Pro Pundits - Andy

The key FPL lessons I learned from Gameweek 1 of the new season

What have I learned from Gameweek 1? It’s the same every year. Don’t panic after just one Gameweek. Remember why you chose those players. If you can save a transfer that’s ideal.

All words of wisdom we heard in pre-season, which is why less than 24 hours after Gameweek 1 ending I’ve considered no transfers, one transfer and even a hit! Fantasy Premier League is truly back.

In this article I want to see if there’s anything we can take away from Gameweek 1. It should be noted that making rash decisions based on one Gameweek is often a fools game, but we should always try and spot what we can, especially this early on.

Everton

How Spurs and Everton's new signings fared in their FPL Gameweek 1 debuts

Lots was made of Everton’s sub-par performances during Project Restart. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.0m) didn’t score at all, and they looked as a whole, very poor as a team.

Fast-forward to signing a whole new midfield in Allan (£5.5m), Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.5m) and James Rodríguez (£7.5m), and it’s suddenly a whole different story.

The midfield three, which included Allan, Doucouré and André Gomes (£5.5m) looked like it had been playing together for years, and Rodríguez looked like that player that some people probably haven’t seen play since the World Cup in 2014. He constantly caused Ben Davies (£5.0m) issues even without pace on his side, and with five chances created against a strong enough Tottenham Hotspur side, we should be taking note.

It’s also worth noting that Everton’s game plan was to seemingly target the side of Matt Doherty (£6.0m), with Rodríguez often playing balls out to Richarlison. With West Brom, Crystal Palace and Brighton up next it may be something they continue to try, although Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m) might have something to say about that in the Brighton game.

Just to quickly touch on Lucas Digne (£6.0m) as well. It was interesting to see that Rodríguez didn’t monopolise set pieces, and Digne was still on lots of corners and free-kicks, which is ultimately where his assist came from. He only created one chance in the game, but with more freedom against teams that don’t have a marauding full back like Doherty, he could still be a great option, especially with the new look midfield giving the defence more protection.

Sheffield United

Chelsea

I’ve been pretty vocal in my excitement for Chelsea players this season but it might take a bit longer for their new signings to gel together like Everton’s did. Without some of their key players being fit, I’m looking at your Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) and Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m), it may be more sensible to hold off on loading up too soon.

They beat Brighton 3-1 but it wasn’t convincing. The xG for the game was Brighton 1.05 v 1.22 Chelsea..

Reece James (£5.0m) rewarded owners handsomely, but I’m not expecting him to score a 20 yard goal every week. And the third goal was helped through a significant deflection.

It might be harsh but I also thought Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5.0m) was at fault for the goal they did concede, and it wouldn’t be the first time. I think I’ll continue avoiding Chelsea defenders until a replacement comes in (which may be soon), despite their relatively good underlying numbers last year.

In attack to say Kai Havertz (£8.5m) didn’t look good would probably be an understatement. He created just one chance and had zero shots. It’s too quick to write him off, he’s a young player, playing in a new team, in a new league, but for owners it may be concerning with Liverpool (home) up next. When Pulisic and Ziyech are finally fit we should see Havertz move more centrally, rather than playing out wide and that should broaden his points potential.

I don’t think Havertz is necessarily a rush to sell, but the timelines on certain injuries to other players in the squad would help me if I had to make that decision. After Liverpool it’s West Brom, Crystal Palace and Southampton up next, so there’s certainly some promise there.

For any promise Havertz didn’t show, Timo Werner (£9.5m)  defintiely did. He managed five shots in the box, and also won the penalty. His speed in the transition from defence to attack will be huge, and playing off the shoulder against Liverpool could see plenty of counter attacking opportunities. Just an assist is hard to swallow for his 46.5% owners, but a goal looks to be right around the corner.

Liverpool

value-players-2020-21

This probably isn’t news to some, but the Liverpool defence is still pretty good, despite heavy transfers out for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m)

Leeds United may have impressed and scored three goals, but this came from an xG of just 0.32. On another day Leeds may not have scored at all.

What was most worrying to me was Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) making another mistake and gifting Patrick Bamford (£5.6m) a goal. It’s easy to put those mistakes down to a league winning hangover, but we don’t have that excuse now and it’s something to monitor – hopefully just first game of the season rustiness. 

I don’t think we should have been expecting too many clean sheets from Leeds, Chelsea and Arsenal in the first three Gameweeks, players like Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Alexander-Arnold are long term holds after all, which is why the Leeds result doesn’t put me off when you look at the underlying numbers.

In attack, Mohammad Salah (£12.0m) owners can probably consider themselves a little lucky (I know I do), to have gotten two penalties in one game. Although it’s worth noting for a lot of people getting penalties for the same price as Sadio Mané (£12.0m) was key reason behind the pick.

