campaign.

I have also included Jarrod Bowen, as I am sure West Ham will get a good result against Newcastle. I wanted to include Tomas Soucek and/or Michail Antonio but doubts of the two players’ chances of Gameweek 1 involvement put me off at the last moment.

I am expecting big things from Harry Kane this season, based on the way he finished last season. We all agree Spurs have nice fixtures to start 2020/21 and it was their centre-forward who registered more touches in the box, shots there and attempts on target than any team-mate during Project Restart.

On the hunt for some value in attack I have chosen Che Adams. During the final three matches of last season, he outscored Danny Ings, registering superior figures for minutes per shot, minutes per big chance and minutes per shot on target than his colleague across the whole of Project Restart.

NEALE SAID…

The pre-season eye test, if that is worth anything, has shunted a few names down the pecking order or out of my 18-man Scout Squad altogether.

Harry Kane appeared sluggish for England after his period of self-isolation, Michail Antonio lacked sharpness for West Ham in their final warm-up match against Bournemouth, and Mohamed Salah has looked well below-par for Liverpool in their pre-Gameweek 1 kickabouts.

Will that count for anything when the competitive action gets underway on Saturday? Maybe, maybe not. Will my lily-livered self have the nerve to overlook the highly owned Salah in favour of Sadio Mane, as I have done in my selection above? Almost certainly not.

Gameweek 1 squads are a unique affair as there is perhaps more gut instinct going on than at any other time of the season.

We don’t know if new signings will bed in straight away, whether the end-of-season form from the previous campaign counts towards anything and, as discussed, whether pre-season displays have any bearing on what follows.

Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are two such “gut” picks. Their Bundesliga stats are impressive but there is the nagging doubt over whether Frank Lampard can seamlessly assimilate such talented attackers into what was one of the most creative teams of last season: only the top two carved out more big chances than the Blues in 2019/20 but there often wasn’t anyone reliable on the end of these gilt-edged opportunities.

Had we had a full complement of fixtures and the premium assets from both Manchester clubs playing this weekend, the likelihood is that I would have gone with tried and tested over the Premier League rookies.

Matt Doherty would be my ideal route into the Spurs defence ahead of their meeting with Everton but I am a tad concerned that he has not kicked a ball for the Lilywhites since his move south, so, having not yet heard from Jose Mourinho at the time of writing, I’ll stick with the goalkeeper with the best save percentage and expected goals prevented total in the Premier League last season: Hugo Lloris.

Obvious picks abound elsewhere but the Wilfried Zaha selection probably requires explanation.

Palace aren’t renowned for their goalscoring exploits but we have seen Roy Hodgson adopting a more attacking 4-4-2 in pre-season, with Zaha deployed “out of position” in a two-man attack.

The Ivorian found the back of the net on three occasions in the Eagles’ friendlies (which were admittedly against sub-standard opposition) and the capture of Eberechi Eze should add a bit more potency to what was a limp attack.

It’s also easy to forget that Zaha averaged over 18 attacking returns per season in the three campaigns before 2019/20.

I think Allan Saint-Maximin is possibly being oversold in the Fantasy community but, given West Ham’s continued struggles at full-back (look no further than the 5-3 defeat at Bournemouth last Saturday), I think he could still make hay this weekend.

While I’ve highlighted the pre-season woes of Kane et al, Eddie Nketiah is on a goalscoring streak after a successful international break.

He’s a rotation risk in the medium term but he seems to have curried favour with Mikel Arteta, starting in the Community Shield, so he may well get the nod at Craven Cottage against a Fulham defence with much to prove.

Finally, going back to Mane: he averaged 6.9 points per start in FPL last season compared to Salah’s 7.0, so there is little splitting the pair.

TOM SAID…

Clean sheets look quite hard to call this week.

Even Liverpool’s home tie against Leeds United is far from straightforward, but that being said, I’m more than happy to select both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson due to their attacking threat.

I’m also backing Wolverhampton Wanderers defence, via Rui Patrício and Romain Saïss. Despite heading into the new campaign without either of last terms first-choice wing-backs, I still think a shutout could be on the cards, bearing in mind Sheffield United took the fewest shots in the division last time round.

