Pro Pundits - Mark

How I plan to overcome absence of Man United players from FPL Gameweek 1

The founding father of Fantasy Football Scout, nine-time top 10k finisher, with three all-time top 500 ranks, Mark Sutherns reveals his tips and team for Gameweek 1 of the new FPL season.


Maybe it’s the quick turnaround. Maybe it’s been my newfound awareness of the noisy Fantasy Football community. Or maybe it’s just my diminishing ability to balance an obsession and the minimum requirements of a functioning 48-year-old adult. Whatever the reason, settling on an initial squad has been more agonising than ever.

In truth, it’s the absence of the two Manchester clubs from the Gameweek 1 fixtures that’s probably to blame for all the handwringing. My FPL muscle memory has failed to compute how to build for the opener without two such attacking heavyweights. 

Until the early hours of this morning, I was obsessed with plans to accommodate a United asset for their Gameweek 2. I’ve flipped flopped between Anthony Martial (£9.0m) and Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m) and whipped myself into a frenzy about reserving funds to accommodate them ahead of the Crystal Palace’s Old Trafford visit. 

But now I’m prepared to go without. Because while I’m likely correct to assume that United will be a force, I was ignoring the fact that Chelsea – bloated by an array of new attacking talent – could be superior and offer stronger value. 

This may not transpire just yet, but I’m comfortable that within a few rounds of fixtures, we’ll start to witness Chelsea’s potential to overshadow all but Liverpool and City for attacking output. 

So I’m getting on early. I’ve remained a passenger Tim Werner-wagon, but with the caveat that, if I have any early doubts after Monday night’s display, I can alight at Martial ahead of Gameweek 2. That’s because Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) will be in place as my weapon of choice from Frank Lampard’s impressive armoury. 

Pulisic may not start at Brighton, but I feel he’ll get enough pitch time to trouble the Seagulls defence and offer reassurance that he could threaten to break into the top tier of midfielders. 

I’ve also gambled on his team-mate Reece James (£5.0m). If he figures at the Amex Stadium, James is far from assured to follow it up with a string of appearances to come. However, as a Gameweek 1 dice roll, he can offer an upside second only to Liverpool’s full-backs that sandwich him in my three-man defence, bristling with promise. 

With Ruben Vinagre (£4.5m) in reserve and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) to come in for Gameweeks 2 and 3, I might just have contingency before I’m forced to make “wasted” transfers in defence. 

Elsewhere, the team-sheet is unashamedly template with Che Adams’ (£6.0m) inclusion another gamble. 

The Saint may only get an hour against Palace and perhaps less against Spurs the week after. However, having seen Fulham in the Championship, I’m willing to offer odds that Adams will get as many opportunities in 60 minutes as the coveted Aleksandar Mitrović (£6.0m) is fed in 90. 

He may just have to live off scraps and errors against Arsenal and Leeds, though following that I might be forced to look to the Serbian should Adams falter. 

That’s purely speculation. Just a single set of images snipped from the visions of the early Gameweeks that have played on repeat in my head. I’ve no idea how close those imagined highlights will be to the events to come, I’m just glad that I can finally eject the tape and settle down to watch the real thing unfold.

The pre-season has been painful for me, but it would have been more agonising had I not found a place – a new start – in the Fantasy Football community. I’ve been amazed at the content produced in the past six weeks and I’m delighted to be playing my part. Thanks for welcoming me back and see you on the other side of Gameweek 1. 

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Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

953 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SuperG
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    It’s here. Good luck team.

  2. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    finished with my final choice, Johnstone locked in goal, and Vinagre in the team for short term.

    It's been a long time, GL lads

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

      tell me about Johnstone. Sell me on him.

      Got lamptey and KWP so it’s painful to have Ryan or mccarthy

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Process of elimination.

        4.5 left, don't want Mcarthy (double up with KWP), (Johnstone/Ryan obvious choices)

        For you, I'd say go with the GK of team that you don't have a def of, at the start don't double up on any GK+Def unless they're top 5

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

      Why not Ramsdale and fodder ?

