Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 1 Scout Picks: Four double-ups

14 August 2025 469 comments
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With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2025/26 getting underway tomorrow, it’s time to finalise our Gameweek 1 Scout Picks.

As usual, our Scout Picks selection is influenced by the Scout Squad submissions made by Neale (Editor), Tom (Deputy Editor), Sam (General Manager) and Marc (Staff Writer).

There are certain restrictions for our picks, however:

  • An £83.0m budget for our starting XI
  • An overall squad limit of £100.0m
  • No more than three players per team

GAMEWEEK 1 SCOUT PICKS

GOALKEEPER

Robert Sanchez (£5.0m) gets the nod in goal after being chosen by two of our Scout Squad pundits. The FIFA Club World Cup champions, Chelsea, are set to face Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Oliver Glasner’s troops have plenty of firepower, but the Blues enjoyed the third-best home record in the Premier League last season, conceding just 18 goals. The Club World Cup was a clear mark of progression, too, with Paris-Saint Germain among four clubs shut out.

With Marc Guehi (£4.5m) and Eberechi Eze (£7.5m) both linked with moves away from Selhurst Park this week, we’re hoping Palace are sufficiently disrupted to allow Sanchez to bag us a clean sheet as well as save points.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: Why Porro was benched, in-form Chelsea, Martin sacked

 

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The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

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  1. MetallicaJack93
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Final RMT

    Verbruggen
    Cucu Milenkovic Munoz Porro
    Salah Palmer Wirtz Reindeer

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    1. MetallicaJack93
      • 2 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Watkins Mateta
      Dub Guiu KDH Esteve

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      1. Big Mike
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Got it

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      2. Timanfaya
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Can't argue with that team.

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    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Bench?

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    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Bit heavy in defence for me. I'd personally downgrade Cucu to Tarkowski and then upgrade Verbruggen to Sanchez.

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  2. Dreaming of glory
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Kelleher/dubravka

    James-aina-VDV
    Salah-palmer-oreilly-kudus-rejinders
    Haaland-pedro

    Barnes-esteve-rodon

    Bit too narrow??
    Dropping haaland for watkins gives me wirtz & Rogers in mid instead of a few gambles

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  3. Hibbopotamus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    A. Gakpo/KDH/Richards
    B. Ndiaye/Reijnders/Lacroix

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    1. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      A

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  4. Bleh
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Is Mateta instead of Pedro madness when you consider early fixtures?

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    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Yes

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    2. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      No. Mateta on fire. Pedro 59min sub 😉

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    3. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      No. More secure mins and on pens, similar goal threat

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  5. C_G
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    need an RMT here!

    Sels

    Diouf Neco James

    Salah Saka Bruno Harry Wilson

    Pedro Bowen Watkins

    Dubravka Gudmunsson Esteve Ramsey

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    1. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I'd opt for Palmer over Saka. Also, is that Reece James from Chelsea?

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  6. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Been locked to Wirtz for a long time but now I started to tinker with Gakpo and extra 1.0.

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    1. RICICLE
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Same! But simply have to go with Wirtz, plus he should play more mins hopefully

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      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Take Wirtz + 2 vs Gakpo + 2 upgrades. Who scores more?

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        1. BobbyDoesNotLook
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          The difficult part is to predict just Gakpo vs Wirtz IMO. Just started to feel like buying too much into Wirtz hype from FPL point of view.

          But I am 90% certain to pick him since signing Isak won't affect him as much as Gakpo. And he is very exciting player.

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    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      My post on last page? Sorry 😆

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      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Haha I probably read that quickly but started to do something else and thought it was my new idea 😀

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    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Thought about yesterday but looked at stats

      Home 9G 3A
      Away 1G 1A in 100 more mins roughly

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    4. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      will Gakpo start

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      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        I think Isak signs and after that Gakpo is a no go. But he is good for first 3. I think I will skip.

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    5. Silva Bilva Tilva Pilva
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      What about both and Salah Out?

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  7. Manani
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    1. KDH
    2. PMSarr

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    1. BobbyDoesNotLook
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Coin toss. I would take Sarr because he seemed to be close for rebounds in setpieces.

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    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I'd go for KDH as Sarr has more competition for his place.

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  8. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Hi guys! Hope everyone is well and buzzing for tomorrow!

    Didn’t think I’d make this many changes to my team but right now I’m at:

    Sanchez
    Munoz - Milenkovic - Porro
    Tielemans - Wirtz - Palmer - Salah - Anderson
    Solanke - Watkins
    ______________________________________
    Dubravka: Diouf: Esteve: Marc Guiu

    But gutted about losing Bruno but Wirtz could become him?