From an “eye test” perspective Salah looked sharp, and any pre-season lack of form or sharpness was not to be seen. The same can’t be said of Mané who I thought looked poor at times with sloppy passing that broke down some attacks.

But when you look at the underlying numbers, both Salah (0.38) and Mané (0.27) had fairly similar npXG and it’s probably not worth panicking too much after just one Gameweek. Although for some people perhaps it’s just dawned on them that penalties can be very handy in FPL, and Salah is probably worth owning long term whilst they are the same price.

For more detailed information on every match played in Gameweek 1, please check out the Scout Notes articles written by David and Neale, linked below. These include in-depth analysis as well as some exclusive additional sections for Premium Members.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 1

3,219 Comments Post a Comment
  1. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Captain Salah at home.

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

    Which option do you like best?

    A Ings to Martial
    B Alli to JRod
    C Ings and Alli to Rashford DCL -4
    D Ings and Alli to Martial JRod -4
    E Carry transfer

    McCarthy
    TAA Dier Egan Justin
    Aubameyang (c) Salah Alli ASM
    Werner Ings

    Button KWP Burke Brewster

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

      Let me try again( see below), D I believe is the best option.

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

      I have exactly the same question (or options) and team. Sorry no answers yet. Before gw1 I was thinking Ings/Werner to Martial but not sure after Alli's 45mins.

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

      B

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

    Son to Bruno, before the price rise.

    Is that an easy decision?

    1. United10
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      if for free transfer, yes

  4. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can only sign one.

    KDB
    Bruno

    Or keep Son & hold FT

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno just

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

      KDB is a season long keeper

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

    Should I do Auba to Salah tonight, exact money, price rise imminent, FT. Season keeper. Sorted. Or am I being silly. Had planned Son to Rashford (already have Martial) ??

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

      Don't chase points. Hold.

    2. R Whites
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Before west ham?

    3. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hoooooold.

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

      Do what makes you feel good. If you want Salah, get him in.

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

    Who takes penalties at Everton after transfers? Is it Richa?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rodriguez 100% imo. Takes them for Columbia and took a couple for Real Madrid as well. Unfortunately, he's had to play with players like Lewandowski, CR7 and Ramos who you just can't take penalties from.

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

        That would be nice. He seemed to adapt immediately and is likely to get returns soon from open play but what ticks me even more is the set piece ownership.

  7. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which trio would you have until GW7-8 at least? KdB will be in both.

    A. Aguero, Salah and 6.0 mid (Looking at Klich/Harrison for now)
    B. Martial, Sterling, 7.0 mid (Zaha/Grealish/Barnes)

    1. R Whites
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Spicy. Close - probably A, just.

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

      B with zaha imo

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

    D is belive

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

      Both reply and spelling fail!

  9. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go? 🙂

    Steer
    Justin - Holding - Targett
    Salah - Aubameyang - Son - Havertz
    Martial - Richarlison - Wilson

    McCarthy - Mitchell - KWP - Bissouma

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

    I feel its better to make decisive moves after gw1, Id the season keepers and get them systematically. Feel Liverpool will score more and concede more this season. League is wide open imo, can see 90 points winning it.

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

      Defo the year to ditch Pool defenders

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

    Thoughts on this team...

    Leno
    Digne, Justin, Gabriel
    KDB, Salah, Willian, J Rod
    Martial, Jimenez, DCL

    (Steer, Saiss, Bissouma, Mitchell.

  12. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not sure who to pick from these two, so who would be your pick?

    1. Klich
    2. Harrison

  13. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So Spurs have submitted a bid for Reguillon. Bad news for the nailed Ben Davies if the deal goes through.

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

      Not really. I think he'll play LCB.

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

        On the occasions they play a back 3/5

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

          Probably the plan.

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

      3/5 back to get the most out of Reg & Doh?

  14. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best Dele Alli replacement upto 8.5m. Already have James. Or shall i just keep and aim for 2 FT GW3?

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

      Depends on the rest of your team. Probably hold then to buy time for you to make the decision.

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

        Just the price drops. I can't see an obvious replacement. Maybe Mahrez as Pep always says he's super fit and doesn't need much training to be match fit.

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will Alli start though and make it past 45 minutes?

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

        I don't know, thats the problem. I guess the EL on thursday might help.

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

      Greenwood/Barnes, but I would hold probably

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

        I don't think Greenwood will start after all the drama. Hadn't thought of Barnes, good shout!

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

    Best combo here for next few weeks

    A: Bruno + Adams
    B: Son + DCL
    C: JRod + Martial
    D: Rashford + DCL

  16. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence or Harrison?

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

      Difficult- really rate Podence and great fixtures post City but too early to know if going to get a regular start. Harrison nailed but tough fixtures.

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

        * but I would go Podence

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

      Probably Harrison for being nailed.
      Podence looked very good though.