      I can only think of 2 best options in GK and can't fit Lloris if I want Havertz

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        can't take 0.5 out of anyone to fund Rams

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

    Can't wait until Willian outscores Aubameyang today

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

      🙁 hope not

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

      Cant wait till Saka starts over Willian

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

        Willian 20min cameo vs a beaten Fulham... I'd take the risk

      2. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe Pepe starts over Saka

      3. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        you think Saka plays? really tempted to go with him. not going with aubameyang last minute for Salah captain.

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

      Nketiah will be the MotM lol

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If he plays

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

    Dont overcome. One game at a time. Dont plan so far ahead. Get the points this gameweek, then reasess. GL all.

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

    Anyone happen to see fernandes in the UK today do let me know

    Doubt he rushes back though as his misses just had a kid

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

    Thoughts on this?

    Leaves 2.0 ITB for Salah & Adams > Bruno & Martial in GW2 (or GW 2 & 3)

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre
    Auba Salah Alli ASM
    Werner DCL Adams
    (4.0 KWP Mitchell Bissouma)

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good mate. Good luck!

  7. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    No membership no preamble...

  8. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alright, final draft here, what's your thoughts :

    Ramsdale
    TAA Saiss KWP
    Auba Mane Pereira Bowen
    Werner Ings Adams

    Bench: Steer Justin Bissouma Ferguson

    0.5ITB

    Anything you would change?

    Thank you!

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

    1. Son Davies
    Or
    2. Alli Doherty

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son Dier

    2. Shteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

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

    Guys. Pls RMT.

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Robbo Holding Mitchell Taylor
    Auba Son Harvertz ASM Soucek
    Werner Vardy Davis

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

      Don't like 2 non starters in 15 especially wasting 1 forward slot on one

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

      I think defense is too fragile
      Problem is Vardy and Soucek

  11. Ghost Ship
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s coming to the Vardy Party?

    Salah’s not invited.

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My balls aren't big enough.

      All the best!

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

        I’m a bit worried it’s just me here.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Look below choice of two?

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

    Holding or Justin?

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

      Both

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

        Want Taylor and one of them

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

          Nothing in it for me, maybe holding has more chance sticking around after first few weeks. He might get bonus, Justin might get assist. Wouldn’t sweat it either way.

        2. NULL-X-VOID
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Holding

  13. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think the key is having players in your team from GW1 who enable easy swaps for United and City asserts.
    I plan to do Ings > Martial GW2 and go with a Werner Martial front line. Son > Rash GW3 remains an option also, as does Salah/Auba > KDB/Sterling

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yup exactly i doubled on mane+ salah . mane to bruno week 2 makes life easy

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

      Salah + Wilson to Fernandes + Martial for me.

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

      do you have 4.5m 3rd striker or playing option?

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

    That’s a nice team.

    So glad to see that Mark didn’t go for that first team he revealed on Black Box.

    I had to pinch myself when I saw it 😆

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What you going with today?

      See my choices below 😉

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

        I’ll pop it up again in a bit.

        You’ll have to be quick though 😉

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

    A) Alli + Mitro + 3.0 ITB.
    Would allow me to do Alli -> Bruno OR Mitro -> Martial
    B) Son + Mitro + 2.0 ITB.
    Son -> Bruno

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

      I think A with the Martial transfer.

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

    Mccarthy (nyland)
    Taa davies justin (taylor mitchell)
    Sala son auba soucek asm
    Werner callum (davis)

    Gw2 Son to bruno 1.5
    Gw3 Auba/salah to kdb

    Have 0.5 itb, opinions please??

  17. Lilac Breasted Roller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    last minute doubts.

    A) McCarthy / Egan
    B) Ramsdale / Webster (or other 4.5)

  18. Nr.10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please find a moment to help me.

    McCarthy
    TAA Saliba Justin
    Auba Salah ASM Barnes
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    (Steer? Bissouma Saiss Taylor)

  19. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'll be happy for 11am to come around. When you are debating whether Saka is a better option than ASM at 8am you know you've lost the plot. GL everyone.

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

      GL

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rip it up A or B?