    Thoughts overall gents?

    Many

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    1. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Starting Eleven GTG
      bench not too strong
      Dubravka & Marc Guiu
      unsure if available GW1 go
      go down in value due to
      ownership.

      I'm monitoring as decided to BB1
      but wanted to try to get 15 starters
      & were in my original squad

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    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Wow. Someone else with Solanke in their draft. I was thinking that I was the only one who had him.

      If you want Bruno then I would downgrade Tielemans to KDH, then use the money to upgrade Wirtz, although imo Wirtz is a better pick. Plus I would have Tarkowski over Munoz, especially over the first 6 game weeks.

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  9. WVA
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Who to start with?

    A. Bruno
    B. Wirtz

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    1. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      B. i get the arguments for Bruno but for me it's as simple as i'd rather have Liverpool's 10 than Man United's 8.

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      1. RICICLE
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        This pretty much^

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      2. WVA
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Thanks, hadn’t thought of it like that, I’ll give him Bournemouth to prove himself!

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      3. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        What are the arguments for Bruno? I am genuinely confused by this as he’s now midfield and not a number 10

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        1. Tommy Template
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          I hate this because fundamentally Wirtz is a much better footballer but hes not on pens, he probably wont get defcon where Bruno will quite well if previous seasons are anything to go off. Bruno's got people to pass to now who ought to be able to score. I'm not sure Wirtz is actually a goalscorer so they are kind of on equal footing regarding it being assist potential except Bruno has pens still. I'm fairly certain Bruno finishes ahead of him at the end of the season because of the way the game is. Wouldn't surprise me if Wirtz ends up being like Odegaard, great player not great in FPL.

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    2. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      B all day long

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  10. Manani
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    A. Sanchez
    B. Sels

    got both Cucu and NWilliams

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    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I was between the same two and have the same two defenders but went Sels. Sanchez is not a good keeper

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  11. Lfcni1986
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Why is Haaland being ignored?

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    1. Mother Farke
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 22 days ago

      £££ when Salah is favoured, mostly.

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I'm on him precisely to play the EO edge.

      With Salah if he bangs you'll be in the similar boat, with 50% + of the game.

      Haaland about a quarter so you'll benefit more from a high score.

      The reverse is true of course ...

      A Salah captain haul and Haaland blank will hurt and put you about 8-9m gw rank.

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    3. Tommy Template
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      There were like 7 better strikers than him in the game last year. You've got to be pretty sure you are getting Haaland season 1 not 2 or 3 at that price

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      1. Big Mike
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Not during the first 3 game weeks there weren't. He scored back to back hat tricks, and he has the potential to do the same again.

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  12. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    What's my biggest mistake here?

    Sels
    Muñoz Milenković Diouf
    Palmer Bruno Wirtz Sarr Reijnders
    Haaland Ekitiké

    Dúbravka. Guiu Dorgu Estève

    .
    Cheers and good luck
    (sort of)

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    1. Mother Farke
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Having both Dorgu and Diouf when they don't have good defensive fixtures. You're relying on them getting attacking returns imo.

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        True

        That's why I picked them

        Don't mind Man U in gw2, 3 and 6,7.

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    2. Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      not sure if no Salah is a mistake, but it's certainly a risk

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    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Bruno

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  13. BobbyDoesNotLook
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Hmm Gakpo Saka vs Wirtz Bruno (while having Salah).

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      B

      I think Saka is a wait and see

      A great player but probably a lower ceiling than other premium picks like Palmer, Salah, Bruno etc.

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    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Why Bruno? Am I missing something? He is playing in midfield now

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  14. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    I'm down to 2 choices. Happy with rest of team

    A. Salah(C) Wood
    B. Wirtz Haaland(C)

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    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I prefer Salah over Haaland but I don’t like the Wood pick.

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      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Bit of place holder but prefer Forest early fixtures to anyone in that bracket

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  15. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    What are folks thoughts on Gnonto and/or Piroe as picks considering Leeds scoring power last season?.. also feel Everton first game is a Leeds win tbh.

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  16. Merz88
      3 months, 22 days ago

      A) Salah, Reijnders, Joao Pedro +4.5 MID

      or

      B) Palmer, Marmoush, Gakpo + 4.5 FWD

      Thanks

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    • The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I have Gyokeres but I am debating bringing in Watkins for him as he is unproven in the Premier League so far. Any advice? I have Rogers too.

