Last Update: August 9th (6:26 PM BST)

Latest Video:

Give the creators a follow:

Follow @TheFPLScope

Follow @KevNissanka

Here are a couple of The FPLScopes suggestions for how you can build your first squad of the season:

Once again, most of the squads presented here have some sort of gimmick, so the best suggestion is probably to mix and match some options from each selection of players. A popular way of selecting a squad is sticking pretty close to the template squad with 2-3 differential picks, but there are plenty of ways to be a successful FPL manager.

Like last season’s guide, we’ll update the suggested squads as we get closer to the deadline, however, this time around we’ll be creating video content to go along with the text guide.

So read up on some of the suggestions, mix and match with the suggested squads and find a GW1 team that suits you. However, if you are too lazy to do the work yourself and swear on just picking one of these teams, then you might want to consider:

The Template Squad

If you can’t beat them, copy them

There wasn’t really a consensus goalkeeper pick this pre-season, until the inclusion of Andre Onana for £5.0m. Now FPL managers have found a go-to goalkeeper. Onana is a better GK both in real life and in FPL compared to David De Gea, who won the Golden Glove last season. Alphonse Areola actually has a great chance of being West Ham’s starting goalkeeper this season. FPL may have done a huge error pricing him at only £4.0m.

Three out of Chelsea’s first four fixtures are at home and the start of the season also means that Ben Chilwell is fully fit to play. With Mauricio Pochettino arriving in West London, the Chelsea full-back could have a similar reneaissance like he did when Thomas Tuchel first took over. Most squads feature a defender from Arsenal, with Gabriel Magalhaes the most popular pick, because of his goal threat. Pervis Estupiñan was one of the most attacking full-backs in the league last season and is a steal for only £5.0m. To afford the team, we are going very cheap with the final options, with George Baldock and Issa Kaboré as the most popular £4.0 options.

Marcus Rashford was probably (apart from Haaland) the best player to own in FPL last season, with a starting price of only £6.5. While he now costs £9.0, plenty of people still think it’s a bargain. Bruno Fernandes is nailed and on penalties, which made several FPL managers double take when it was revealed that he only costs £8.5. He’s a really popular option, often alongside Rashford. Bukayo Saka is also only £8.5m. That’s crazy. Arsenal have great fixtures and Saka is nailed and on penalties. Gabriel Martinelli is not on penalties, but he’s still pretty nailed. He’s a lock in everyone’s team. Brighton are losing a lot of good players this summer, but they might be keeping their best one in Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese dribbling PhD will be a major part of Roberto De Zerbi’s fun, attacking side and is a safe pick for only £6.5m.

Erling Braut Haaland was the most important asset to own last season and despite a major price rise making him the most expensive player in the game at £14.0m, you can’t afford to go without Haaland from the start of the season. He opens up against Burnley and will be captained by nearly every single FPL manager. Avoid at your own risk. Ollie Watkins proved under Unai Emery that he’s a striker to consider in FPL and apart from a tough opening fixture away against Newcastle, Aston Villa actually have decent fixtures, especially with Burnley at home and Everton away in GW2 and 3. None of the £4.5m strikers seem to be in contention for starts, but Divin Mubama is starting to gain some traction as someone who could break out and get playing time this season.

The Differential Squad

Triple Liverpool is Differential Now?

Every year we try to find the best value £4.5 goalkeeper, so why not have two cracks at it. Sam Johnstone was one of the best performing goalkeepers last season, after he took over as #1 after Vicente Guaita. Crystal Palace had the 4th best xGc last season and have a history of being tight at the back. Mark Flekken is a decent shout for best value £4.5 goalkeeper, following in the footsteps of David Raya, who with the help of Brentford’s backline and tactics, got a lot of FPL points last season. Flekken has been great in the Bundesliga, so don’t let some poor pre-season performances scare you off.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a mainstay in defence in FPL, but despite being a template pick early on this pre-season, more and more managers are now dropping good ol’ TAA. He had a slightly disappointing season last time around, but showed in his new role at the end of the campaign that he’s probably even worth £8.0, even though the price tag has put most people off. Destiny Udogie is pretty much an unknown for Premier League fans, but eagled eyed Serie A watchers know that Udogie is among the best attcking full-backs in the world. Crazy potential for £4.5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the starting right-back for Man Utd. Sure, Diogo Dalot is good, but Wan-Bissaka earned the trust of Erik Ten Hag. £1.0m less than Shaw, Wan-Bissaka could be a major steal. With Alex Moreno out with injury, Aston Villa have gotten their offensive full-back production this summer from Matty Cash. The Polish international will get license to bomb forward for Premier League next big thing and he will produce FPL points. For only £4.0, Jarrad Branthwaite has a good chance of being the best option at that price. If he starts for Everton, you’ll have a set piece threat with easy opening fixtures if you pick Branthwaite.

Mohamed Salah has been a mainstay in our GW1 squads since he scored a record breaking 303 points in his debut season. However, Haaland has taken over as FPL king and Salah is dispensable. He shouldn’t be. He’s freakin’ awesome and will end up having a great season. While he hasn’t gotten any playing time so far in pre-season, Kevin De Bruyne has been in the squad for the past few friendly matches. That means the potential greatest Premier League midfielder of all time could be fit and ready to go for only £10.5m. That’s by far the cheapest he has been since the 2019/20 season, when he scored 251 points. Heung-min Son did not have a great season in the last campaign, after being priced at £12.5 after a Golden Boot winning campaign. The South-Korean superstar is just 31 years old however and struggled with nagging issues all season under curmudgeon Antonio Conte. Expect more of a normal return from Son, which is well worth £9.0m. Moussa Diaby might end up being the best £6.5m midfielder of them all. Aston Villa look set to have a great season and Diaby might be their most talented player. Another fantastic £6.5 midfielder option is Eberechi Eze, who had a breakout season last time around, especially later on with Roy Hodgson, who is staying on as manager. Crystal Palace have pretty good fixtures and Eze might be the best £6.5 midfielder of the bunch.

