FPL Masterclass

How many ‘proven’ FPL players should I pick in GW1 – and how many gambles?

Our new FPL Masterclass series unites three of the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers around: two-time India champion Lateriser, seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar and five-time top 1,000 finisher Tom Freeman.

Between them they have 20 overall ranks in the top 10,000, nine of which were within the top 1k.

They’ll be chipping in with regular Fantasy advice ahead of the start of 2021/22, with opinion on everything from tips for newcomers to bench strength.

Our trio of top managers will also be writing for Fantasy Football Scout every week throughout the new season – and only subscribers will be able to read all of their articles in full.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

Having previously provided general advice for FPL managers ahead of the upcoming campaign, our panel now look at the composition of a Gameweek 1 squad: how many ‘proven’ assets should we be focusing on and is it wise to avoid any gambles?

LATERISER SAID…

I fear that because of what happened with Timo Werner (£9.0m) and Kai Havertz (£8.5m) last season, the running narrative will be to not indulge in new imports into the league. But we must remember that for every Werner and Havertz, there has also been a Diego Costa, Michu, Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) who took the league by storm from the start.

The point I’m trying to make here though is that when it comes to new imports into the league, the case is very subjective and based on your judgement of the player and his role in the team. Based on what happened last season, though, I do have a theory in my head that I’m willing to test out.

I feel like the case with Chelsea was a unique one, with Frank Lampard fielding a largely new team instead of it being the case of adding one attacker to an already settled side. When it comes to these premium clubs and marquee signings, I’d be more willing to roll the dice if it’s just one addition to a tried-and-trusted starting XI – which was not the case with the Blues.

That was my opinion about newer teams. Even when it comes to promoted sides, we have seen that clubs like Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a fast start in the league.

So I’m not completely against gambles in your Gameweek 1 squads but there does need to be a balance and your picks need to be heavily researched.

When it comes to promoted sides, it is a relative shot in the dark when it comes to anticipating how they are going to adapt to the standards of the Premier League. Similarly, when it comes to new managers at clubs, we aren’t exactly sure about player roles under the set up-of the new head coach.

So out of all these three categories, I’d cap ‘risky’ picks at two in my Gameweek 1 team. If you do want to indulge in more punts, I’d definitely not do it with the premium options. One risky heavy hitter (if at all) is the most I’d go with.

I learnt the hard way last year that it is very important to not stray too far from the pack early on as it can lead to you ‘trying things’ too early in the season, which might derail your campaign.

TOM SAID…

I always like to have a couple of proven premiums in my squad, mainly for captaincy. That’s usually Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) plus one other, which has generally served me well in the past and is something I’ll do again next season.

In terms of gambles, balance is key. I certainly wouldn’t load up on them, but don’t have a problem starting with two or three in my initial squad. For every player who takes a little longer to acclimatise to the Premier League, there is always another who will hit the ground running, like Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) and Ollie Watkins (£7.5m).

I suppose the newly-promoted players are classified as gambles, too, but I don’t necessarily see it like this. They are mostly budget picks, and if you adopt a ‘wait and see’ policy like most preach, it’s often too late. Capitalising on these teams is all about ensuring you have them for that first top-flight game in front of the fans, and sometimes before that initial momentum wears off.

I started with Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford (£8.0m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) in 2020/21; before that, it was Sheffield United’s Dean Henderson (£5.0m) and John Lundstram in 2019/20. I suspect one or two from Brentford will be making an appearance next season, too.

ZOPHAR SAID…

To answer this question, first I must define what I consider a ‘gamble’. Players from promoted teams fit into this category as we do not know how they and their team as a whole will adapt to the Premier League. The jump in standard is massive and we have seen clubs that topped the Championship finish bottom of the Premier League (Norwich comes to mind) the next season. 

Transfers from foreign leagues are also a ‘wait and watch’ for me as the physical nature of the Premier League can be a challenge for an overseas asset to get used to. This does depend from player to player though. I went early on the likes of Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Eden Hazard as I trusted them to be world-class talents who were already playing at a top level and had no doubts about their ability to cut it in the Premier League. 

Thirdly, players from teams under new management would also be classified as a gamble for me. We do not know what sort of philosophy the new manager would like to implement, what his preferred starting line-up would be and who would be their talisman. For example, any Crystal Palace asset would be a massive gamble to start with in my opinion as I simply do not know how they will play under Patrick Vieira after a defence-first approach under Roy Hodgson for many years. 