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      1. Tommy Template
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        I'm on the same dilemma. Was leaning towards Gyok because of GW2. Don't have Rogers, do have Saka. Should probably diversify the attack as Saka is probably getting the band in 2 anyway

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        1. The Big Fella
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          In your case I would go with Watkins. I do not have Saka so a little different. Saka is a proven FPL asset and an Arsenal talisman

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          1. Tommy Template
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 22 days ago

            Yeah I think you are correct. I'm not too worried about Gyokeres coming in and adapting but probably less competition at Villa for Ollie and hes very good too of course

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      2. Mr.K
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        I went for Watkins, and especially with Arsenal's fixtures would do it even if I had Rogers.

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    • Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      any opinions on this BB1 team?

      Kelleher Dubravka
      Porro VDV Konsa Rodon Gudmundsson
      Salah Palmer Wirtz Gakpo Reijnders
      Watkins Pedro Fullkrug

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    • Saka White Rice
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Which option is better?
      A) N Williams+ 3 4.5m defenders + 4m defender
      B) Porro+2 4.5m defenders + 2 4m defenders

      Im doing this so that I can afford both Bruno and Wirtz. Its my "sacrifice"

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      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        A

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    • Rigid Digit
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Done, Good To Go, Bench Boost ... and hope for the best

      Sanchez / Dubravka
      Van Dijk / Konsa / Van de Ven / Diouf / Rodon
      Palmer / Wirtz / Cunha / Rice / P M Sarr
      Haaland / Watkins / Fullkrug

      What can possibly go wrong?

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        GTG

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    • Bleh
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Best combo?

      A. Wirtz + Cunha/Mbeumo
      B. Bruno + Gakpo

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      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        A

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      2. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        a

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    • The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Sels Dubravka
      Cucurella Gabriel Virgil Williams Esteve
      Salah palmer rogers Ndiaye Reijnders
      Guiu strand Larsen Gyokeres

      Apart from possibly changing Gyokeres to Watkins, how is this looking?

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      1. Rbyrne95
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Good, Solid safer team if with Watkins.

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        1. The Big Fella
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          Thanks mate. Yeah I think this is the way. Can always change him back if he kicks on. GW2 is a risk

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    • theshazly
      • 2 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Torn between these final 4 drafts and need your support and opinions lads please!

      A - Sels (Dub)
      RAN Porro Diouf ( DeCuyper / Gudmnssn )
      Salah Palmer Wirtz Reijnders KDH
      Watkins Gyokeres ( Guiu )

      B - Sels (Dub)
      DeCuyper Diouf Konsa (Esteve/Gudmnssn)
      Salah KDH Reijnders Palmer Kudus
      Haaland Gyokeres (Guiu)

      C - Sels (Dub)
      DeCuyper Dorgu Diouf (Esteve/Gudmnssn )
      Salah Palmer Rogers PMS KDH
      Haaland Gyokeres ( Guiu )

      D - Raya (Dub)
      Williams DeCuyper Diouf (Dorgu/Gudmnssn)
      Salah Reijnders PMS Palmer KDH
      Watkins Haaland (Guiu)

      All 0 ITB

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      1. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Salah & Haaland in the team - impressive - dismiss option A

        Although all look good.

        B

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    • BusbySwede
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      A) Saka, Pedro, Diouf/De Cuyper
      Or
      B) Gyokeres, Rogers, Cucurella

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    • tim
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Murillo or Milenkovic?

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      1. theshazly
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Both are great picks
        Trust your gut on one of them

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        1. tim
          • 16 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          Cheers, Murillo it is!

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    • Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Tinkering a few options atm. 3-4-3 weaker def but allows Haaland, Mateta, Watkins front 3 and pen takers?

      A) N. Williams, Konate, Mateta
      B) Milenkovic/Murillo, Frimpong, Fulkrug (current team)

      Sels
      N.Williams-Porro-Diouf
      Palmer-Wirtz-Kudus-Reijnders
      Watkins-Haaland-Mateta

      Dubravka - Konate - Dewsbury Hall-Esteve

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    • The Mighty Hippo
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      a) Munoz
      b) Tarkowski

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      1. Rbyrne95
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Munoz atm. Really depends if Eze and Guehi leave too. Tarkowski good for def contribution points

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    • Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Kudus or Johnson?

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    • Fishface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      All the bench boost drafts I’ve seen seem to have haaland no Salah. Any reason for this.

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    • gonzalocampos
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      One or Two:
      1 - Kudus and Pedro Porro
      2 - Gakpo and Van de Ven

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