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. fpl_tp95
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bit of advice needed

    Mccarthy, Nyland

    TAA, Taylor, Mitchell __ __

    Auba, Son, ASM, Souceck, Salah

    Werner, Ings, Brewster

    Considering

    A) Vinagre and Dier

    B) Justin and Saiss

    Any thoughts? General thoughts on team also helpful

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B slightly more nailed for week 1 but Justin also a transfer waiting to happen.

      Solid team.

    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      change Justin to KWP?
      I don't like Justin as he will lose his place once pierera comes back

      1. fpl_tp95
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I had KWP in but not sure on doubling up on Saints. Agree about Justin though. I'm most worried about Vinagre not playing at this point though

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

    Heard that Shelvey is injured, can anyone confirm?

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

      Scout tweets.

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

        FFS scout? or FPL?

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

          FFS. It's the top tweet.

  3. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    Trent, Doherty, Egan, Justin
    Son, Alli, Barnes, Auba
    Ings, Mitrovic

    Nyland, Rashford, Mitchell, 4.5

    Little bit different but can I get some thoughts on this team? I know there's a rotation risk with Doherty but think he might be worth it. Worst case I'll have Justin coming off the bench most weeks.

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

      Different but decent. Wilson over Mitro if possible. Also, benching a player for GW2 could be risky given the current climate

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah it is... I could go Werner over Rashford (This is what I had previously) - Just have this feeling that having a stacked midfield is the way this year.

      2. polis
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Disagree. I don't think you can try and play this season preempting players that may be out.

  4. Wozzza72
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Havertz and James Rod to start GW1???

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes. No. Maybe. No one knows.

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

    Best option here?

    A. Doherty+Saiss+Antonio (1m ITB)
    B. Davies+Vinagre+Ings (0.5 ITB)

    McCarthy
    TAA, Egan, XXX, XXX
    Salah, Auba, Havertz, ASM
    Werner, XXX
    (4.0, Bissouma, 4.5, 4.0)

    A allows Salah+Antonio >> Bruno+Martial for a hit. B would probably be Ings>> Martial.

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

      I like B. Worried Antonio may be moved out to the wing.

    2. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think Antonio scores week 1? If so, A.

      If not, then you're basically taking a 0 for him (assuming you split the -4 across the two players out)

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

        Probably

        1. polis
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Then A

  6. Jenko3001
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the below please??

    McCarthy
    TAA / Saiss / Robertson / Doherty
    Salah (VC) / Auba (C) / ASM / Son
    Adams / Mitrovic

    Bench: Steer, Calvert-Lewin, Ferguson, Gordon

    Debating on Podence for ASM & Coady for Saiss

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

      Don’t like the front line personally.

    2. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Benching DCL is a bit nuts. Could easily score v Spurs. I think Everton could shape up for a solid season.

      1. Jenko3001
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Very true, always wary of Everton away from home against any 'top 6' side though, DCL is in more because of Everton's easier fixtures week 2-4.

    3. Xhaka Kahn't
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Interesting team.

      Looks good as long as you know what your plan is to upgrade your front line when the time comes.

      1. Jenko3001
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks! Yes I am looking at a strategy of...

        Auba > Pulisic
        Adams > Jiminez

        For the start of gameweek 3 due to their fixtures over gameweek 3-5.

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

    I'm not actively playing this year. Can I get by without any City cover?

    Ryan
    KWP - TAA - [C. Taylor]
    Auba (TC) - Soucek - [Fernandes] - Salah
    Wilson - Mitrovic - Werner

    Walton - Dendoncker - Dallas - Mitchell.

    I wanted Rhian Brewster to enable Dendoncker > Foden but he could move to the Championship after GW1 and I'm not touching my team after that point.

  8. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you rather play every week?

    A) Soucek
    B) Taylor

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A. Random set piece goals incoming.

  9. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Armstrong out for GW1 apparently

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

      What?

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

      Come back from international duty with an injury.

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

    This could be Harry Kane season. Also, Mou 2nd season. Let's go.

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

      Kane+Son+Davies here. All eggs on Spurs basket 😀

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

      I think there’s a guy on here who’s got 4 Spuds.

      He’ll be glad to see this... 🙂

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

        o/ 🙂

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

          Hats off to you pal. GL...

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

            Thanks man!