Uh oh… hide behind your sofa again, because there’s a Darwin Núñez bandwagon brewing again. The big money Liverpool striker has looked amazing in pre-season and could very well be the nailed starting striker at Liverpool for only £7.5. Nicolas Jackson has mightly impressed in pre-season and was on fire to end last season for Villareal too. Jackson looks set to start the season as Chelsea’s striker (even with Vlahovic potentially coming in later) and has all the tools to keep delivering. While Bryan Mbeumo is a super trendy and popular pick this season, many people are overlooking Yoane Wissa. While Mbeumo got 5 goals and 2 assists in the matches Ivan Toney didn’t play in, Wissa wasn’t far behind with 4 goals and 1 assist.

The Early Wildcard (and bench boost!) Squad

Loading up on Arsenal, Brighton and Man Utd

Wildcarding in GW5 is very tempting, with both a good sample size of which players have stepped up so far this season and the end of the transfer window, with several new players in the game that you can be the first to own. If you wanna plan for a GW5 wildcard, then your starting squad in FPL can be way more optimized for only the first four gameweeks. With this draft we also have bench boost in GW1 in mind, giving you an extra edge to start the season.

A goalkeeper pairing of Jason Steele (Brighton) and Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), will give you the following fixtures in the first four gameweeks: Luton (H)+Sheffield United (A) (Bench Boost), Wolves (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (H). That’s a lot of clean sheet potential right there.

John Stones continues to impress in his new role in pre-season, often joining the attack as a de-facto midfielder for the reigning champions. Given regular playing time, as we can expect, Stones might offer the best combination of price point, goal threat and clean sheet potential with Man City’s very kind opening fixtures. Luke Shaw was amazing whenever he got to play LB for Man Utd last season and despite a price rise to £5.5m, he should be well worth the expenditure. Great fixtures, solid clean sheet potential and decent attacking threat. Gabriel Magalhaes has been a FPL favorite here at The VideoScope for a while, as he might be the best goal threat from a set piece in the entire league. In the opening gameweeks, Gabriel plays against pretty much all of the teams that were the weakest on defensive set pieces last season. You gotta go with Pervis Estupiñan whether you wildcard early or not. He’s just too good not to when he’s also priced at £5.0. Assuming Jarrad Branthwaite becomes the starter next to James Tarkowski for Everton, he’s another fantastic option for GW1.

Marcus Rashford or Bruno Fernandes? Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli? How about all of them? Man Utd and Arsenal have fantastic fixtures in both GW1 and GW3, while GW2 isn’t looking too bad either. Then in GW4, Arsenal and Man Utd go head to head and you could either back them all to have a goal fest, or sell the players from the team you think will lose. Bryan Mbeumo will take advantage of good fixtures and no Ivan Toney at the start of the season and is a great option.

Erling Braut Haaland is essential whether you wildcard early or not. No reason to overthink this one. Just like Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa has stepped up in the matches Toney has missed. He has fantastic goals per minute numbers and his minutes look more secure than ever. Some are put off by potential rotation for João Pedro, but Brighton wouldn’t have signed him and given him the #9 shirt if he wasn’t going to play. For a million cheaper than Mitoma, we gladly take the “risk”, especially with this strong bench.

If you don’t like to keep up with FPL as much and tend to forget deadlines and possibly FPL entirely, then this next team might be what you seek:

The Whole Season Squad (Zombie Team)

If you’re gonna forget about FPL early on, you best come prepared

Do you typically forget about Fantasy Premier League a couple of weeks into the season? Then this might be the squad and tactic for you. You can actually win your mini-league in Fantasy Premier League without doing a damn thing. Does that sound appealing to you?

In the end, “FPL Gunz” won Fantasy Premier League last season, with 2776 points. If you had this following team (courtesy of Twitter user @sertalpbilal) for the whole season however, you would’ve gotten 2747 points and an overall rank of #72 without using a single chip:

Total Cost (Start of the season): £99.5m

2324 points from the starters, 347 points coming off the bench, and 38 sweet Vice-Captain points from Kane in the gameweeks Haaland didn’t play. No Triple Captain, no Bench Boost, no Wildcards, no nothing. It would still be more than enough to win practically every mini-league. Let’s try to replicate or even outperform that Overall Rank this coming season!

Before we dive into the squad, we gotta set up some ground rules. Setting up a squad for the whole season, a set and forget squad, comes with certain guidelines about what to look out for. There is no planning for bench boost, captain changes or getting in players for an easy run of fixtures. Instead, there are some precautions you need to take:

1. Avoid too many injury-prone/Potentially Transferred players

2. Have a strong bench with explosive players

3. fixture proof Potential blank gameweeks

Players that rarely play because of injury, or are sold in January, won’t bring you enough points through the season to contribute to this team. As opposed to your regular team, where you can swap out any players that are injured or out of favor, this Zombie Team is something you are stuck with through all 38 gameweeks. Granted, players will miss some games and that’s where the strong bench comes in. You can’t prepare for every single injury in a season, but we already know which gameweeks that likely are blanks and we can use that to our advantage. Without further ado, let’s get into it:

Goalkeepers

17/18 GKs: Pope (Elliott)
18/19 GKs: Ederson (Pickford)
19/20 GKs: Henderson (Pope)
20/21 GKs: Martinez (Guaita)
21/22 GKs: Lloris (Fabianski)
22/23 GKs: Ortega (Raya)

Jordan Pickford was the template keeper of choice for a long time this pre-season, but he was a pretty uninspiring choice. Now, FPL managers have found a new favorite goalkeeper. What’s his name? André Onana. As potentially the best ball-playing goalkeeper in the world, this La Masia product has shown what a top class goalkeeper he can be, when leading Inter to the Champions League final just a few months ago. Onana will be a much better bonus magnet than his predecessor David De Gea, while he might keep as many, if not more clean sheets than the former Man Utd #1.

Sam Johnstone is a good #2. Crystal Palace should have a slightly resurgent season, after struggling without Roy Hodgson, who’s now back. Johnstone could very well be the best value for £4.5 and better yet for this zombie team, he has decent matches in GW26 (Burnley H) and GW29 (Newcastle H), when there’s a good chance Arsenal are blanking.