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

      Lol

  17. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rank these transfer moves from best to worst pls

    A) Alli,Werner > KDB,Wilson
    B) Alli,Ings > JRod,Martial
    C) Werner,Mitro > Martial,DCL

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

      B best as would want to keep Werner then C

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

      BAC

  18. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really tempted to wildcard early, like the look of this team but no Trent or Chelsea/Arsenal/Spurs at all. Should I do it?

    Martinez Button
    Saiss Taylor Dallas Justin Mitchell
    Salah Sterling KDB Greenwood Bissouma
    Ings Wilson DCL

    1. R Whites
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Personally not for me on a WC.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Have you been taking more hits from the bong than usual?

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

      Absolutely not

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

      Awesome selection. Don't worry about TAA, he'll probably only scrape 100 points this season...

  19. R Whites
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best defender at 4.5m?

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

      Ayling, Dallas, Taylor

      1. R Whites
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. Thoughts on Justin? Or will just be a headache to get rid off in a few weeks when ricky back?

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

          Justin is a great option until then. But a transfer waiting to happen.

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

      Taylor at Burnley? Ayling/Dallas will be popular this GW.

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamptey

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

      Taylor

    5. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin?

    6. zelio78
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

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

      Lewis

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

    A or B please

    A) Robbo, James Rodriguez, Martial
    B) James, Salah, Wood

    Martinez Steer
    TAA xxx Digne Saiss Ayling
    KDB Bruno xxx Klich Bissouma
    Jimenez xxx Brewster

    1. R Whites
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B, but maybe wilson over wood? I know his fixtures arent as good, but would prob still fancy some returns

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

        I just don't rate Newcastle at all and Burnley fixtures are so good!
        Will consider it though. Thanks.

        1. R Whites
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes fair - Wilson has trolled me for years tbf

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

            Haha same for me.

  21. primal33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm currently on Ings to Martial using my free transfer.

    Tempted to get KdB or Bruno in before their price rises but it would be for Salah or Auba (so the price rise isn't a huge deal). Silly...right? Or take the -4?

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

      Silly this week in my opinion

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

    How much will bale cost in fpl if spurs persuade him to come out of retirement?

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

      10

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

      9.5/10.

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

      9.0

    4. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      9.5

  23. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Andy please update your team link it's picking up someone else
    How many points did you score ?

  24. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Trnasfer activity is crazy atm prices lots of price rises coming up

    Not regretting pulling the wc atm

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

      You will be come GW3

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

        Probably

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Defo

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How's your WC team looking like?

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

    Is this good to go for GW2?

    McCarthy
    TAA, BDavies, Justin
    Salah, Auba, Son, ASM, Bissouma
    Werner, Martial
    4.0 l KWP, Mitchell, Davies

    I know I’m basically a player short given playing Bissouma over KWP

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

      Get Brewster at 4.5

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

        It’s not a WC - changing a 4.5 is a long way down my priority list

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

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Martinez
    TAA Digne Saiss Taylor /Ferguson/
    Auba KDB Bruno Doucoure /Bissouma/
    Martial DCL /Brewster/

    - Will rotate between Taylor/Doc/Brewster
    - Martial to Werner later on

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

      Martial and Bruno seems like overkill

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

      Don't wild card after 1 week

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

      Not a fan.

      The fixture swing favors, City, Everton and Wolves and you don't have enough of them.

    4. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial > Lacazette for one GW before switching to Jimenez.

      Use the funds to improve Taylor, Ferguson so you'll have the option of playing 442 every week.

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

      Good for 1 game week

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

    Good article especially the introduction. You won't find many in the comments on here following that advice though, some laughable knee jerks going on...

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

      What article?

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

    SHU data hidden.
    Must be abuses for New GK 😆

    Not as good as Hendo huh !

  29. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have 0.5m in the bank:

    1 Ings>Martial
    2 Son > Raahford
    3 Vinagre > 5m Def (which one, Reece James?)

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

      1

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

      3 Keane

  30. endy919
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why are people selling Werner ? he will be fantastic

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

      Only 5 points. Liverpool. Martial.

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

        Funny thing is Chelsea have better fixtures than Utd.

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

          You can make a case for both of their fixtures.

          In Werner's case however, from GW6 he's up against 5 teams that will be keeping it tight at the back.
          (MUN, BUR, SHU, NEW, TOT)

          In 3 of those same GWs Martial faces WHU, WBA and SOU.

      2. endy919
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        5 points , ok.

        but only first game , was very dangerous , and imo he is better than Martial.

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

      I had Werner and Jimenez going into GW 2.

      My reasoning for Werner out is to bring in Martial for the captaincy in 3 of the next 8 GWs.

      I won't have Bruno (going for a Salah/KDB double-up) so it had to be Martial.

      Jimenez has great fixtures allowing for better balance so it had to be Werner.