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

            And GL to you too

    3. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Absolutely. He missed almost a third of last season and still scored 18. His form when he returned towards the end of the season was great, he has great fixtures in the first batch of games. No brainer.

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

        Triple Spurs here. Double Chelsea. Terrified.

  11. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Egan and KWP or Saiss and Taylor? Also whats the lastest update on Vinagre? Cheers.

  12. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to replace Armstrong with?

    A) ASM
    B) Mitrovic
    C) Che Adams

    B and C I downgrade him to 4.5 and upgrade Brewster/Davis.

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

      C

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

        Thanks!

    2. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C if no other Saints attack

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

        Thanks! Yeah, no other, Armstrong was my Saints attack.

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

      B for nailedness, pens and whatnot.

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

        Isn't Cairney on pens?

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

    Barnes or Havertz for GW1 only?

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

      Havertz is flavour of the day.

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

      Are you WC gw2? I'd also consider Hudson Odoi for 1 week only, very likely to get 90 minutes with Ziyech confirmed out and Pulis eased in. Can spread the funds elsewhere.

      In answer to your question though, Havertz.

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

    Has anyone found any good 4.5 defensive rotations? Seems to be no popular this season

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

      Lascalles & Taylor
      Vinagre & Targett

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

      KWP and Taylor for me

  15. Xhaka Kahn't
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who gets more points in the first 4-6 GW's

    A) Digne
    B) Callum Wilson?

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

      Digne for me. Think he could be a great option for the first 10 GWs or so. Only 7% ownership too.

  16. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    nailed 4.5 midfielders?

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

      Bissouma is popular

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

    Is Batshuayi going to be a starter right away?

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

      Don't know but he's horrendous at football

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

    Soucek 6.8% ownership is surprisingly low

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

      Also, any Fulham fan know what the situation is with Lemina (4.5) and Anguissa (4.5)?

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

      Terrible fixture ahead doesn't help

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

      There are rumours he'll miss the first week quarantined

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

        Apparently an "insider" this morning said he's available for Sat.

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

      Indeed.

      Sorry mate, think I'm gonna pass Nketiah 🙁 good luck!

  19. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Simon March taking risks, FPL General is going 442...what kind of madness is overtaking the big names of FPL?!

    Oh, wait, Joe is playing it boring and predictable? Phew, normality is restored...

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

    What’s the latest on Vinagre then?

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

      Wolves turned down the Porto bid.

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

    Armstrong or asm ? Have callum

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

      ASM

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Armstrong looks injured

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

      Armstrong injured.

    4. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Armstrong likely injured, so has to be ASM.

      Or Doucoure?

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

    A or B?

    A) Doherty & Davies
    B) Doherty & Egan

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

      Egan

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

    Any chance of Callum Wilson being on pens at Newcastle ?

    Toss up between

    A. Ramsdale mitro
    B. Mcarthy Wilson

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

      yes.

      A

  24. Samantuka
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Guys please join to my private classic league

    League name : DDD 2020-2021

    League code : adeuyj

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

    Is a double spurs defence of Dier and Davies wise?

    Could maybe downgrade one and upgrade Ferguson?

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

      I don't think so.

      Watford had more CSs than Spurs last season.

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

      You might want Son/Alli + Kane if they start well. So, I would just wait to see how they start before doubling up in defense.

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

    Very interesting ones here...
    1) Is Anguissa a starter?
    2) Nyland or Steer, who starts until Heaton is back?

  27. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GK Mccarthy
    DEF TAA, Dier, Justin,
    MID Son, Salah, Soucek, Auba
    FWD Wilson, Werner, Mitrovic

    Subs (GK Villa 4) Lascalles, Bissouma, Taylor

    GW2 Salah to KDB, Son to Bruno

    GW3 Auba to Salah or Mane

  28. Give Me the Mane
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT, please! Any suggestions?

    McCarthy/Nyland
    Robbo/Justin/KWP/Lamptey/Mitchell
    Auba/Salah/Son/Mount/Bissouma
    Ings/DCL/Mitro

    GW2 - Ings to Martial & Mount to Greenwood

    1. Give Me the Mane
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Have 1M ITB

  29. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which 2 to pick?
    A) Mitro
    B) Nketiah
    C) Adams

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C & risk B.

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

    Saliba or Holding?

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

      Holding