23/24 GKs: Onana (Johnstone)

Defenders

17/18 Defenders: Azpilicueta, Otamendi, Davies, (Lascelles, Mariappa)
18/19 Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Van Dijk, Alonso, Laporte
19/20 Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Lundstram, Alonso, Boly
20/21 Defenders: Dallas, Cresswell, Stones, (Chilwell, Bellerin)
21/22 Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Cancelo, Matip, James, (Gabriel)
22/23 Defenders: Trippier, Mee, Saliba (Mings, Castagne)

Apart from last season, when Chelsea sucked and defenders in general didn’t perform, every single season prior a Chelsea full-back has been in the Zombie team of the season. This year, with both Chelsea players and defenders undervalued, we’re banking on Ben Chilwell re-starting a long-standing tradition of exceptional full-back play from the London boys in blue. Chilwell has been electric in pre-season and has been allowed to roam forward as much as he wants. He has strong FPL pedigree, set pieces in his locker and a thirst to prove himself as one of the best full-backs in the world, after two injury-laden seasons.

Ruben Dias started 20 straight matches after joining Man City in GW4 when he arrived in the 2020/21 season. Aymeric Laporte played 60+ in 15 of his initial 20 matches under Pep. Even Manuel Akanji, who many thought was a pointless signing last season, ended up getting over that 60+ minute mark in 17 out of his first 20 appearances for the club. The newest man in Man City’s backline, is Josko Gvardiol. Not only is he going to play most matches, he’s gonna excel in Manchester City’s system.

One of the best defenders in Fantasy Premier League is Gabriel Magalhaes and he only costs £5.0m. He has always been one of the best goalscorers among the defenders in FPL and now Arsenal are a really solid defensive team as well, especially with the additions of Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice. Gabriel should get between 3-6 goals and a couple of assists on top of bonus points and clean sheets.

Pervis Estupiñan might be the most attacking defensive player in the whole league. The Ecuadorian wing back has the ability to roam forward for Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, where he was shown that he’s as nailed as they come. One goal and seven assists was a decent return in his debut season, but with more time for both Estupiñan and De Zerbi to properly acclimatize to the best league in the world, things can improve even more.

Ange Postecoglou will line up Tottenham in a very attacking formation and the Australian manager really likes to get his full backs involved offensively. Destiny Udogie will be able to fill that role and then some. The former Udinese youngster has been a menace offensively in the Serie A the past two seasons and now he’s finally ready to impress in the Premier League. Kindly priced at £4.5, the Italian speedster could be one of the most valuable players in the game.

23/24 Defenders: Chilwell, Gvardiol, Gabriel, Estupiñan, (Udogie)

Midfielders

17/18 Midfielders: Salah, Sterling, Mahrez, Groß, (Milivojevic)
18/19 Midfielders: Sterling, Hazard, Pogba, (Deulofeu, Milivojevic)
19/20 Midfielders: De Bruyne, Salah, Martial, (Traoré, Cantwell)
20/21 Midfielders: Fernandes, Salah, Son, Gündogan, (Harrison)
21/22 Midfielders: Salah, Son, Bowen, Maddison, Mount
22/23 Midfielders: Salah, Ødegaard, Rashford, Martinelli (Ramsey)

Marcus Rashford got a pretty big price rise this season, but one could argue that he’s back to or even below what he should’ve been valued all along. Man Utd haven’t really been linked with that many strikers this summer, so Rashford could end up as an Out of Position (OoP) player to own in FPL. One could say that it will be difficult for him to replicate his “purple patch” from last season, but maybe that’s just the level Rashford could reach with yet another season under Erik Ten Hag’s tutelage.

Speaking of for only £8.5m, Bukayo Saka might be the most underpriced player in the game. Saka is the star man for Arsenal, completely nailed, on penalties and only 21 years old still! It’s pretty crazy how established and good Saka is, despite being an age where you usually start to break into a top team. 179 points in 2021/22, 202 points in 2022/23 and with more rest and better performances to end the season this time around, Saka might eclipse 250 points this season, he’s that good.

While Bukayo Saka might be the more secure pick, we’re looking for more explosive players, who don’t necessarily play every game, when we line up our Zombie Team. Enter Gabriel Martinelli, who has a higher haul potential than Saka, despite the fact that he might be rested every now and then with the amount of matches piling up for Arsenal towards the end of the season. Martinelli is priced sligtly lower than both Saka and Ødegaard, but showed last season that he can keep up with them.

It’s hard to gauge how good Tottenham will become under new manager Ange Postecoglu, but what we know is that the team will play fun, attacking football finally, after several years of tactically boring, “proven winner” managers. With AngeBall, expect a lot more goals for Spurs, with the spread of goals shared between more people with Harry Kane about to leave. As Postecoglu’s first signing, James Maddison will have a pivotal role in this team, as the squad’s new talisman. Maddison is always a good FPL pick and now he plays for the biggest club he has ever been in.

If Pau Torres was the most surprising signing from Aston Villa this season, then Moussa Diaby isn’t far behind. With Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby averaged around 10 goals and 10 assists the past two seasons, which earned him a call up to the French national team. If our calculations are correct and Aston Villa is the best team outside the big 6 this season, then Diaby for £6.5m should be a no brainer for the entirety of the 2023/24 FPL season.

23/24 Midfielders: Rashford, Saka, Maddison, Martinelli, Diaby

Forwards

17/18 Forwards: Kane, Firmino, Vardy
18/19 Forwards: Jimenez, Wilson, (King)
19/20 Forwards: Vardy, Jimenez, (Ings)
20/21 Forwards: Kane, Bamford, Calvert-Lewin
21/22 Forwards: Dennis (Toney, Broja)
22/23 Forwards: Haaland, Kane, Toney

There’s really no reason to sell you on Erling Haaland, even at his record equalling price. Haaland is the best captaincy option and simply has to be in this team, just like he was last season.

The only thing that can stop Haaland this season, is injuries, something he’s known to get earlier in his career. He avoided long set-backs in his initial season with Man City, but if he was to be injured, the reinging champions would have a more than good enough replacement in Julian Álvarez. That’s also going to be the case for the Zombie team. Not only is he a great backup if Haaland is out, we also think he’s going to start alongside Haaland in quite a few gameweeks and provide us with plenty of great gameweeks throughout the season.

For the final spot, we’ve gone with Alexis Mac Allister’s spiritual successor, João Pedro. Pedro is the new #10 for Brighton, is on penalties and only costs £5.5m. That sounds a lot like what we got from Mac10 last season. Pedro is also very versatile and can play in any position in attack. He’ll often play as a striker as well, giving him an easy path to many goals and assist with his new and improved team.

