Pro Pundits - Fábio

How FFS Hall of Fame leader and Virtual FPL champion is lining up for Gameweek 2

Current Fantasy Football Scout Hall of Fame leader, Fábio Borges has finished inside the top 5k in each of the last five seasons, and even won 2020’s inaugural edition of Virtual FPL.


After an intense Fantasy season in 2019/20, I decided I needed a longer break than usual in order to come back stronger.

Not only was Project Restart a hectic return to something resembling normality, the lockdown period was defined by my involvement in Virtual FPL – which threw four Gameweeks per week at us for nearly two months.

Pretty exhausted from all of that, I only started tinkering my FPL team for 2020/21 a few days before the Gameweek 1 deadline, which I think actually helped me. It made sure I was able to avoid overthinking and countless outdated drafts.

So, the first Gameweek went great for me with 82 points, which means I’m currently 231k in the World. Even more important than that, none of my players got injured or red carded and, other than a few small concerns, my starting 11 still looks in good shape going forward.

Without further ado, here is my team and what I’m thinking ahead of Gameweek 2.

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3,576 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Smallbone regular starter without Redmond & Armstrong?

    1. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure, Djenepo could start.

  2. LE CHARO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Made the mistake of going for a Saints triple-up in GW1 (McCarthy, Ings and Adams) and also have Davies who is playing against them.

    Already used my FT, but contemplating a hit. What's the best option?

    A) No hit
    B) Ings > Martial (-4)
    C) Adams > DCL (-4)

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

      My FT this week was B. All the talk is about Bruno and Rash, Martial is being a bit overlooked. So B for me

      1. LE CHARO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Probably should have mentioned that my FT was Mané > Bruno, so already got MU coverage. Should I do B anyway?

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

      A for me

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

    GTG lads?

    Steer
    TAA Dier Saiss
    Salah Auba (c) Rodriguez ASM
    Werner Martial Adams

    McCarthy Bissouma Mitchell Ferguson*

    Cheers.

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

      Yup

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

    Got Saiss IN this GW. Going to play him. Looked very dangerous. Can nab a goal vs short City defensive line as Laporte is not available (i guess)

    Defense of Taa VVD Saiss makes me feel great 😀

    2*4.5 for 4th spot.

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

      Not the worst shout at all

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

    Saints vs Spurs
    Chelsea vs Pool

    Score predictions?

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

      1-1
      2-2

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

        I'd take this 😀

    2. TH14 - INVINCIBLE
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1-2 Spurs
      0-2 Liverpool

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

        Taa VVD onwer would take that too.
        I hope it's a 0-0 & Pool drops 2 points though

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

    Wilson, DCL or Adams

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

      Wilson looked very good

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

        been burned by him before. underwhelmed at Bourne imo

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

          New season
          New team
          😉

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

      DCL, Wilsons fixtures will become ugly soon.

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

        DCL? When?

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

          I prefer DCL.
          Wilsons fixtures will become ugly soon.

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

            Oh, your punctuation is confusing - I thought you meant DCL's fixtures will turn ugly. I've tripled on Toffees as they don't get sticky for a long while!

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

              Yeah my bad. Everton looks good for a while.

  7. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play 1: Have McCarthy at goal
    A. KWP
    B. Lamptey

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

      B, wouldnt double up on Saints

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

    Greenwood surely in the starting line up right? Might just punt on him

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

      Till United get a RW yeah

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

      I seen a predicted line up like this.

      DDG
      AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
      Beek Matic
      Bruno Pogba Rashford Martial

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

        What formation is this?

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

          Sorry Martial is upfront

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

          Midfield diamond. With Bruno most aggressive & Matic most defensive tips.

          But need very efficient Full Backs for it.

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

            Yeah a diamond would be great with these players I was thinking that when i seen the players , set up different where i seen it, but must be a diamond

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

            So Rashford will play upfront with Martial, that would be great for Rashford in fpl .

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

              As i said, we need good wing backs.

              Shaw gets exhausted with regular work in 70/75 minutes. AWB looks lost in later parts of games too.

              Also, I don't see United adopting this long term. As they are pushing for a RW I'd think they would stay 433/4231 most of the games.

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

              Rashford playing up top would be great yeah.