    A,

    McCarthy
    Trent, Egan, Robbo
    Auba C, Soucek, Son, ASM
    Vardy, DCL, Werner

    Steer, Mitchell, Burr, Reed

    1.5

    B,

    Mccarthy
    TAA Justin Dier
    Auba Havertz Alli Soucek ASM
    Ings Werner
    Steer Vinagre Martial Mitchell.

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

      B

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mmmm now I am on A at present Double pool & Vards?

    2. Ghost Ship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B but with Vardy for Werner. Downgrade Davies to 4.5 if need extra for it. Easy move back next week if the new boy looks good.

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

      I can’t split em mate. 🙁
      I like elements of both...

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers - whichever way I go the other will be the one 🙂

  21. JAYPEE
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my team!

    Ramsdale
    TAA Davies KWP
    Salah Auba Saint-Max Son
    Mitro Werner C. Wilson

    Nyland, Soucek, Ferguson, Taylor

  22. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which team is better here?

    1)
    McCarthy - 4.0
    TAA - Davies - Lascelles - CTaylor - MITCHELL
    Salah - Auba - JWP - ASM - Bissouma
    Werner - Mitrovic - KANE

    2)
    McCarthy - 4.0
    TAA - DIGNE - TIERNEY - CTaylor - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - JWP - SOUCEK - Bissouma
    Werner - Mitrovic - INGS

    0.5 itb for Ings ➡ Martial in GW2

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

      1

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      God that’s awkward, possibly 2, because after restart I had Digne & he was hopeless.
      Could be different better players round him?

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

        Could be, but having 3 Southampton players is what really put me off team 2

  23. Konstaapeli
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pulisic or Havertz?

    I want Pulisic for long term so thinking of strating with him even if it's a bit more risky.

    1. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Puli for me, starting with Son and will downgrade to him

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

        I will risk it from the start. There's too many transfers to be done because utd/city blank

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

    Thanks, Mark. I've missed these Saturday morning musings. Very similar team to mine. Good luck!

  25. sailor x
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why everyone is avoiding Zaha? He is OOP with good fixtures.

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

      He is a traditionally a massive let down

      1. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep.

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

      Was in my team, then out again, what's your team with him?

      1. sailor x
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        McCarthy
        TAA VanDijk Eagan Vinagre
        Son Auba (c) Salah zaha
        Adams Mitro
        (Greenwood, Mitchell, Davis, button)

    3. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Palace have been awful going forward

      1. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully Michy will remedy that for us - linked up well with Zaha last time he was on loan with us.

    4. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lesson learned from last years Zaha pre season bandwagon

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

      Considered him, but will wait to see what Palace look like in attack with Eze and Bats. Dont think Bats will start from GW1... maybe a cameo and Eze possibly out too

    6. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good point, no idea why Zaha being avoided 😉

  26. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final call, is vinagre still an ok pick? Any truth in rumours hes off to porto??

    1. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would steer clear personally, may only get a couple games before new signings start

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

      I’m sticking

  27. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck all, any last min issues with this?

    Mccarthy (Nyland)
    TAA - Davies - Saliba (Mitchell, Shaw)
    Salah - Auba - Havertz - Alli - Soucek
    Werner - Adams (Davis)

    More importantly, Liverpool win today please!

  28. Nr.10
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wondering if its worth to have shaw instead of Saiss? What do you think?

    (My playing 3 for gw1 is: Justin Saliba TAA)

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

      To say theyre a playing three is quite presumptuous

      1. Nr.10
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes sure. I meant playing in my team. But I see your point

  29. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 6.5 or less MID for first 2 gameweeks
    Already have ASM
    Currently on Bowen
    Anyone...please help???

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pereira or JWP at 6.0 for me

  30. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Morning lads!! Think I’m there finally, Ryan or Meslier? (Don’t fancy McCarthy double up:

    Ryan/Meslier
    TAA | VVD | Doherty | KWP
    Salah | Auba | Son | ASM | Soucek
    Kane

    Steer | Mitchell | Davis | Vassilev

    Thanks

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Same issue with me, went with went with Johnstone, but Ryan out of those two

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bench with 1 playing player with poor job security

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Worth the risk for that XI for me