23/24 Forwards: Haaland, (Álvarez, Joáo Pedro)

Full Zombie Team:

When Should You Use Your Chips?

If you do plan on staying active on FPL throughout the season, then you need to figure out when to use the extra tools at your disposal. If it’s your first time playing FPL you’ll also need to know what your extra tools – chips – can do for you. Along with the standard single free transfer per gameweek, you’ll get five more helpful ways to either change or enhance your squad. Two wildcards, a free hit, triple captain, and bench boost.

Here’s a quick rundown of what all of those chips do:

The Wildcard allows you to make unlimited transfers for the week you’re using it, without getting punished with minus points, to permanently change your squad. Free Hit does the same thing, except the squad you pick out using the Free Hit only lasts the gameweek you use it for, before it reverts to your old squad the gameweek after. Triple Captain does what it says; it triples the number of points your captain gets, instead of just doubling them. Bench Boost allows you to get points for your whole 15-man squad the gameweek you use it, with your 11 starters and your four bench players both accumulating points. PS: You cannot use two chips in the same gameweek, regardless of how tempting it is to use a Wildcard/Free Hit and Bench Boost in the same gameweek.

Now that you know what each of the chips does, you need to figure out when to use them for maximum effect:

First Wildcard:

Last season, no managers that finished in the top 10 used their first wildcard before GW8, which was the most popular gameweek for the first chip used in the season. Last season was a bit of an anamoly, with a World Cup break after GW16, with the unlimited transfers for GW17 basically giving us a third wildcard. That gave mangers a chance to be pretty shortsighted with their first wildcard, but this season, the (hopefully) first normal season in a while, there will probably be a pretty big gap between your wildcards.

That’s why the first wildcard is pretty much team dependent. Maybe you picked a terrible squad in GW1 and you need to wildcard straight away, or maybe your team will never really need an overhaul and you can save the wildcard until the last possible opportunity to use it, before GW20.

Wildcarding before GW5 is the earliest, natural place to use your wildcard, as it’s both during an international break, but also right after the transfer window has shut and there are several new players you can bring in. There is another international break between GW8 and GW9 where it also could be a good time to use your first wildcard.

There is also a good reason to potential keep your wildcard until the very last moment as well. Manchester City are busy with the Club World Cup in GW18 and their match against Brentford that gameweek will be blank. There’s a decent chance that match will be moved to GW20, which would mean that GW19, the final gameweek you could use your first wildcard, would be the perfect opportunity to stock up on Man City (and Brentford) players for their double gameweek shortly after their blank gameweek.

Second Wildcard:

While it’s tempting to use your first wildcard early on, your second wildcard should probably be saved for the last couple of gameweeks. That’s where both blank gameweeks and double gameweeks are more common. Using it towards the end of the season, in tandem with your other remaining chips like Free Hit, Triple Captain, and/or Bench Boost in mind, is optimal.

The big blank gameweeks we are getting this season, are in GW26 and GW29. A wildcard in GW30 therefore seems like a decent option. This means that you can use your normal transfers to get a playing team in the blank gameweeks and then quickly get all the players that blanked back, since they will be getting double gameweeks in GW34 and GW37.

Free Hit:

There are two ways you can optimally use your Free Hit. In a blank gameweek where you swap out players that don’t play with players who do, or in a double gameweek, where you swap out players with only one fixture for players that have two. So why not do both and use your Free Hit in a gameweek where you both have blanking and doubling teams.

GW34 could be that type of gameweek this season. Some teams will blank because of the FA Cup, while others will have a double gameweek because they are knocked out of the FA Cup and have fixtures from previous blank gameweeks yet to play.

There is no guarantee we will get that kind of gameweek though, as it all depends on the draws and weird results in those domestic cup competitions. Last season for example, we got a very surprising wildcard chance in GW26, when several teams we expected to blank, all of a sudden had favourable fixtures that gameweek because of shock FA Cup results.

Either way, the Free Hit is designed and best used as a chip for a singular gameweek that looks very different from the gameweeks surrounding it.

Triple Captain:

The best way to maximize your Triple Captain chip is by using it in a double gameweek. Many people, me included, thought it would be best used on a double gameweek for Erling Braut Haaland, when it was clear he was the best player in the game last season. However, when Marcus Rashford was in the form of his life and had two fantastic fixtures in a double gameweek in GW22 last season, I and many others pulled the trigger and used the triple captain chip to great effect, earning 60 points from Rashford alone.

This season, I’m pretty sure Haaland will get the taste of my Triple Captain chip. Man City already have a confirmed blank in GW18, when they play in the Club World Cup, and if that fixture against Brentford is moved to GW20, we’ll have a Haaland double gameweek against Brentford and Sheffield United at home. Sounds like a recipe for Triple Captain success.

That said, the best thing about the Triple Captain chip is that you don’t really have to plan that much for it and use it when it makes sense. I only urge you to use it in a double gameweek and not be tempted by a single gameweek fixture.

Bench Boost:

I kinda hate the Bench Boost chip. I have gotten some decent point returns from the chip itself, but usually it’s not worth the cost of planning out the perfect bench to use it for. In general though, the best time to use your Bench Boost is probably shortly after using a wildcard, in an upcoming double gameweek.

Another potential way to use your Bench Boost – which is something that I’ve thought about several seasons, but never actually done – is in GW1. Just get it out of the way, maximize your bench from the get go, potentially with some cheap and good benchable options and get a head start. I’m actually very tempted to do so this season, but the thought of some incredible Bench Boost opporunity appearing later on in the season will probably be enough to deter me again.

tl;dr:

1st Wildcard: When you need it, potentially in the international breaks before GW5 and GW9.
2nd Wildcard: Hold off until double and blank gameweeks later in the season.
Free Hit: When you can gain the highest amount of starts in a gameweek, whether it’s a blank or double.
Triple Captain: When a star player gets a favorable double gameweek. GW34 or GW37 are options.
Bench Boost: Ideally in a double gameweek right after your 2nd wildcard, but don’t fret.