They’re joined by Hugo Lloris, Alex McCarthy, Reece James and James Justin at the back.

Further forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mohamed Salah are my heavy hitters of choice, while I’m also backing Chelsea’s new arrivals.

Brighton and Hove Albion shipped 11 goals in three home games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United during Project Restart, while in Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Chelsea have landed two of Europe’s hottest prospects whose Bundesliga numbers are hugely encouraging. You get the feeling both could explode, and make a mockery of their respective price tags.

I’ve also doubled up on Southampton and West Ham United’s attacks.

Saints’ away form was only bettered by Liverpool and Man City last season, while only the Manchester clubs collected more points during Project Restart. They’re up against a Crystal Palace side who have won just four games all year, which bodes well for James Ward-Prowse, who may be back on penalties, and Che Adams, who looked lively at the end of last season and bagged three goals in the final two Gameweeks.

At the Hammers, I’ve opted for Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

Newcastle United massively overperformed their metrics last season, and were really poor at defending set-pieces. I think Bowen, who will likely be on corners, could profit from those weaknesses, and in Antonio, they possess a striker who posted some ridiculously good numbers following the restart, and should keep his centre-forward spot given his performances.

The forward list is completed by Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane, who take on newly promoted West Bromwich Albion and Everton respectively.

ANDY SAID…

I think there are lots of reasons to be excited about Chelsea this season, especially if they buy a new goalkeeper. They were the fifth-best defence last season in terms of expected goals conceded (xGC) and with Cesar Azpilicueta not missing many minutes in recent seasons, there’s nothing to suggest that will stop now.

Although Michail Antonio’s sample of games is a bit smaller than most (only 1,767 minutes played last season), it’s difficult to look past his outrageous stats. Within players to play at least 1,000 minutes, Antonio was top for expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes for all midfielders last year at 0.64. In comparison, Raheem Sterling was 0.62 and Mohamed Salah 0.58.

When FPL first launched, Willy Boly was someone I wanted to avoid. It didn’t feel right backing him at £5.5m when you could get Romain Saïss (£5.0m) and Rúben Vinagre (£4.5m) for less. Fast forward a few weeks and there’s a little bit too much transfer speculation around Wolves for my liking. At £5.5m you at least get a little attacking threat and a very much nailed-on player against one of the worst attacks in the league last season.

There are rumours that Christian Pulisic might be available for Gameweek 1. Chelsea were only second to Manchester City last season for xG and when you think about the players they’ve added to their squad, there’s potential for big numbers again this year. It’s a risk starting with him, in case Lampard decides to bed him in slowly. At 0.59 expected goal involvements (xGI) per 90 minutes last season, he’s someone I want in my team sooner rather than later. No midfielder priced £8.5m or less bettered that last year outside of Riyad Mahrez.

James Justin provides a lot of upsides, but only potentially for a short space of time. We know that he’s only starting because of the injury to Ricardo Pereira, but for a Gameweek 1 punt against a newly promoted side, there aren’t many better options for the price. My only concern would be Jonny Evans missing out through injury but Leicester may still have enough for both attacking and defensive returns for the £4.5m full-back.

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, one of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks by pitting their chosen XI against ours.

The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Our Scout Picks article on Friday will have further details on who is representing the community this week.

BEST PLAYERS BY POSITION:

1,357 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Son, Bissouma, Werner
    B) Alli, Havertz, Brewster/ Davis

    Currently on A but all this Havertz chat making me think!

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate!

  2. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy (nyland)
    Taa davies justin (taylor, mitchell)
    Soucek Salah Auba Son Armstrong
    Werner DCL/callum (brewster)

    Gw2 son to bruno
    Gw3 auba to kdb

    Opinions please ??

  3. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Ben Johnson?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      deserved his ban - sport & cheating is wrong 🙂

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Won two bronze medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
      Good pick.

    3. Agger
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      West Ham fans seem to rate him over Ryan Fredericks

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You mean Frankie Fredericks surely

    4. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both WHU left backs sub par, will get ruined against anyone with quality, been that way for over 3 seasons.
      Not that different on the other side either.

