Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 1

It feels like we’ve had a half-term rather than a summer holiday – Gameweek 1 is upon us already!

During the break Fantasy Football Scout has been busy producing absolutely tons of exciting content. The aim of this guide is to distill that knowledge into a digestible format. As Andy’s recent guest Simon succinctly put it when explaining his use of stats: “it’s almost impossible to watch 20 hours of football per week”.

The first piece of advice given by three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser is:

Read up about football more and then tinker… What happens when you are doing this is that you are strengthening your instinct, your subconscious… and then you tend to be more decisive.

– Lateriser

The most important news for you to read first is the team news.

Neale reported the headlines from Thursday’s press conferences: Chelsea’s new-signing Hakim Ziyech is out for a couple of weeks; Christian Pulisic is ahead of schedule and could feature this weekend; Mason Holgate will miss Everton’s trip to North London with a toe injury; and Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that budget ‘keeper Alex McCarthy is his No 1.

David and co have been reviewing all the pre-season matches in the Scout Notes and analysing the new additions to the Premier League in the Scout Reports.

If you want to quickly look up a particular team or player, the easiest way to find the information you need is via The Complete Guide to Pre Season. This section of the website lists all the articles associated with each club.

Pay Attention to Captaincy

Another of Lateriser’s rules – pay attention to captaincy. It can make up 25 per cent of your score and it’s the biggest decision you make each week. Our upside-chasing Pro Pundit advocates, on occasion, bringing in a player for a hit – even for one Gameweek.

The first Captain Sensible article of the new season has, for a change, been written by Jan Sienkiewicz. Jan finished in the top 100 overall last season and mustered 657 captain points, the second-most in the world. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the popular choice with a clear lead in the captain poll, but Jan is not convinced by the underlying stats:

[Aubameyang] has been in a rich vein of form lately and the spirits are certainly high at the Emirates. However, the underlying data shows us that Arsenal’s attack has been underwhelming, creating very little from open play.

– Jan

For the double-points maestro, Liverpool are the more attractive proposition:

The Liverpool attack looks set to fire against Leeds United in a game in which suits them tactically, even if they have been lacklustre in pre-season. Both Salah and Mané will look to start the season strongly and maintain their brilliant goalscoring records at home.

– Jan

Mohamed Salah scored in 15 home matches last season, more than any other player.

However, in our Captaincy video Joe and David took a different view. A reminder that David went on a successful 17-Gameweek captain run back in 2018/19:

Aubameyang is my choice at the moment… the eye test is looking good, he made Liverpool look distinctly average [in the Community Shield]… and when he plays smaller teams he tends to look better.

– David

Joe concurred, highlighting the Arsenal man’s excellent record against the minnows (teams outside of the top six): his expected goals is doubled, his number of big chances is doubled, even his shooting accuracy is doubled. 

When in doubt back the odds.

– Lateriser

It’s notable that Arsenal and Liverpool’s opponents, Leeds and Fulham, have the worst odds of recording a clean sheet. Thank you as ever to G-Whizz for posting his regular summary.

Wise Words

I’ve been sharing a splattering of Lateriser’s tips in this article, but we are lucky enough to have several excellent managers to call upon. The days when I used to write articles on the Top Five managers in the Hall of Fame are no longer needed – the top three are now all signed up as Pro Pundits.

So far we’ve heard from number three on the list, Darren Wiles, who recently finished 140th in the world and has three top 1,000 finishes in the last four seasons. He’s found that going ‘big at the back’ has served him well:

A strategy that threatened to take off at the start of last season, going big at the back has been the key to a lot of my success over the last four years.

– Darren

Darren’s FPL draft includes four premium defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Matt Doherty, and Aymeric Laporte.

He’s also managed to squeeze in Salah, Aubameyang, and Werner! Somehow he’s done this with the same £100m budget as the rest of us.

Up front the Southampton fan has picked Che Adams and Aleksandar Mitrovic, giving him the same front three as Joe, who was roundly ridiculed on the Scoutcast by Az and Andy for having two £6.0m forwards. 

Interestingly, Pro Pundit Az has revealed a very similar front three, with the exception of Ings for Adams. The debate would clearly seem to come down to whether you think Ings is worth the extra £2.5m over Adams.

Value for money and the merits of going big at the back have also been discussed by the community. Thanks to this piece from kierenbwfc and the resulting hot topic.

To be fair to Az, it’s worth pointing out that Ings is just a placeholder for Anthony Martial his team. The co-host of the revamped FPL BlackBox podcast is set on owning the Manchester United forward for Gameweek 2.