I did break this rule due to my Chelsea bias last season by going with both Kai Havertz (£8.5m) and Timo Werner (£9.0m) but usually I like to have no more than one ‘gamble’ in my Gameweek 1 squad. My FPL motto is, ‘better to be late to the party than to turn up early and find out there’s no party at all’. I make sure I set up my initial squad in such a way that I can get the ‘gambles’ with one transfer if they hit the ground running.

697 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sancho overhype.
    Only Shaw for me.

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      His ribs are broke

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, they said about two days earlier.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Shaw + Bruno

      100% set piece coverage

      5 points per clean sheet (6 when Bruno cap)

      35-40 XGi between them

      Nuff said

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I know about Bruno.
        Highest scorer. Sancho can have a good season too like Son. But for now , they are not my pick.

        I'll consider if they perform better than Salah in a long run. I'm not fear or missing out like some managers in this site. Salah easily can be Bruno or Sancho hahaha

  2. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    RM Draft Team.. All out attack.. !! 3-4-3

    Sanchez | [4.0]
    White | Coufal | Fofana | [Ayling] | [Kelly]
    Salah | Sancho | Son | Harrison | [Brownhill]
    Kane | Watkins | Toney

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Worst on this page

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Why worst? Just because its different?

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          My own opinion

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            *Very Toxic opinion.

            1. 3 A
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Agree. Better to keep silent. If some of my friends said something like this, he already get punch on the face.

              Try to be polite kid.

              1. Hint
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                You sound like a great friend.

                1. 3 A
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  My religion teach me to be polite, to say a good thing or keep silent..

                  God knows about what we are doing.. every single thing 😀

                  1. El Presidente
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 8 months ago

                    That's very godly of you to punch people in the face...

            2. Indpush
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Good friends

      2. TKC07
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Appreciate your honest rating.. 🙂

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          That's the spirit. Honest feedback is key

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Go for it if you are feeling it. But i feel better value in defence.

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

      I'm wary of Toney till he's proven could always drop to a 4.5, improve a defender and keep 0.5 in bank to make the switch if he makes the transition to Prem well enough..

  3. MosF94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Draft with Sancho instead of Bruno:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Robertson, (Lamptey/Ayling)
    Salah, Sancho, Grealish, Raphinha
    Bamford, Watkins, Wilson

    Bench: 4, (Ayling/Lamptey), Brownhill, 4

    I'm not dead set on going without Bruno - but given how easy it makes it to afford TAA and Robertson and an overall st

    1. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      *and an overall strong XI, it is tempting

  4. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this Team?

    Sanchez
    TAA Robbo Digne/Shaw Ayling
    Salah Raphinha/Madders Beundia/Bowen
    Kane Wilson Watkins

    Lamptey Gilmour Brownhill

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Gotta hope that the 2x midfielders between 6.5-7.0 work out - I might downgrade Robbo to give you a bit more money there, get to a 7.5/8.0 if you want. (Or do 3x 4.5s at the back with the TAA/Robbo double)

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Get your point. Although i am absolutely set on the pool double up. The value is too hard to ignore for me there.
        Yes can move Digne to a 4.5 or even 4.0(play3 at the back). That could allow me a Havertz/Grealish/Foden or even Greenwood since i dont have a United attacker. Will monitor Everton over the preseason to have a fair impression of Digne.

        Cheers.

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It is absolutely sound.

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

      I get the love for TAA and Robbo but I think there's good value in cancelo and/or dias instead. Last year 2 defender city was a must - don't see that changing and it gives some room to stretch to premium options more easily

  5. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    feels like the "smart" thing to do is start with Bruno.
    if Sancho kicks on and looks better value it's easy to move from Bruno>Sancho. (easier than the other way around)

    if you start with Sancho do you do the double? it's a lot of money to commit to the MU midfield.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Assuming you have Salah. What would be your plan if Kane moves to City? Still going with Bruno?

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Why not? Bruno is a midfielder, on pens and was the highest scorer in the game

      2. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I honestly think I might not go straight to Kane if he's with City.

        Hope it takes him a couple of games to find his feet (like in the Euros...he wasn't exactly great with Foden & Sterling alongside him).

        If after 2 weeks he's needed i can juggle things around - but you can't have everyone I suppose.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      What about neither?

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Completely possible!

        For me though Man U are 4th on the attacking ticker through the first 6 rounds - I really want someone and Bruno to me is the safest at the moment.