Joško Gvardiol – Man City

As if Pep roulette wasn’t difficult enough when it comes to defenders, in comes Joško Gvardiol to make it practically impossible to guess who starts in defence week to week for the reigning champions. Gvardiol is a fantastic defender, even if he neither can’t stop Lionel Messi, but as a FPL asset he is wholly dependent on how many starts he gets. While Pep’s offensive players usually need a season to get fully intergrated with the team, defenders like Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji have joined in recent years and gotten playtime straight away. Gvardiol is a £85+ million signing, so expect him to be one of the most nailed defenders. Gvardiol is very fast, strong on the ball and great defensively, but not much of a set piece threat.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 24
Goal Projections: 0-3
Assist Projections: 0-2
Clean Sheet Projections: 8-16
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Arsenal crumbled without William Saliba at the end of last season, but won’t have that problem again. Jurrien Timber is ready to step up in central defence whenever Arsenal need him, but he most likely takes over as the starting right back as well. Timber is a great ball-playing defender, who makes smart decisions and has all the requisite defensive abilities to stop any opposing players in their tracks. Timber likely makes Arsenal more solid and will be a good bonus point candidate as well.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 27
Goal Projections: 1-4
Assist Projections: 1-3
Clean Sheet Projections: 9-17
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Rasmus Højlund – Manchester United

Hilarious that Manchester United signed Erling Braut Haaland’s Danish regen. Yeah, that’s how strong a belief we have in Højlund. An absolute machine, Rasmus Hojlund comes straight out of the lab where Haaland was created in. Unlike Haaland, Rasmus Højlund still has ways to go to be Haaland’s equal. There are aspects to his game that is better, the Dane is a better dribbler, passer and better chance creator in comparison to the mecurial Norwegian talisman. If he becomes a better finisher, there’s no telling of just how high Højlund’s ceiling truly is. Erik Ten Haag is the perfect manager to make Hojlund rise to the heights of a Premier League great.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 6-14
Assist Projections: 2-7
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £7.0

André Onana – Manchester United

Onana is probably the best ball-playing goalkeeper in the world, which is a very stark difference to the Manchester United #1 of the past 10 years, David De Gea. In FPL terms, this means that Onana has a very good chance of getting some nice bonus points. Manchester United kept the most clean sheets last season, but didn’t score a lot of goals, which is a recipe for some GK bonus points. Onana is just a better goalkeeper than De Gea in general, which should help Man Utd keep even more clean sheets this season.

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 38
Clean Sheet Projections: 11-20
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.5

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle

Sandro Tonali has looked unhappy since arriving in Tyneside but Newcastle fans can’t wipe the smirk off their faces. An extremely talented midfielder, Tonali can always find the right pass or cross, and is a decent shooter of the ball too. It’s irritating to see a real midfield general join Newcastle, but it’s fun to see Alexander Isak get yet another talented teammate who could potentially go on a cup run together.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 2-6
Assist Projections: 3-9
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Some free kicks and corners

Price: £5.5

Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool

The rich get richer. Liverpool have signed yet another attacking superstar in the making, when they already have so many attacking players. Szoboszlai is talented, can virtually play any offensive position, has great technique, scoring ability and can pick out a pass from anywhere. How about the fact that he is also a set-piece specialist? Yet again something “sorely needed” for Liverpool who already has Trent Alexander-Arnold and just bought Alexis Mac Allister.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 29
Goal Projections: 6-13
Assist Projections: 5-10
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Some free kicks and corners

Price: £7.0

Mahmoud Dahoud – Brighton

FPL-wise, avoid Dahoud. Whilst he is a good central midfielder, who likes to press from the jump and has good technical ability, he offers little, to very low, FPL value. Brighton fans will be happy to have an energetic player amongst the fold, but FPL fans will avoid when the likes of Mitoma, Gross, and Solly March exist. Dahoud is also very injury-ridden, having only played in 9 matches for Dortmund last season, after featuring in 20 the year before.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 20
Goal Projections: 1-3
Assist Projections: 2-5
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: High
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Bart Verbruggen – Brighton

If you are unsure about what type of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is, there’s a good reason for that. The 20 year old only has one season under his belt, with Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League and Uefa Conference League. He very much impressed and even drew interest from Man Utd before Brighton secured his services. Verbruggen has a lot of great attributes, but they include things like being a sweeper keeper and a commanding presence in the box when dealing with crosses. Those don’t typically turn into goalkeeper points in FPL. For now, it seems like Jason Steele will keep the #1 spot for Brighton, so stay away from Verbruggen for now.

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 6
Clean Sheet Projections: 1-3
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Moussa Diaby – Aston Villa

Yet another talented winger decides to go to the Premier League. The only disappointing aspect is the fact that he’s chosen Aston Villa when he has the ability to play for a top 4 club. That being said, can Diaby help Aston Villa to become a scary team this season? Absolutely. The French international is one of the fastest wingers in the game, a great finisher and loves to get an assist too. A real asset to his new club and one FPL gem waiting to shine.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 32
Goal Projections: 7-13
Assist Projections: 6-11
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £6.5

Pau Torres – Aston Villa

Wow. Many expected Pau Torres to make a top-flight move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid, but Torres decided to go against the grain and joined former manager Unai Emery at Aston Villa. He instantly becomes the best central defender in the West Midlands. Highly proficient and skilled, Pau Torres is a great ball-playing central defender, so expect cool and collected behavior from the Spanish international.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 30
Goal Projections: 1-4
Assist Projections: 1-3
Clean Sheet Projections: 8-14
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Destiny Udogie – Tottenham

Udogie made the permanent switch to Tottenham last summer, but was immediately loaned back to Udinese, where he continued to impress in his left wing-back role. With 8 goals and 7 assists in the past 2 seasons, the 20 year old full-back has shown that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Despite being almost 6’2″ (188cm) tall, Udogie is super fast and is really good on the ball. His excellent close control means he can get to the byline with ease and cross it in for the attackers. He’s also adept with both feet and can turn in and score with his right foot. Under Postecoglou, he will be able to roam forward as an extra attacker for Spurs and do plenty of damage.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 2-7
Assist Projections: 2-5
Clean Sheet Projections: 8-15
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham

Empoli might have been relegated if it weren’t for the play of Guglielmo Vicario. Replacing Hugo Lloris with Vicario is a huge upgrade. While he might suck at long passing, the goalkeeper is very comfortable with his feet, decision-making and crucial saves. Vicario is also very comfortable in one-on-one situations and reads the game well.