      Likely be whoever last played least bad who gets picked.

      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ben Johnson is a right-back, not a left back.

        I guess your comment is still relevant with your 2nd sentence, but a bit strange to talk about the WHU LB options when asked about the RB.

  4. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bench Boost draft. Anyone like it?

    Lloris
    Trent, Mina, Egan, KWP
    Auba, Pulisic, Rodriguez, ASM
    Werner, Ings
    (McCarthy, Holding, Keita, Mitrovic)

    1. Breaking FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic Rodriguez, Holding, Keita all risky IMO

      I highly doubt all four of them will start

  5. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Had Werner in my team for weeks, but now last minute doubts are creeping in.

    Its an unwritten rule to give new signings time in FPL. Would it be safer to go Vardy for the opening games and jump on Werner if he hits the ground running?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That's exactly what I'm doing. Had Werner in my draft but now I'm starting with Vardy and doing the exchange in GW3.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Think it may be the safest option.

        Attempting a 'safer' gameplan/mindset this season. Went rogue too often last season and it ended badly

      2. Wild Card this!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Well, we know Vardy...question here is - how much do you trust your “gut feeling”.
        Potential difference is 5-10 points either way...

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      But then you’ll might want to use your transfers on getting in some ManC/U

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Plan on Auba->KDB or Sterling GW3 (Like virtually everyone else.)

        Also, starting with Martial on the bench to save that transfer/give more flexibility

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        My plan is GW3 2FT Auba>KDB, Vardy>Werner. 1m profit minus inflation.

        1. rnrd
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          or you can do Auba --> pulisic / Havertz and VArdy --> Aguero / kane which is what I like about this starting option.

          Although I consider AVrdy is a great pick for the first 8 GW

    3. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Same strategy here. I'm starting with Vardy. Really want to see CHE play before making a call.
      I have the feeling Pulisic and Havertz might be the main men for the blues and could make mockery of their price tags.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think there's a good chance of that too. Can see many with a Chelsea double/triple up in attack if the team gels quickly.

  6. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Don't post drafts often but I'm bored at work:

    McCarthy -- 4.0
    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre -- Justin, Mitchell
    Auba, Salah, Havertz, ASM -- Bissouma
    Werner, Calvert-Lewin, Adams

    Go on then, what don't ya like 😛

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      you won’t get 11 starters in GW1 😉

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That would be less than ideal

    2. Agger
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      3 defenders aren’t nailed, 4.0m GK isn’t nailed whoever it is 😉

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vinagre is a risk atm... if you are referring to Doherty and Justin... They are both nailed in my personal opinion

        1. Agger
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Mitchell, Justin and Vinagre - Justin plays until Ricardo Perreira comes back which is in a couple weeks

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Ah I'm not bothered about Mitchell tbh he can rot on my bench lol. Perreira is miles off coming back

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don’t think Doherty is worth 6.0 currently - I’d prefer Tierney + 0.5

      Having owned Calvert Lewin for far too long post lock down last season just seeing his name gives me cold sweats

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah hated DCL last season. But that was last season. Much more creative force behind him now and his fixtures are lovely

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          But no idea how all the new signings will get together - not much of a punt at the price I guess but I’ll wait and see

          Realistically the core of your team is what I believe the best GW1 team is. I’m in same midfield except decision beteeen Havertz, Son, Alli, Pulisic for the 3rd mid spot

          Then it’s decision between something like your front line or play 4-4-2 with Werner & Ings (and have 0.5 ITB to do Ings to Martial GW2)

    4. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any news on Vinagre?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No news is good news imo

    5. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      like it.

      Not too different to mine.

      Ramsdale 4.0
      Taa Dier Davies KWP Mitchell
      Auba Salah Havertz ASM Soucek
      Werner Wilson Adams.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, nice!

    6. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice, mine is similar.

      Got KWP and Taylor instead of Doherty/Vinagre and Ings instead of DCL

    7. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It's good. Nothing to add really.