  6. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If Grealish Goes To City But Not Kane Team

    Sanchez
    TAA Robertson Tierney
    Mahrez Grealish Foden Torres ESR
    DCL Cavani

    Steele | Bamford, Lamptey, Ayling | 1.0 ITB

    1. Inter Me Gran
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      £8m on the bench will likely be needed with all those potential non starters…..however, brave, different and why the hell not!

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Well you've certainly got City cover there but I'd hate to be you on a week where Pep goes for Sterling, Jesus and Bernardo!

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That would be an exciting week, knowone I could have ESR, Lamptey and Ayling coming off the bench, and a better chance of my City players playing the following week! 😀

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Great way to look at it!

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          🙂

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No Salah is brave. Missing quite a few high EO picks. Like it otherwise. Very different. Go big or go home strategy

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I've gone without Salah for his entire PL career 🙂 Minus one or two GWs I think

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          How has it turned out so far?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Impossible to know 🙂

            1. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              I mean previous seasons. Did you achieve good results?

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                Not really. But you can't have meant that, because it doesn't answer any question about Salah 😉

                1. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  But if you think it's useful: the two seasons that Salah scored the most points were the two seasons I have had my best ever ranks (except I beat one of those scores in 2013/14, actually, but I probably didn't even login during that season!)

                  1. Indpush
                    • 6 Years
                    2 years, 8 months ago

                    Maybe this is the strategy worth sticking to. 🙂

                    1. Deulofail
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 8 months ago

                      Not loggin in? 😀

                      1. Indpush
                        • 6 Years
                        2 years, 8 months ago

                        Head slowly nodding up and down with ends of lips turned slightly up.

                        Worked once then you got away from the strategy and haven't reached that point again. Seems rational to get back to it.

                      2. Deulofail
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 8 months ago

                        Logging off now then! Thanks for the tip!

    4. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It’s a good team but think you’ll need at least one of Kane, Bruno, KDB or Salah

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez + Cavani > KDB + Toney then 🙂

        1. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Works well

    5. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Who are you captaining?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        GW1: TAA/Cavani. (Arsenal are genuine options that week too imo.)
        GW2: City player/TAA/Cavani
        GW3: Cavani/Bamford/DCL
        GW4 : Cavani/DCL/Arsenal
        GW5: TAA/City/Arsenal

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Cant captain City players bar Grealish

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            What do you mean?

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              The risk of a 1pter is too high with them. Thats the real issue with peptation. If you play them over a long period it evens out, but unless perma captain you run the risk of multiple single pters

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                I'd imagine that's the case with Grealish too. See Sterling vs Grealish in EURO 2020! But I have other options besides City. They are just options, and I might think it's worth a gamble one week if Torres has played the last 2 up front, one of the others is on form. Some people here are even planning for Mahrez captaincy specifically!

                1. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 8 months ago

                  Or if one is injured short term, it improves the others. Plus I don't need to sell.

    6. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      If Grealish goes City this team is perfect

      Sanchez
      TAA Digne Coufal
      Salah Bruno Grealish Raphina
      Watkins Iheanacho Toney

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Ew no thanks 😛

  7. Thewoodyhorse
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Current Draft until a bit more is known..

    Sanchez
    Shaw Cancelo Digne Trent
    Bruno Salah Madders Buendia
    Watkins DCL

    Foster Lamptey Bissouma 4.5

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer Toney over Buendia in a 4-3-3. Otherwise very nice

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Solid. Only 4 changes from my team.

      Wilson Kane Robbo Ayling for me
      Over
      DCL Bruno Shaw Cancelo

      Although i'd get Bruno if Kane doesn't make the move. Also Shaw will likely make my team if passed fit.

  8. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Shaw a 'risky' pick from the get go?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe - but the other 5.5s don't excite me a whole lot and it's easy to get good bench defenders (Lamptey & Ayling for me).

      The fixtures are great, and he'll be first choice, so if he misses a week it's not a huge deal to me.

    2. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say so... Utd's defence have been shaky for so long now...

  9. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft? I know quite a few are not nailed, but expect most will use their wildcard early on as always.

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Digne
    Salah (C) Mahrez Greenwood Jota
    DCL Watkins Antonio
    ____
    Steele Lamptey Gilmour Manquillo

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You'll not need to waste a wildcard tinkering with that, I don't think.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Hope not... Jota/gwood + Mahrez -> Raph + Son for gw3 an option

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      could easily be an early wildcard that. I count 3 non-nailed picks, 2 injuries waiting to happen and non-playing defender

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I know... But I usually wc within the first give Weeks anyway. Always a few players I want, that I don't got. And then I also build team value early on

  10. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sancho confirmed @ 9.5

    1. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Expensive unless be a captain.