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 38
Clean Sheet Projections: 8-15
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Mark Flekken – Brentford

Mark Flekken has shown for a few years that he is one of the better goalkeepers in Germany, having just come off a golden glove win in the Bundesliga with Freiburg. Whilst some fans might be angry that David Raya is leaving, Flekken will surely leave his mark… An amazing shot-stopper and comfortable ball-playing goalkeeper, Raya won’t be missed. Well done, Brentford!

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 38
Clean Sheet Projections: 9-14
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea

It never ceases to amaze just how wonderful of a talent Jackson is. The Senegal international never strives for anything as much as he does for his team, thanks to his unselfishness in terms of link-up play and passing, whilst also helping out with the pressing from midfield, even though he’s a forward. It feels silly to be able to say that not only can he score with both feet, but he can create chances and pass with both too! Chelsea always get away with this, they find some of the best talents in the world to replace world class talent that leave. Jackson also feeds off playing next to another striker, so him and Nkunku are going to be a perfect pair. Chelsea might have a must have FPL duo on their hands.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 10-16
Assist Projections: 4-8
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £7.0

Christopher Nkunku – Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku is the man. He can virtually play any attacking position and do so very well. Ambidextrous, creative, can score from most places on the field, can take free-kicks, penalties and corners with great efficiency. The French international is a coaches wet dream and is the perfect partner for Nicolas Jackson and will likely play at the 10 in Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1. Without hesitation, he can go into our FPL teams from the jump, he is just that good.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 33
Goal Projections: 12-20
Assist Projections: 5-11
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: Penalties, free kicks and corners

Price: £7.5

Axel Disasi – Chelsea

Chelsea are signing centre-backs just for fun. It remains to be seen how much Disasi and everyone else gets to play with Fofana and Badiashile back healthy. That being said, we shouldn’t take anything away from Disasi, who is an extremely talented defender, who has an eye for goal too, something lacking from the Chelsea centre-backs. If he becomes a consistent starter for Chelsea, he could be a great FPL option, as he checks all the things you want. A goal threat, great at interceptions, headers and tackles!

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 1-4
Assist Projections: 0-3
Clean Sheet Projections: 7-13
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Malo Gusto – Chelsea

If Reece James ever gets a long-term injury again, Malo Gusto is ready to become the starting right-back of Chelsea FC. He could be a starter pretty much anywhere else, that is how good he truly is. Which makes you wonder why exactly he agreed to go to Chelsea. With blistering pace, great tackling, awesome interceptions, dribbling, crossing, passing, Gusto is a managers wet dream. If I was any other Premier League club, I would try my absolute best to try and sign him on loan, as he is better than a majority of the league’s right-backs.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 10
Goal Projections: 1-3
Assist Projections: 2-6
Clean Sheet Projections: 3-8
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.0

Justin Kluivert – Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert is a fun winger who is capable of dribbling past his opponents and scoring with both feet. So why is he at The Cherries? They have way too many wingers already. Well, Kluivert can play down the middle just like his old man Patrick if need be. As a wonderkid turned journeyman, it would be great to see Justin Kluivert finally find a place he can call home.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 25
Goal Projections: 5-10
Assist Projections: 3-8
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Possibly penalties

Price: £5.0

Zeki Amdouni – Burnley

Considering that Burnley’s striker situation was dire last season, Zeki Amdouni is a welcomed addition to Burnley! What can’t the Swiss Superman do? Amdouni is a great dribbler, ambidextrous, extremely hardworking, awesome vision and shown a talent that many dream of. Sky is the limit for this player, and hopefully, Zeki Amdouni can find his way into becoming a household FPL asset.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 30
Goal Projections: 6-12
Assist Projections: 4-8
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Possibly penalties

Price: £5.5

Anass Zaroury – Burnley

22 year old Zaroury is Burnley’s offensive gem, whose play resulted in a call-up to the Moroccan national team and has made teams like Borussia Dortmund interested in this tricky winger. Adept with both feet, silky skills and an ability either go wide and deliver a pinpoint cross or go inside and fire off a dangerous shot, Zaroury could definitely be one of the hidden gems among the cheaper midfielders this season.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 27
Goal Projections: 2-7
Assist Projections: 2-7
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Manuel Benson – Burnley

Give yourself some time to watch Manuel Benson’s highlights from last season. You’d think he was the inventor of the famous FIFA finesse shot, as he scored several curled beauties on Burnley’s way to the top of the Championship. Last season with Burnley was by far the 26 year olds breakout season, scoring 13 goals and notching 3 assists in less than 1500 minutes of play. Playing time might be an issue, but Benson is the type of guy who scores in bunches and he ended the season on a high with goals in four straight matches.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 24
Goal Projections: 3-8
Assist Projections: 1-4
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Josh Cullen – Burnley

The Academy of Football (West Ham) graduate, had to go down a level to reach his Premier League potential, but he’s really found himself at the centre of Vincent Kompany’s operation after being brought in from Anderlecht after leaving West Ham. Cullen is a fantastic and tidy little player, but doesn’t serve much FPL value, as he rarely ventures into the oppositions box. Still, keep an eye on him when watching Burnley this season, cause he is a pleasure to watch.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 36
Goal Projections: 0-3
Assist Projections: 1-6
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Jordan Beyer – Burnley

Beyer was nailed for Burnley last season, even though some smaller injuries throughout the season and a late loan move meant that he only featured in 30 matches for Burnley. It also means that he’s only priced at £4.0 in FPL, which makes him a fantastic cut-price option if he indeed starts as expected. 1 goal and 2 assist was the full tally in 30 matches for Beyer, so don’t expect much more than some clean sheets for a cheap price however.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 33
Goal Projections: 0-2
Assist Projections: 0-3
Clean Sheet Projections: 5-13
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.0

James Trafford – Burnley

If you didn’t know who James Trafford was before, you certainly got a glimpse of what he can do in the U21 Euros this summer, when his Man of The Match display in the final, led England to title glory. Traffords chances of winning the Premier League decreased with his move from Man City to Burnley, but his chance of playing increased significantly. Trafford was amazing for Bolton on loan in League 1 last season and he should be in a better position to succeed than Gavin Bazunu, who left Man City for Southampton last season. Trafford has great reflexes and distribution, which is usually a recipe for FPL points for goalkeepers.