Joining Az on the podcast is the legendary FPL manager and this website’s founder, Mark Sutherns. Mark has returned to Fantasy Football Scout and will be contributing his thoughts and insights over the coming season. Commenting on the proliferation of stats and content available to FPL managers, Mark reflected:

These days everyone can get a glut of knowledge, information and data in their timeline with relative ease. But to work out how best to process it, how you learn to separate luck from skill and focus on improving the input, not dwell on the output, that might just be the new marginal gain.

– Mark

Don’t be surprised if Mark adds to his four top 1,000 finishes.

Another manager looking to join Az with Martial in his Gameweek 2 squad is Lateriser, although the upside-chasing manager is starting with him on his Gameweek 1 bench! India’s two-time FPL champion outlined his thinking in his latest Pro Pundit article

Meanwhile Pro Pundit Tom Freeman has been scouting the Red Devil’s summer signing Donny van de Beek. The new addition gives Ole Gunnar Solskjær an extra dimension to his already gifted attack. Although Tom feels he may have to settle for a place on the bench, at least to start with.

Intriguingly, Tom’s headline differential pick is Christian Pulisic, who, as mentioned earlier, is in contention for Monday’s trip to Brighton. And he’s got the potential to deliver even if he’s named among the substitutes:

An appearance off the bench might not be the end of the world for owners, considering his ability to haul from limited minutes, as evidenced at Anfield last season.

– Tom

Costing the same price as Chelsea’s Captain America is the Blues latest recruit from the Bundesliga, Kai Havertz. Chelsea fan and Pro Pundit Zophar, ran the rule over the former Bayer Leverkusen star. The German’s impressive goal conversion ratio of 19 per cent led the six-time top 5,000 manager to describe him as an “ice-cold finisher”.

Another player singled out by Tom as a differential ahead of the new season is Dele Alli. Indeed he is a player I highlighted when examining Mourinho’s attacking formation. Spurs have been much debated this pre-season both in terms of their attack and defence.

Pro Pundit Sam Bonfield shared her thoughts on the improved backline during the restart period, explaining how it bodes well for the coming season. While community member FPL Octopus argues that their defenders have been underpriced. And I took a look at the potential offered by Matt Doherty.

Join in the fun!

The Head-to-Head leagues and Last Man Standing are back, and we’re dishing out £2,500-worth of giveaways in the Community Members mini-league, plus there are a plethora of competitions for you to take part in: perhaps you fancy yourself against Greyhead’s The Great and The Good?

Take a moment to read this article to find out the League Codes – watch out for those Gameweek 1 deadlines. And thank you, as ever, to RedLightning for administering a number of our community mini-leagues.

Enjoy the new season.

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TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

3,246 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Podge
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doucoure likely to play ?

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

      yes

      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Grand he’ll do for the bench thanks

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

      Yeah straight in IMO, might take Everton a while to gel - so many new addtions.

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mark basically has my team lol

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

      hey berbs - how come you went for Pulisic and not Havertz out of interest? Just like him more long-term?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes mate, I think Pulisic is their best asset. I expect Havertz to score more points GW1 though.

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

          cheers! I think he is too but those injuries worry me so I've stuck with Havertz for now

          feels like a cheaper version of the man city weekly lotto ha

  3. @FPLMason
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would love to hear some feedback on this if possible...
    McCarthy Walton
    TAA KWP Justin Lascelles Taylor
    Auba Salah Havertez Perreira Bissouma
    Kane Mitrovic Wilson

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

      I like it.
      Have been put off Kane due to his recent performances, although he could be a great differential

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

    Repost
    Which team is better please

    A McCarthy
    Davies, TAA, Justin, Mitchell (Shaw*)
    Auba, Salah, Havertz*, JWP*, (Biss)
    Mitrovic, DCL, (Martial*)

    +0.5

    B McCarthy
    Davies, TAA, Justin, (Taylor, Mitchell)
    Auba, Salah, Alli, ASM, (Biss)
    Werner, DCL, Antonio

    Gw2 Antonio & Salah > Martial & Bruno

    1. @FPLMason
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A. I see Kai as adding a lot of FPL value.

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

        Cheers

  5. Paddy Gooner
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Holding or Saliba?

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

      Saliba for me. Both a gamble.

  6. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 9.0m defensive duo? Already have McCarthy, TAA, Egan & Taylor

    A - Saiss & Mitchell
    B - Vinagre & KWP
    C - KWP & Lewis
    D - KWP & Justin

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

      D

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

        James and Mitchell

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

    Dallas or Justin ?