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A bit too expensive from the get go I think

  11. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I'm thinking of ripping up my template team to go for this set up for the first 6 gameweeks then wildcard.

    Bachmann Foster
    TAA Robbo Digne (2 x 4.0)
    Salah Bruno Raphinha Trossard (Bissouma)
    DCL Welbz Wilson

    Anyone else doing this? I usually start with a template team and find myself well off the pace and WC after 2 games, so thought I'd have a plan this time round

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      get 2 * 4.5s and make a saving elsewhere otherwise its fine
      trossard is seldom seen but actually quite a good pick i would have though

  12. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Should Levy cash in 150m for Kane how much we think he Will be ready to reinvest into new forward ?
    50 quid and 5 new balls ?

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      probably thinking about a down payment on the stadium. he would be mad not to take the money and run

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        and they will buy Ings or Jiminez for about £25-30m

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Who is willing to pay 150m? not City.

  13. Football 365
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez
    Coufal fofana taa AWB
    Salah raphinha Bruno Sancho
    Nacho Watkins
    Foster lamptey brownhill obafemi

  14. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Stacked midfield

    Bachmann
    TAA Coufal Lamptey
    Salah Son Sancho Mahrez Raph
    Watkins Toney

    Foster Ait Nouri Williams Davis

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it a lot.
      Not much bench cover though unless Williams moves.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah need that move to happen

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I could go Rahp to Harrison or ESR and upgrade Williams?

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          ESR one to watch. I'd start with Raph as you have any keep eye peeled for potential downgrade to strengthen bench if Williams is not playing.

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah got plenty of cash cows that can be downgraded , thanks

        2. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Nah I’d leave it. Can always downgrade to get funds later if needed.

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

      I love a big midfield, and this one certainly could bang!

      I will need to see Sancho show he can do the biz in PL before trusting him, and Mahrez probably a trasnfer waiting to happen (but you know that, and he could fire for a few weeks early).

      I'm currenly on a 3-5-2 with Salah-Bruno-Son-Raph-Buendia, your FWDs, and similar D. May downgrade Buendia after a few weeks to upgrade Toney (if he fails to fire) or Davis to a regular starter (Pukki, mayhap) or upgrade a defender.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Same money in midfield, what defence you got , yeah steady plan and flexibility if needed there

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          TAA - Coufal - Lamptey - Ayling/other 4.5 - Manquillo/other 4.0

          Undecided between Sanchez and Bachmann. Leaning Sanchez atm.

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah understand the Ayling pick, rotation with Lamptey, think the double up with Brighton is to much and they will be weaker without White imo

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Smashing side if you ask me.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate

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

      Like it - similar to where I am at. Would suggest Raphinha to 6 m Harrison or Sarr or 5.5 ESR and Williams to 4.5- Ayling or 5 m - perhaps Tierney or Targett

    5. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Aha

      Currently on something very close. Mbeumo, Jim, Nacho alternative up front with Tierney at the back over Coufal.

  15. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Will White play at RB for Arsenal?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Doubt it. Arsenal currently have Chambers, Bellerin, Cedric, AMN and Tavares, who could all feasibly play there.

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Who is first choice right now?

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          No sure. Possibly Chambers, but might depend on tactics.

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Tavares will be deployed as a wing back in a 3 at the back?

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              It's possible...
              I suspect he's mostly just backup for Tierney, but he's somewhat two-footed, so you never know what the plans might be. With all the attacking talent at Arsenal, you can imagine Saka slotting in a wingback, too, accomodating Pepe and Martinelli, or both of Laca and Auba, or ESR and a Willock (or a new attacking mid), or Nelson, or dare I say it, Willian... 😐

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                If you question is about formation, then no, I think Arteta is expected to play with 4 at the back, predominantly. It's true that White is good on the right of a back 3., but I think we're more likely to see changes to 4-3-3 than to wingbacks this season.

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      CB or DM

  16. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Do we pick Kane right away or wait til GW2 or even GW3?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      If he’s not starting the season then don’t pick him

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks yeh must be risk doesn’t start Gw1

  17. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Not been on here since my mac went away to get fixed.

    So this was my team a week ago. Pretty template - still - which kinda shocks me. Any glaring errors?

    Thanks chaps

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Chilwell Wan-B Lamptey Hoever
    Salah Raphinha Bruno Sarr Bissouma
    Antonio Nacho Watkins

  18. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    There you go…
    Baachman
    TAA,Coufal,Lamptey
    Salah,Sancho,Buendia,Raphinia
    Kane,Watkins,Toney

    Foster,Ayling,Brownhill,4.0

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      How long will you give Toney to prove himself?