      I don't think Doherty is worth the money personally. Would rather Dier and then upgrade Vinagre to Saiss/Coady for general sturdiness. Also gives you 0.5m which allows you to upgrade Bissouma > Soucek or Adams > Wilson.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm in the camp of Doherty being well worth the money. I've always been a fan of Jose attacking RBs. I think he's brought him in to be extremely attacking

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Okay. For me, there are some cons that put me off.

          1. Aurier is still there. Minor concern, but still a concern. He might take minutes here and there.
          2. Doherty playing in a back 4. He did poorly for RoI in a back 4 and looked uncomfortable. Spurs are going to play 4 at the back and that definitely changes his positioning fairly significantly which could greatly impact his returns.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Jose's right backs typically act as a wing back with the rest of the defence forming a back 3 when the RB bombs forward. I think that plays into Doherty perfectly and is why Jose bought Doherty Specifically. Aurier still being there is a plus imo because it means Doherty won't be deployed in Europa games

    8. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have the same bar:

      Doherty, Vinagre, Havertz -> Dier, Saiss, Son

  7. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think I've finalised my draft. I'm astonished to discover than instead of keeping a Red Devil on the bench and getting another one in GW3, I'm now not due to have a single Red Devil until GW9. I know, I know - What if yada yada - but it works!

    1. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      United are shite so it makes sense

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Rad story from a guy who supports two clubs.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          who said I support two clubs? 😆

    3. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck to you

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good decision.

      I'm back with my 4 Spurs team as well.. thank you Scout Squad and Soucek!

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Really! Okay, best of luck!

    5. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      did something change in the last 12 hours that I missed?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He broke up his 4 Spuds that he'd been hanging onto since
        Doh moved.
        Hang on, if you took one out and saved, you can't have 4!

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Still have all 4 🙂

    6. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How many drafts/change of strategy you had Andy?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oh gotta be 50+ drafts, but here's the thing - I only ever had one strategy, but every tweak clouded the strategy until it was barely effective. So I've gone and rigorously applied the strategy (basically 'upside chasing' incorporating a few other ideas analysts here have explained).
        It does look substantially different to earlier drafts because not only does it start with no Mancs, but the plan involves bringing in KDB and no more for some time (although it doesn't take much to slip in a Jimi>Martial, Pulisic > Greenwood or ASM > Foden if required)

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I know mate - but all our initial plans usually go out the drain after first few GW‘a...usually, but not always, as we are seasoned FPL managers...once it works - you’re in top 1000 or whatever.
          I honestly believe - as much as good this site is (get some useful info in the chat) - it is also a great distraction. It’s hard to stick to your plan...hope you know what I’m saying...

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I know exactly what you're saying - every year the same. But I've never had a strategy as focussed as the one, so I'm going to try damned harder to stick to it this year. Well.....

            1. Wild Card this!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              We know LOL.
              It’s hard.

              1. Wild Card this!
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Btw...the worst part is when I want to believe, because it crossed my mind at some point - oh, that’s the best one 😉

  8. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    GW1

    McCarthy
    TAA-Davies-KWP-Justin
    Salah-Auba-Son-ASM
    Werner-mitrovic

    Ollie Watkins, Williams, lemina, Fabri.

    Plan to bring in Bruno gw2 for son, and de Bruyne gw3 for either salah or Auba

  9. TAArt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Antonio & Havertz
    or
    B) Ings & Foden?

  10. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts here?

    Meslier
    James Egan KWP
    Mane(C) Aubameyang Havertz Rodriguez
    Ings DCL Adams

    P.Farrell Bissouma Ayling Laporte

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s not for me :/

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Armstrong + Werner instead of Havertz + Adams?

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Rodriguez for me is just a total completely needless punt - we’ve no idea what he will be like

          I’d rather ASM or the like instead, Werner & 4.5 over DCL & Adams, play 4-4-2 and upgrade defence getting TAA in

          Only my personal opinion though and I did terrible last season!