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

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

      Justin for me, Dallas is in my thoughts further down the line.

  8. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last decision

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, Justin, xxxxxx, (xxxxxx, Mitchell)
    Salah, Auba, Son, ASM, Soucek
    Werner, Ings (Davis)

    Last decision

    A) Davies with Johnson on bench (two 4.0)

    B) Holding with Taylor on bench

  9. jg7u
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Could someone please inform me which Spurs player is better to own and why?

    A) Dier
    B) Davies

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

      1. jg7u
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, any reason why?

  10. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, how is this looking? Benching Tony and keeping a transfer up my sleeve

    McCarthy
    TAA - Egan - MItchell
    Auba - Havertz - Son - ASM - Soucek
    Werner - DCL

    Steer - Martial - Saiss - Taylor  

  11. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Wilson and Adam's
    B) Wilson and Mitro
    C) Mitro and Adam's

    Third striker is Timo

  12. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain?
    A) Salah
    B) Auba

    Does Nketiah start today?
    Yes
    No

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

      Auba for me.

      Not sure about Q2

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

    Stick with Wilson or move to Adams?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Robbo, Vinagre
    Salah, Auba(C), Havertz, Soucek, ASM
    Werner, Wilson

    Steer, KWP, Mitchell, Davis

  14. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Final piece to the puzzle!

    a. Salah(c) + Justin
    b. Son/Alli + TAA (Aubameyang(c))

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

      Find a way to get trent and salah 😉

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wrong answer! 😉

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Out walking the dogs so will check and thank responses later 🙂

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

      B with Son

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

      Has to be B

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

    Any news on Waltons ankle injury ?

    Thx

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

      Unknown return date given

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

      Thanks guys.
      Johnstone + Button it is 😉

      Pink bois between the sticks!

  16. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which two defenders?

    Tierney and Gomez

    Or

    Robertson and Saliba

  17. Terry Henry
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wishing everyone a successful Gameweek 1. Long time reader of the site and have become a member this year in an attempt to really go for it this season. Wondering if this team has too many punts with Saka, Adams and now seemingly Vinagre being uncertain medium to longer term.

    McCarthy
    TAA Vinagre KWP
    Salah Auba Son Saka
    Wilson Werner Adams

    Walton-Mitchell-Bisosuma-Taylor

    £1.5m in the bank. Possibly Son to Rashford and use remaining cash on emerging form players or Bruno.

    Thoughts appreciated and happy to give feedback to others. Good luck all.

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Decent team
      Good luck

  18. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli v Son?

    Hearing Alli playing further up and had a good pre-season? Or is Son just a better FPL player?

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli

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

      Son is my fpl troll

  19. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a) Davies, Havertz and Mitrovic

    or

    b) AWB/Davies, Bissouma (non-starting) and Ings

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

      A

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

      A

  20. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Need help stuck.

    A) Kane Adams Bellerin

    B) Werner Wilson Saliba

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

      B

  21. mcginnntonic
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    second guessing jiminez over ings - who do you think? as a set and forget at least til my wildcard

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

      I’d say Ings because he starts the season with better fixtures

  22. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The big one.

    Davis or Vasielev?

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

    Ok maybe I am going Salah-less after all. Chose A over B. Mistake? Or great plan...

    A) Werner, Egan, (Fernandes)
    B) Wilson, Salah, Doherty

  24. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option?

    A)
    McCarthy
    Johnson / TAA / Bednarek
    Salah / Havertz / Son / Auba / ASM
    Antonio / Werner

    B)
    McCarthy
    Johnson / TAA / Bednarek
    Havertz / Son / Auba / ASM
    Vardy / Werner / Ings

  25. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck everyone

    Leno

    KWP Taa Mitchel Davies

    Son Havertz James ASM

    Kane (C) Werner

    4.0 Martial Taylor Bissouma 1.5 itb

    1. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      nice team not following crowds

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate

  26. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I want Armstrong as my 5.5.
    a) bench him and have Gordon/Mitchell
    b) pick ASM and make a trade at a later date?
    *bear in mind I have Wilson and Lewis already from Newcastle*

  27. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who do you think will be the second most nailed on Brighton CB after Dunk?

    A) White

    B) Webster

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

      White

  28. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If Southampton dissapoint today a lot of Ings, Mccarthy and Adams owners will be not happy..

  29. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rooney benched

  30. thom830g
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg??

    McCarthy
    Justin - Egan - TAA - Davies
    Auba - Salah - Son - ASM
    Wilson - Werner

    4m - che Adams - vinagre - Bissouma