Pro Pundits - Simon

Former FPL world champion reveals tips and team for Gameweek 1

Former Fantasy Premier League world champion and four-time finisher in the top 7k Simon March gives us the lowdown on his thinking for the new campaign.


I am told that there are some important things going on in the world right now; a Brexit here, an election there, some protests, some riots, the odd wildfire and a global pandemic to name but a few. Unfortunately, I have little time for all that right now as the new Fantasy Premier League season and, as us Fantasy managers know, this is no time to get distracted.

Since nobody can realistically be expected to talk or think about anything else right now, I thought I’d use this article to take you through my thinking for my Gameweek 1 squad and my approach in general when it comes to kicking off this new FPL season.

Planning for a Unique Season

Every new season has its challenges but this one has more than most. Firstly, there’s the issue that a huge chunk of FPL’s best players won’t even play their opening match until Gameweek 2.

Then there’s the fixture intensity that the players will face, particularly those competing in Europe, and then there’s the aforementioned pandemic with the potential to decimate our options at any given moment through illness and quarantine.

It probably goes without saying that having a decent bench will be useful this season but having flexibility in your team may be even more important.

That means having players at a range of prices, across the pitch, who can be swapped out easily should the need arise.

It also means not over-investing in a single area of the squad or, more important, under-investing in others, leaving you with a dearth of replacement options when you need them.

A Balanced Squad

Should FPL managers sign Kane or Son for upcoming Bournemouth match?

If I do have any sort of overarching philosophy when it comes to FPL, it would go something like this; ‘I like to have a squad with lots of players who can each score in lots of different ways.’

So, in practice, that means that I like a good spread of different teams (ideally ones that attack and/or defend well) and at least nine starting players who have the potential to score consistently, in more than one way. That could be a midfielder on set-pieces, a forward on penalties or a defender with attacking threat.

When I’ve stuck to that plan, I’ve tended to do alright. When I’ve not done so well, it’s usually because I’ve tried, instead, to fit in too many premium options at the expense of a more balanced squad.

The effect of this is to put too much pressure on just a handful of players to deliver each Gameweek. Think, for example, a few seasons back when we were trying to fit in two 12.0 forwards in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Aguero (£10.5m). It was great for a while, and then, as soon as they stopped scoring regularly, it wasn’t.

I also think that this is a good way in general to approach the unique challenges of this season. Circumstances are such, I believe, that too much reliance on too few players has the potential to backfire heavily whereas a broader spread of points makes us less susceptible to unforeseeable events.

Players Missing Gameweek 1

How De Bruyne and Sterling compare as FPL assets for 2020/21?

Regarding the players missing Gameweek 1, most notably those playing for Manchester United and Manchester City, my well-deliberated plan is, essentially, to ignore it.

While, were they to be playing, the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) would probably be among the first names on my Gameweek 1 team sheet, I’m not approaching the season with any specific plan to bring them in in Gameweek 2.

Partly, this is because I think there are good alternatives to them (though I’ll no doubt want either or both at some point) but, also, I don’t think there will be as much of a rush to get these players in for Gameweek 2 as we might be currently anticipating.

Inevitably, at least one Gameweek 1 player will unexpectedly bag a brace or a hat-trick and, naturally, this player will become the priority bandwagon for Gameweek 2. As the saying goes; ‘If you want to make the FPL gods laugh, show them your transfer plans.’

My Gameweek 1 Squad

Without further ado, here is my squad for Gameweek 1. Of course, there will almost certainly be changes between now and the deadline, but this is the direction in which I’m currently heading.

“Everybody’s Gangsta the Week Before the Deadline”

Having now justified my team in writing, I can see I’m taking a few more risks than I normally might. I certainly wouldn’t rule out some last-minute changes. But I also have a feeling that this season might be the season to take some risks so I’m pretty happy with what I have for now. Roll on Saturday.


Simon is a former FPL world champion, claiming the coveted price in the 2014/15. But there is more to this man than one season of good fortune. Since 2009, Simon has finished in the top 7k four times, only ending up outside the world’s top 60k once in an 11-campaign career.

Best players by position:

943 Comments Post a Comment
  1. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Soucek + Dallas (rotating between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2)
    B) Coady/Saiss + 4.5 midfielder (4-4-2 every week)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe there's a better rotation option for A than Dallas but that Fulham fixture in GW2 looks nice for him.

  2. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why do people still pick Mitchell? PVA back in training 1 week ago lol

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

      Because he's still the only 4m defender who could start

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        for only 1 game???

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

          Um he's 4m. It's not like you're wasting money getting him. Everyone should have him unless they want to play 5 at the back

          1. FPL Theorist
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, I have Martial on my bench for GW1 so I need someone to play GW1 only.

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

              Same

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitchell and Buur not good options then? Who's the go-to 4.0 def atm? Only need one for gw1 at least.