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Definitely won’t be listening then

            1. TheDragon
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Top 1k season before though 😉

              1. Athletic Nasherbo
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I’m listening again 😉

                1. Athletic Nasherbo
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I haven’t had TAA in a draft once and that’s how it will stay. I plan an early enough Wildcard most likely and so Trent will come in when the fixtures get a little better and when I see some kind of form from the Liverpool back line (imo they’ve been very very very poor defensively).

                  Rodriguez I can understand but I truly believe he is of a certain level to do well in the Prem. I think he will dominate set pieces also. 7.5m is a great price and if it doesn’t work I can look at Greenwood/Foden. The fixtures are tidy aswell after Spurs.

                  I can go Werner + Armstrong instead of Havertz + Adams which I am strongly considering

  11. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    From a Palace perspective.

    Yes our defense is weak but PVA will only be two weeks maximum and Ferguson is a great long term pick (unless you are WC early) he is already training as is Tomkins. Kouyate played at CB more than CM in most of his career and we still have Dann and Kelly on the Bench. Even Sakho (god forbid lol) is only a couple of weeks away from training and it is only Cahill out long term.

    The one thing i would say is I cannot remember the last time we played well or beat Southampton at Selhurst, but with Bats coming in (agreed today) and the signing of Eze, maybe even Brewster (between us and Sheff Utd) and Benrahma as a possible target, and it looks like Zaha is staying until January, the Everton talk was rubbish- personally i think he will go to Arsenal in Jan or next year) once they get rid of their deadwood like Ozil and Lacazzette, and the other defenders on high wages and Pepe is in the last chance saloon and Zaha has always said he prefers to play on the right of the front 3, and with Eze we will see a different Palace with two holding midfielders instead of three when players are fit. Sakho Benteke and Meyer will be gone next year with three of the highest wage owners of our books, by a distance. Hence the reason for more signings. Just sign Bats on loan with an option to buy (unclear but 10-15m as he has just extended his contract for one year so chelsea get a feww, saving money this year for more signings)

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bats a great pick with Zaha and Eze supplying him, I'm in

      1. claretparrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The really nice thing about it is adding to the pool of viable 6.0 forwards. Makes picking him or one of the others that bit safer/easier to deal with

        1. Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Absolutely scored 6 in 13 when we were struggling for goals. Think he will get more chances

      2. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep my feelings too

      3. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep my feelings too.

      4. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah it is between Wilson and Bats for me

    2. Agger
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      And Mitchell at 4.0m? Nailed for how long?

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would go Fergerson TBH, PVA is not far away according to reports as he is training for a while. More match fitness than anything else

    3. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Two Qs!
      Will Bats mean Zaha goes back out wide?
      Is Ferguson definitely first choice once fit?

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah. Zaha will be given more a free role this season. plus if we get another winger, Schlupp has been impressive too, Plus Eze i don't think stopping Zaha stops Palace so much this season. If they triple or double upon him, we have more options

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      what will be the GW1 defence ?

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It will be Ward, Kouyate, Dann and Mitchell (but possibly could be Jairo), but as Mitchell has been playing

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          well dodgy 😉

          1. Crunchie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yes it is for the first 2-4 GW's. Thats why i would pick Fergerson and hold

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              it’s such a poor defence I am not sure it’s worth saving .5 when there are lots of 4.5 guys to lineup and rotate along side 2 premiums ... we do get seduced by they .5 cheaper player though

    5. MikeRyko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Always interesting to get fans perspective, thanks. Might risk Ferguson then and hope he gets into the 11 quickly. Frees up 0.5 to get Wilson over Mitro.

      Thoughts on Zaha for the opening three or so gameweeks? In good form in pre-season if that means anything.

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks see above mate on Zaha

  12. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender? Already have Justin and have McCarthy in goal so no KWP.

    And which combo?
    A) Bruno + Mitro
    B) Martial + James (punt)

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Best one is still Vinagre for now...

  13. Jonnyb40
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wilson or Mitrovic

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro ofc

  14. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    people going with havertz
    are you sure he'll start?