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

        Midfield diamond won't happen till United get Telles (?) & Pogba in team.

        It'll be 4231 or 3-2-1-1-3 for starting GW IMO.

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

          Which could be by next week. Problem is, when do they work on it, given the players have to naff off on another international break after GW4?

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

            Agree

  9. tom66
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard team - good to go?

    Ryan
    Gabriel - Shaw - Digne
    Rashford - Sterling - Auba - Harrison
    Watkins - Wilson - Vardy
    (McCarthy - Ayling - Soucek - KWP)

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

      I don't like 2m on bench.
      Downgrade KWP and keep the money if you like everyone else at least.

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

      I'd go Saiss over Gabriel and play Ayling this week. Personally not a fan of that front three, I'd probably go Vardy to Jimi and Watkins to DCL.

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

      Jesus over Vardy.

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

      Cheeky little way to increase followers?

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

        Can be Actually. But he looked very confident in interview with United people's tv too tbh

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

      Telles and the teenage winger we are in the verge of singing

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

        Who is teenage winger bro ?

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

          Jesse Lingard.

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

            LoL at you.
            He's a CAM 😛

            Best prospect in the world right now !

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

              Agree with the latter. He is not just your everyday CAM though.

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

                😀

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

          Forgot the name bro, name ends with Vic sounds like a Serbian name 🙂

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

              That deal is done way before if I'm not wrong. Player sent back on loan to same club too. 12m£ DEAL

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

    45 million is way too much for Jota, right folks?
    Good player though I believe ?

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

      LoL at Pool 😛

      (He's a brilliant prospect IMO)

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

        Those funny Champions

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

      I am very excited about this move. Neto and Podence a real option now at 5.5

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      PL experience, age, ability all contribute. I was surprised by the fee but I'm excited about how he'll develop under Klopp/Lijnders.

  11. Timon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of brining Sterling & DCL for Alli and Kane. 🙁

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

      Why 🙁 ?
      Are you a Spurs fan ?

      1. Tingate
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling and DCL are coming in

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

          And ?
          What is the sad part that I'm missing here ?

          1. Tingate
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sad part? Just the fact you asked him if he was a Spurs fan appeared that you thought he was bring the two Spurs fans in. My bad if I misunderstood.

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

              Sad face at end

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

              Ha ha ha

              It's confusing. No worries.

              All I'm saying is why is he worried about selling Two Spurs attackers.

              I like DCL & Raz as incoming players ftr

              1. Tingate
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Haha yeah I've just come and confused everything, apologies. Should wait until I've had a coffee before jumping on here.

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

                  No worries ! Good day

  12. CaTriEm
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Has the lack of fans impacted home advantage to a significant degree? Anyone got any sources for an analysis on this?

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

      Last week - 6 out of 8 away victories. I'd call that a clue!

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

    1) Rashford + Martial
    Or
    2) Bruno + Richarlison

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

      1

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

      2 for me

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

      2

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

    Aguero out for 1-2 months.
    No love for Jesus around here? Still seeing WC teams without Jesus.

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

      Raz 😉

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

        I prefer Raz too and I can't get Jesus because of my team structure. But Jesus is 2m cheaper.

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

          He's sh.t 😀
          Can't take any chances regularly. Raz is © shout for GW 346

          I'm going to stay quiet on this and hopefully not many would get Raz ha ha

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

            Jesus is excellent, averages almost a goal or assist every 90. He is a great option while Aguero is out.

    2. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He'll get some goals and is a good differential, but I'd rather have Martial or Jimenez for 0.5-1m cheaper. Jesus is too wasteful for my liking, I don't trust him enough.

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

        He is wasteful but he is playing for City. Even Carrol starting for City will score goals.

  15. TOLV TUMS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    IF Rich's stats for last week are any indication, he's going to be a nice diff for these next few weeks - Everton have I think the third easiest go according to the ticker

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

      They're top Overall, third defensively (with Fulham and Brighton above) and fifth offensively (with WBA and Sheff United above).
      That's why I've got him, Richarl and Doucoure!

  16. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Start
    1) davies
    2) lascalles

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

    People tripling on Utd with those fixtures are in for a ride

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

      Ride to the top?