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 38
Clean Sheet Projections: 6-14
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Benie Traoré – Sheffield United

Peter Drury is the new commentator for Sky Sports and he will 100% comment on Benie Traoré’s lovely feet (PES reference). Traoré will surely dazzle at points this season, with quick feet and a keen eye for the goal. Traoré got his breakthrough this season in the Swedish top division where Sheffield United successfully brought in Anel Ahmedhodzic from. Traoré is pretty much the polar opposite of Ahmedhodzic, as a small, but tricky forward, but both could succeed together in the Premier League.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 28
Goal Projections: 5-13
Assist Projections: 2-6
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.5

Anis Ben Slimane – Sheffield United

Sheffield United has just signed an extremely versatile midfielder in Anis Ben Slimane. The Tunisian international has shown several times that he can play in midfield, right behind the striker, and even fill in down the wing. Whilst comfortable playing in midfield, Slimane has shown that he’s ambidextrous and capable of dribbling past his opponents. It remains to see how the Tunisian midfielder will be deployed, but considering Iliman Ndiaye might be on the way out, he could start playing more advanced.

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 24
Goal Projections: 0-3
Assist Projections: 1-6
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £5.0

Anel Ahmedhodzic – Sheffield United

Ahmedhodzic had a hugely successful maiden campaign with Sheffield United, not only in defence, but also as an attacking threat. The Sweden-born Bosnian scored 6 goals in the Championship, utilizing his outstanding ability in the air on attacking set pieces. Sheffield United’s system allows Ahmedhodzic to roam quite far up the pitch as well, which led to some nice goals and assists. His fantastic season in the Championship even drew interest from Newcastle, and a transfer to the Champions League side would make him incredible value in FPL. He does pick up quite a few yellow cards however, so be aware.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 32
Goal Projections: 2-7
Assist Projections: 1-5
Clean Sheet Projections: 7-14
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Yasser Larouci – Sheffield United

While Larouci is only on loan, he figures to be the club’s starting left wing back, knocking Rhys Norrington Davies out of the list of potential nailed £4.0 defenders. Larouci won’t need much time to get used to a new country, seeing as he has been part of Liverpool’s youth setup from 2017 until he left for French Troyes in 2021. With Troyes, Larouci earned a starting spot for the Ligue 1 side and was a dependable left wing back last season. As a converted winger, Larouci has plenty of offensive attributes, with pace and good technical skill for a defender. However, he didn’t get many goals and assists in his first and only full campaign as a senior player.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 30
Goal Projections: 0-3
Assist Projections: 1-4
Clean Sheet Projections: 6-13
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Wes Foderingham – Sheffield United

Last time Sheffield United were in the Premier League, Dean Henderson was perhaps the best value goalkeeper in FPL. This time around, the goalkeeper for Sheffield is the former Rangers #1 Foderingham. Sadly, for FPL managers, Sheffield United don’t concede that many shots that are easy to save, as Foderingham ranked outside the top 10 for both saves and save percentage in the Championship last season. He’ll be more busy in the Premier League for sure and he does have a decent penalty saving record (13/42 saved) however.

FPL Position: Goalkeeper
Projected Games Started: 38
Clean Sheet Projections: 5-12
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Elijah Adebayo – Luton Town

Luton’s best player in the Championship play-off final was Elijah Adebayo, who showed that he is more than ready for a shot in the world’s best league. Adebayo is a big, strong, fast and powerful striker, but despite being built like a brick house, he is very technical as well, making him a great hold-up player. He’s not quite as clinical as his striking partner Carlton Morris, but Adebayo does so much more than scoring that he’s a great asset to Luton.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 36
Goal Projections: 5-10
Assist Projections: 3-7
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Possibly penalties

Price: £5.0

Carlton Morris – Luton Town

Carlton Morris was pivotal in getting Luton promoted, as the main striker, scoring lots of goals in typical #9 fashion. Morris is a threat to score a perfect hattrick given the chances, as he can score with both feet and is a very good header of the ball. That led to 20 goals and 6 assists in the Championship, where he scored a lot in patches, securing winning goals that ultimately made Luton a Premier League team for the first time. 10 yellow cards is a slighty worry for this hardnosed striker though, who needs to adapt to the Premier League to give Luton any hope of staying up.

FPL Position: Forward
Projected Games Started: 33
Goal Projections: 8-15
Assist Projections: 3-7
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Penalties

Price: £5.5

Tahith Chong – Luton Town

The former Manchester Unites talent Chong has shown great promise, making a name for himself in the Championship last season after making the move to Birmingham permanent. The coolest aspect to Tahith Chong’s game is the fact that he can play in almost every position from midfield upwards, as Birmingham kind of deployed him everywhere and he did a fine job regardless. Great set-piece taker, likes to shoot and cross from anywhere so it will be fun to see whether Chong can provide some magical moments in the Premier League as Luton’s record signing. The expectation is in the lower range but wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Chong ends up being a hidden gem. Keep an eye out!

FPL Position: Midfielder
Projected Games Started: 30
Goal Projections: 2-7
Assist Projections: 3-9
Bonus Potential: Medium
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: Free kicks and corners

Price: £5.0

Ryan Giles – Luton Town

Meet one of the most creative players in the Championship last season, regardless of position. Giles chipped in with a total of 11 assists while on loan with Middlesbrough, but that still wasn’t enough for Julen Lopetegui to keep Giles at Wolves, the club Giles grew up in. That could come back to bite them, as Giles will be a big boost to Luton’s survival chances, potentially at the cost of Wolverhampton. Giles had the highest expected assists in the entire Championship last season, while also delivering the most passes into the penalty area. If Luton can get a run of clean sheets going, Giles might be the best pick of the bunch.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 33
Goal Projections: 0-2
Assist Projections: 4-9
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Amari’i Bell – Luton Town

The starting position for the once favoured £4.0 defender pick is now under threat. Luton have strengthened with Issa Kaboré (also £4.0) and Ryan Giles (£4.5) at the full back positions and at LCB they have signed Mads Andersen to compete with Bell. Even if he starts every game, Bell is unlikely to get any attacking returns either.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 23
Goal Projections: 0-2
Assist Projections: 0-2
Bonus Potential: Low
Injury Risk: Low
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.0

Tom Lockyer – Luton Town

The rock at the heart of Luton Town’s defence is Tom Lockyer, who played nearly every match for Luton after starting the season on the bench. The Luton captain had a dramatic heart problem during the play-off final, but thankfully has been cleared to resume playing football with Luton in the Premier League. Lockyer is key to how Luton defend, being top 10 in the Championship for both clearances (4th) and aerial duels won (9th). He even started scoring some goals late on in the season, but also put two balls into his own net.