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheap enough to hold until wc1.

  19. MattB
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Fofana White (4.0)
    Sancho, Salah, Son, ESR (Brownhill)
    Kane, Toney (4.5)

    Not quite template, would be based on Son playing up top and Kane going to City, if he stays put I’ll do Son>Mahrez and use the .5 elsewhere

  20. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Ooo la la

    Bachmann
    Robertson / TAA / Digne
    Raphina / Buendia / Salah / Sancho / Kai
    Watkins / Nacho

    Foster / Lamptey / Obafemi / Manquilo

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Beautiful, you can also do Toney over Buendia to make it 3-4-3

  21. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    We expecting a big season for ESR could he keep up with Raph and Harrison?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

  22. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Trying to fit in Kane but means downgrading Bruno to 6m midfielder - any recommendations (not ESr)? Thanks

    1. Athletico Underachieving
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sarr

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Okay thanks

    2. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sarr

  23. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How does this look?

    Sanchez
    TAA / Coufal / James / Digne
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Sarr / ESR
    Watkins

    Foster / Pukki / Manquillo / Obafemi

    Shaw will possibly come in for James or Digne

  24. FPL_trail_runner
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If Kane is in anyway at doubt (and at City ) for week 2 its an easy wait and see for a few more weeks while he has middling fixtures and settles in. Can easily be brought in later.

    We cant have everyone, and people tend to forget everyone last year thought it would be 3 premiums with Sala / Auba / KDB, in the end it went one premium and a few nicely priced medium -high prices

    12,5mil , 10,5mil, 10,5mil, 9mil were Salah Bruno Kane and Son.

    I can see a similar thing eventually being the case this year

    One main premium maybe perma fixed (Kane perhaps/Salah) + 10mil (Son pens and ST), Sancho (9,5mil) Havertz (8,5mil possible to be CF)

    Never in an FPL season have the 3-4 premiums all being must haves at the same time

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You sir have not heard of the holy trinity
      CR7 + Gerrard + Lampard

      1. FPL_trail_runner
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Oh sweet summer Child.

        Ive been playing fpl since 2005. (and was on here in 2008 orginally)

        Lampard and CR7 were a must in 2007 2008

        When Rafa put Gerrard behind Torres in 2008 2009 to make him a must CR7 was in his wanting to go to Madrid and not as consistent phase. Many a home game against easy teams he didnt show up

        Lampard has been the consistent performer ( Until Ancelloti put him too advanced and Malouda then became an option)

        So yes, in fpl points we have never had 3 premium players needed at once.

        1. Herman Toothrot
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Cool.

        2. Indpush
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I like you. I have a feeling you have an abundance of information, others may not. Will you be here weekly throughout the season (said with not a hint of sarcasm).

          Looking forward to useful gems.

        3. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          We had five, Lampard, Gerrard, Ronaldo, Henry and Arteta all at the same time

  25. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Would you change anything here? Wait and see on Sancho for now:

    Henderson Foster
    TAA Robertson Digne Fofana White
    Salah Bruno Buendia Raphina ESR
    DCL Toney Perica

    Is the Liverpool double defence a good idea?

  26. Zola
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    12/15 picked, 3 spaces left.

    A) Bruno, Digne, ESR
    B) Sancho, Robertson, Greenwood

    A seems safer right? But B is mighty tempting...

  27. Athletico Underachieving
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Dias, AWB, Fofana, White, TAA
    Bruno, Salah, Buendia, Sarr, Gilmour
    Watkins, Toney, Antonio

    Too much in defence?
    Considering AWB - Coufal & Sarr - Raphinha…

  28. The Fantasy Doctor
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sancho temping, also allows Kane (no bench):

    Sanchez
    TAA Digne Shaw Ayling
    Salah KdB Sancho Raphinha
    Watkins Antonio
    4.0 Bissouma Davis Manquilo

    1. Boywiththesoupdragontattoo
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think that’s the best “Sancho team” I’ve seen.

  29. Headers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Where about’s in the member area can you find FPL points for all players since GW 19 to 38 so can gauge the best performers in the second half of last season?

  30. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    3rd try

    Sanche
    Taa shaw digne (manquillo lamptey)
    Bruno salah buendia raph (gilmour)
    Antonio watkins iheanacho

    Thinking to fit ESR but not sure.