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

        Only time will tell

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

      Bruno is enough when Utd are getting pens every week

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

      That midfield is just gonna be unsettled for a good while i think - no one seems clear on where DVDB slots in

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

    Best 5.5 defender until Chilwell's return ?

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

      Castagne or Tierney

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

        No mention of AWB who I am currently on 🙁

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

          He is a good pick tbf

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          In today's guardian, Gary Neville writes about how AWB is an old-fashioned full-back, not a new-fangled wingback. Not what you want for 5.5m.

      2. Hattrick Harry
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Castagne the best in Premier

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

      Dier

  19. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Closing in on half a million transfers for Bruno and no price rise! Very very suspect. I remember the days when 250 k transfers used to get 0.3 price rise.

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

      This is first season for blank GW 1.
      I like what they did

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

      Blank GW 1 players are price locked.

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

    Rodriguez 19 pointer incoming soon

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

      Yeah. Leicester are very shaky Defense

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

        West Brom even worse

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

          😀
          Nahhh. Johnstone GK here with no Everton. I think i should pass on the early KO today ... Ha ha

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

            I was terrified of Johnstone owners when Vardy stepped up

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

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

        Idk if you are being sarcastic or not.

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

          I'm not 😉

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll be cursing that I didn't captain him.

  21. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Podence could be a really good option this season.

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

      RIght? Jota move was perfect.

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

    A. Greenwood
    B. James Rodriguez

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

      James probably plays every match

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

      Jrod this week and then access Greenwood, Grealish, Barnes etc

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

        Assess

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

    How is Jota worth 45 million?

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

      this

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

      So they waited all summer wondering if THiago is worth 25m and spent 45m on Jota. Hmmm.

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

      PL tax

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

    Martial or Werner

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

      Martial till Chelsea is fully fit.

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

        This. I've got 0.5 to get Werner when Chelsea have sorted themselves out.

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

    If Salah blanks against Chelsea, safe to assume he won't rise until GW4?

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

      Nope
      He'll rise for sure

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

      Salah ain't blank against Alonso :p

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

        Surely Azpi will play?

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

        😮
        I forgot about that mate

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

          And with Arsenal up next after they slaughter Hammers, with the bulk of midfield incoming transfers focussed on Mancs, I don't see Salah rising this week.

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

    Me: You shouldn't let a player's last season perf influence your decision

    Also Me: Jesus is an absolutely useless striker and I'm not getting him even he's nailed for all the matches

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

      0/

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

      Me: I shouldnt take a lot of hit this season.

      Also me: Is -8 justifiable if I am getting Jesus in for Adams.

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

        Me: *keeps Salah (C) for almost 3 days before deadline* Salah is gong to haul

        Also Me: *Puts (C) on Auba 3 mins before* Form over fixture

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

      hahaha, we call this "anchoring"

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

      Eh? Why wouldn't you? Joelinton was rubbish last season; this season he's ....?

  27. Kyle2210
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Martinez likely to start in goal or should I stick with Mccarthy or go for Ryan?

    Doing WC BTW.

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

      Go for Martinez and Steer.

  28. Vlekz
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Gtg?
      McCarthy (peacock)
      Bavies Taylor TAA Saiss
      (A)uba salah bruno
      Werner wilson Adams
      (Mitchell bissouma reeds)
      0ft. 0itb

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

      To all those who are wondering why Pool paid 45m for Jota

      Pool actually hasn't paid that, they have swapped Hoever (around 10-15m) and paid little up front, the rest of the payment is staggered

      This is an ideal purchase for Pool

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

        Most of the purchases are staggered. No one pays the entire amount upfront. It is a good buy dont know if he is worth so much.

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

          Oh yeah he is not worth it but people claim he can be the next Mane

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I wouldn't be looking down on the Reds transfer committee - they're a tad more careful with the cash than United!

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

        Most transfers are staggered, in the end they’ll pay 45 million. Which he isn’t worth on paper but Liverpool are brilliant at recruitment so I expect it will work out.

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

          "Liverpool are brilliant at recruitment"

          They have been brilliant under Klopp. But don't forget the flops they have bought in the last decade.

          1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Michael Edward's is the genius not klopp

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

          Yeah this was also the reason they didn't get Werner - had to pay too much up front for the release clause