    I think might be benched and come in the second half

  15. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How risky is it going 4-5-1? With 5.0 defender, Brewster, Davis as Sunday?
    My midfield looks so much better as I’m not interested in 6/6.5 strikers and would rather have Doherty as ‘set and forget’

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ‘you will rage quit by GW3’ risky 😉

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sheer folly. When your main striker is rested, you have no one.

  16. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1) Almiron
    2) M.Pereira

    Any thoughts much appreciated!

  17. Mr. Chimes
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s the best midfielder £8.0 to have as a GW1 placeholder?

    Right now I have Willian but it’s hard to say if he’s going to start.

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      H.barnes

  18. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have Matt Doherty but concerned he will not start this GW... should I ditch?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He will start

      1. Agger
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not 100% - Aurier has been playing the pre season games and like it or not his stats last season were pretty good

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doesn't make a lot of sense to me that people don't think Doherty starts. He wasn't signed to warm the bench. If he's fit he starts surely

      1. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        hasn't played a minute of pre-season..

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes ditch but not due to game time risk

    4. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Whats the harm in waiting and see how he does before putting him in your team. When you put him in you'll prob want to be sure he's a keeper. Spurs have a huge fixture pile up at the beginning of the season to with the Europa league early rounds. Just don't blame me if he gets a cleany, 2 assists and all bonus points in GW1 though.

    5. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will start. Marquee signing.

  19. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Dier or Vinagre?

    1. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Isn't Vinny poss off to Portugal? Dier anyway.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Porto didn't offer enough dosh.

  20. McGlynn8
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Draft how does it look?

    McCarthy

    TAA Saliba Justin

    Auba Salah ASM Soucek

    Wener Adams Antonio

    Nyland KWP Laporte Greenwood

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Saiss+1m (4-4-2)
    B. Adams (3-4-3)

  22. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Ings + 4.5 mid
    B) Havertz + 4.5 fwd

  23. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    People dumping Son for a player who might not even start, this is going to end in tears.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1-0 Everton incoming

    2. Gingerman
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who, Haverts?

  24. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Holding or Saliba?

  25. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any clever team names out there? I'm on Salah & Vinagre right now...

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      CorkSaka

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cho chooooooooo

    3. MrBoombastic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Transfers 2 Hits 4

    4. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      dont forget the pepe too

  26. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mitchell from Palace first choice in his position??

    1. Agger
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Until PVA comes back

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        When?

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Soon

  27. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This has been the easiest to pick a wk 1 team in years with ManU/City not playing.

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sure, as easy as it difficult to make same team work for GW2

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        what you struggling with?

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Picking a good one is the hard part

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        let me see....

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          McCarthy
          TAA, Egan, Doherty, Saiss
          Salah, Auba, Havertz, ASM
          Werner, Antonio
          (Nyland, Bissouma, Brewster Ferguson)

          1m ITB for Salah+Antonio >> Bruno(C)+Martial 😀

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            nice, just do Werner->Martial and save the 4 pts

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              What’s the team? My only conundrum is Davies+Vinagre+Ings or Doherty+Saiss+Antonio (+1m)

              1. JURGENAUT
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                The latter is what I’m at because doing the same -4 hit.

          2. JURGENAUT
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Same team aha. Wasn’t sure about Egan, worth it?

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Go on then I’ll bite - show us your team

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I dont do RMT's. Sorry...will just be pulled apart.

        Have not changed my team for a wk though so I'm not finding it difficult to be honest.

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I agree it seems relatively easy this GW1 but there are 3 or 4 options for a number of positions

  28. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Fellas I'm stuck. Is this best possible line-up with my squad? Thanks in a advance !

    Ramsdale
    TAA | KWP | Davies | Saiss
    Shelvey | Auba (C) | Diangana | Mane (V)
    Ings | Werner

    GK: Steer | DCL | Buur | Bissouma

  29. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which is better?

    A) Armstrong + Werner

    B) Havertz + Adams + 0.5m

  30. Bilbao Baggins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    "wanted to include Tomas Soucek and/or Michail Antonio but doubts of the two players’ chances of Gameweek 1 involvement put me off at the last moment."

    Sorry what did I miss? Soucek was being tested for Covid, but Antonio?