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        nobody

      2. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        gw1 could be mitchell

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

    Just curious: If you take a hit before using your wild card, does it cancel the hit when you use the wild card after that?

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

      Yes

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

        Ok cool thanks

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

    TAA, KT, KWP, Justin, Mitchell = okayish defence?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KT?

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Tierney?

  5. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why no love for wolves defence?

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

      Loss of fullbacks but i have saiss

      1. FPL_Devil
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have Coady for the nice fixture run but no one going for there defence. Forgot they lost doh and Ottos injured. Cheers!

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      People want premium or 4.5

  6. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Starting to be settled with my team.
    McCarthy
    TAA,Dier,KWP
    Aubamayang(c),Alli,Havertz,James
    Werner,Wilson,Ings

    Button,Taylor,Bisouma,4.0

    1.0m itb.
    0.5 is for Ings >> Martial in GW2.

    What to do with the remaining 0.5m?
    1. Leave in the bank.
    2. McCarthy > Ramsdale or Button > Ryan
    3. 4.0 defender >> 4.5m
    4. Bisouma > Soucek

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

      Leave in the bank imo. I've got a similar team but with Salah and ASM over Alli and Havertz

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeh that’s probably wise.
        That will become 1m itb in wk 3 when I do Aubamayang > Sterling or Alli.
        Yeh not having Salah is a tough decision but I can’t justify having him when I plan on shifting him after one week and not captain.

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like the look of it.

      It will explode one way or the other. 😉

      Get Soucek with your 0.5...

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would never play Soucek though.
        The only advantage is that his price might rise if he does well in week 1.

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Maybe not, but it’s a lot nicer than looking at Bissouma on your bench week in, week out. 🙂

  7. KINGS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play Armstrong or Nketiah ?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Surely play Nketiah if you have him

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why do you have that decision to make?
      Surely have one and downgrade the other to bench fodder and use the money elsewhere.

      That’s a tough decision. Either could play 90 or not start.

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

        Right. Thanks for the suggestion

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

      I've got a gamble on Nketiah . . . really want to hear from Arteta.

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

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Justin KWP
    Salah Auba Havertz ASM
    Werner Ings

    Fodder bench

    Thoughts?

    1. 03farmboy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good but how have you afforded that team?

  9. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would it be silly to have both Doherty & Davies ?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing is silly on internet

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No imo.

    3. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No..but I'll personally have only one

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

      Not if they do well

    5. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes - it's spurs

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

      No it's not. But I don't want to double on Spurs defense in case for some reason Son, Alli or Kane become red hot and I want 2 of them.

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

      Nope.. Doherty and Dier here

  10. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So, what are people's thoughts here on Ainsley Maitland-Niles for first 2 weeks ??

    I feel that he has a chance to return on both sides of the field ,question is is he nailed?

    1. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm still baffled how people think he is good

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's good! Just don't see him as an FPL option yet. We don't know Tets is gonna go for wingbacks.

        1. BoomXhakaLaca1
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ah stop he's an awful defender. Mainly because he is a winger predominantly

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Lol

            1. BoomXhakaLaca1
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Lots of love?

          2. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            lol

          3. Srv210
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Agree on defensive weakness part ,but as a WB he can offer attacking returns too

            1. BoomXhakaLaca1
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Potentially, but if I was Arteta I'd personally rather bellerin but I know he's linked away too

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                How about on the left?

                1. BoomXhakaLaca1
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  Suppose it could happen with Tierney joining the back 3

            2. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              He's a good defender too! 😀

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance Davies benched for Danny Rose?

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

      0 in PL

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No way

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

      Not in the slightest. Expect Doherty to act as a RWB of sorts whilst Davies tucks in to create a 3.

      Rose can't do this.

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You mean there will be a LWB too or just attacking from the right side?

  12. mir
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last reminder that the deadline to enter the FFScout Head-to-Head Leagues is the GW1 deadline. Details on how to enter are in the link below but for ease the entry league code is h3emid

    I also need to stress that if you removed your team from last years entry league you will have to manually re-enter using the code above. For those that entered last year you may recall that once the Head-to-Head leagues were created on FFScout (GW2) you were free to leave the entry league on FPL, this helped free up a priceless mini league spot.

    So to confirm, you had to still be in the entry league at the time last seasons FPL closed and refreshed for this season.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/08/28/2020-21-ffscout-head-to-head-leagues/

    I'm delighted to say we have over 6500 entries which is more than the 5983 last year.

    Cheers
    Mark

    1. Cto
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Code doesn’t seem to be working

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

        Sorry, see below. Cheers for letting me know. Will edit the comment.

    2. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Code don’t work

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

        Cheers for heads up. My error. See below

    3. mir
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry typo on the most important part of the comment...

      The code is wrong. Code to join this league: h3em1d

  13. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can we expect Chelsea to line up like this in attack on monday?
    Havertz Mount Pulisic
    Werner

    When Zyiech is back, Havertz will probably take Mount's spot in the middle.

    1. some witty pun
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think the front 3 is CHO Werner Havertz. Mount/RLC starts behind them with Pulisic coming on at 60+

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

      Pulisic won't start. I suspect Barkley starts in the middle, Mount on LW, to be subbed at 65.

  14. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Justin KWP -
    Salah ASM PEA -
    Ings Werner

    Nyland Stephens Taylor Davis

    A) Mitchell, Son
    B) Davies, Alli

    *0.5 in bank to do Ings to Martial for GW2

  15. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How come the captain poll hasn't changed in a day or so? Surprised Mo is not leading.

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

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

    Gw2 son to bruno
    Gw3 auba to kdb

    Waiting for you ?

  17. Benster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Newcastle fans (or anyone else) - do we think Fraser will start GW1?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure how much training he's done since he left Bournemouth. I'd guess that he wouldn't start. Ritchie has a knock, but would still be surprised if Fraser started.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hasnt played club football for many months so would be a surprise

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

      Cheers chaps 🙂

  18. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed:

    How does this look? G2G?

    McCarthy
    Taa - Justin - Kwp
    Salah - Auba - Son - ASM - Soucek
    Ings - Werner

    Subs: Steer, Taylor, Mitchell & Brewster

    0.5m Itb to do Ings > Martial after GW1.

  19. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    (A) Saint-Maximin as 4th midfielder in a 4-4-2

    (B) Mitrovic as 3rd striker in a 4-3-3

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. MidTableFantasy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Mitro

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

      B

  20. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lads, quick questions before I settle for good:

    (1) Given that Ryan's my goalkeeper, Walton is the obvious 4.0, right?
    (2) Any chance Doherty doesn't start GW1?
    (3) Any chance Gordon starts against Spurs?
    (4) Mitchell starts at least GW1?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1. Yes
      2. Slight but I'm going with him
      3. Don't think so.
      4. Should do ya.

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

        That's very kind of you, sir. Thank you for this.

    2. Joker91
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes
      I'm afraid of this myself
      I would deem this unlikely
      Almost definitely

  21. some witty pun
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ings + Saliba
    B) Adams + Doherty ?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, but maybe another 4.5m defender.

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

    Whos the most nailed Chelsea defender?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Azpi when fit.

    2. some witty pun
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Im a Chelsea fan and I can say there isnt even one

  23. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I currently have Martial on my bench. Soucek covering GW1 as my 5th mid.
    Is that good?
    I like Martial and think he will do well but should I commit to a particular United player or wait and see who is the best option first?

    Thanks.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial is a great option. He should have a big season if he stays fit.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have no doubt.
        Right now I have Martial, Werner and 4.5m forward.
        My worry is, if a 6-7m forward becomes essential like Vardy was in 2015, then I might miss out if I hold Martial. Feel like I am losing flexibility.
        If I have DCL and Adams instead of Martial and 4.5m then I can get a United mid later and still own the essential mid priced forward.

        Am I making sense?

        1. Mayor of Flair
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          You are but I really can't see any of the forwards in that bracket becoming essential.

          DCL could do well but I have big reservations about Adams, he's popular around here but I think he'll be a big let down and struggle for game time.

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers. I might be overthinking it.

            1. Mayor of Flair
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Personally I think Greenwood is the best value United attacking asset.

              1. EmreCan Hustle
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I agree. But as long as United are interested in Sancho I feel like I don't want to go there. Plus Rodriguez interests me more at that price.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think he's the best option personally.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers.

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

      Soucek is great cover. I will also be getting Martial in GW2 but by using a placeholder just in case there are any unexpected COVID concerns

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, the pandemic might play a huge part this season. Planning will be key. Cheers.

  24. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Doherty likely to start GW1?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Likely yes

      Certain... no

  25. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Ryan & Robertson

    B. Ramsdale & Doherty (+0.5m)

    Probably splitting hairs but which do you think?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Assuming you already have TAA then B shlug?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  26. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Changes you would make here???

    Ryan
    TAA/Davies/Egan/KWP
    Auba/Salah/Son/ASM
    Werner/Ings

    Nyland/Brewster/Bissouma/Mitchell

  27. DOGS
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts lads?

    Martinez
    TAA, Vinagre, Justin
    Salah(c), Auba, Son, ASM
    Werner, Wilson, Mitro

    McCarthy, Mitchell, Stephens, Douglas

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

    If only Vinagre could make it clear whatever he's staying or leaving...

    Worst case scenario would be him leaving after the deadline.

  29. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Batsman to Palace confirmed!

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who?

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      hmm fake news sorry

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

      6-7 mil strikers plentiful now - def gonna have werner and then a couple of 6-7s!

      Leaves a lot of cash for mid and def

  30. HTL
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Rhian Brewster? I'm ghost teaming it this year but need to rejig if he's headed out to the Championship.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Even if he does go on loan to a PL side I don't think he'll be able to command a regular starting place.