FPL Position: Defender
Projected Games Started: 35
Goal Projections: 1-3
Assist Projections: 0-2
Clean Sheet Projections: 6-13
Bonus Potential: High
Injury Risk: Medium
Set Pieces: None

Price: £4.5

Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham

Tottenham have really been floundering since sacking Mauricio Pochettino a couple of months after reaching the Champions League final, going for “proven winners” in José Mourinho and Antonio Conte to finally secure a trophy, but both managers failed spectatularly. With Postecoglou, Tottenham are trying to build up their team again, akin to what they did under Pochettino, but while Postecoglou doesn’t have the same name value as Mourinho or Pochettino, he has a good record of winning trophies. That’s something Spurs fans are yearning for, especially after seeing rivals West Ham win a major trophy ahead of them.

With Celtic, Postecoglou was a major success. While it did start of slow, with 3 losses in his first 6 league matches, the Australian 57 year old seasoned veteran stuck to his guns and eventually turned Celtic into an offensive juggernaut, winning 5 out of 6 possible domestic trophies with the club. Let’s take a look at how he made that possible:

Formation(s):

4-3-3 (4-2-3-1)

Ever since Postecoglou took over as manager for Yokohama Marinos in Japan in 2018, he has adopted a similar formation and playing style to Pep Guardiola’s Man City. The newly appointed Tottenham manager even drew praise from Guardiola himself while he was with Yokohama Marinos, which is a club that is owned by the City Group that are in charge of Man City.

Postecoglou tends to set up in a 4-3-3, but it’s a very versatile formation where you often see the full-backs become inverted, which is the new norm in many of the top clubs in the Premier League. One deep-lying midfielder gets to both protect the backline and spread the ball around from the back (like Rodri), while the two 8s (like Gundogan and De Bruyne) roam forward and make use of the space between the oppositions full-backs and centre backs. The wingers are usually wide and one full-back tends to join the attack while the other forms a back 3 with the two centre backs.

Rotation

No player started more than 32 league matches for Postecoglou’s Celtic last season, but at the same time there was a pretty clear cut starting XI for most of the season. Apart from the right-back position, where Josip Juranovic had to be replaced mid-way through the campaign by Alistair Johnston, the rest of the XI usually picked itself, with the occasional rest for pretty much every player. There should still be some fairly nailed starters for this Spurs squad, mainly the new goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, star signing James Maddison and obviously Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

Goalkeepers:

Hugo Lloris has been the starting goalkeeper for Tottenham for the longest time, but the World Cup winning goalkeeper is way past his prime and is being replaced by the aforementioned Vicario. The Italian international is mostly an unknown for Premier League fans, but avid watchers of the Serie A will know that Spurs are getting one of the game’s premier shot stoppers, using his athleticism and quick reflexes to make outstanding saves. With Lloris and Fraser Forster as the alternatives and Postecoglou’s trust in Joe Hart with Celtic, there’s no reason for Vicario to be dropped.

Defenders:

Apart from Romero, Tottenham lack a clear starter at the other centre back position. The pairing of former Spurs talent Cameron Carter-Wickers and Carl Starfelt in Celtic, played most matches for Postecoglou, but the likes of Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez won’t exactly fill him with confidence. A permanent switch for Clement Lenglet or a purchase of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham might be the fix Postecoglou goes for, but we have to wait and see.

The current selection of full-backs look a lot more enticing on paper, but the problem is that neither of the presumed starting full-backs seem to fit the defensive role Postecoglou is looking for from his defenders. Destiny Udogie is a pacey and effective dribbler, who usually bombs forward and gets to the line easily. Pedro Porro similarly likes to be out wide and makes the most damage with his right foot with either crosses or shots. Both were bought under and fit perfectly in a Conte system, but it’s hard to see them both fit in at the same time for Postecoglou, as neither are good enough defensively to form a back 3. Maybe Davies or Emerson will fill in for one of them when playing against tougher opposition?

Midfielders:

Bentancur and Maddison on the other hand seems like a perfect fit for what Postecoglou wants, while both Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Yves Bissouma have shown in the Premier League before that they can play the anchor role at a very high level. Bissouma struggled in his first season with Spurs, never really getting regular minutes due to injuries and adjusting to life under Conte. Højbjerg was one of the unsung heroes of the league after signing with Spurs under Mourinho, and he might more often play a similar defensive role under Postecoglou, after being more attacking last season.

Maddison could feature on the wing as well, with Bissouma, Højbjerg and Bentancur filling in the midfield. Usually though, Maddison will fill the gap left by Christian Eriksen, as the attacking maestro behind Spurs’ attacking trio.

Attackers:

Speaking of the attacking trio, this is still Tottenham’s biggest strength, as long as they keep their top scorer Harry Kane. The striker started all 38 league matches for Spurs last season and will benefit greatly from Maddison’s key passes and the space opened up by wide wingers in Son and Dejan Kulusevski. Kane was already an FPL monster in a season where Spurs struggled mightly and played for more defensive minded managers, so there’s no reason why he can’t excel under Postecoglou as well, like he has done under every manager.

Son should also have a bounce back season, and even if he’s played more wide than usual, he has showed that he can score from anywhere. He’ll also benefit from Postecoglou’s willigness to rapidly go forward when winning the ball. Kulusevski can also bounce back after a disappointing second season in the Premier League.

Conclusion

Postecoglou has proven that he’s more than capable of being a success in the Premier League, but faces a tough task by taking over Tottenham. The squad isn’t up to the standards of the other “big 6” clubs and doesn’t necessarily fit him that well either, seeing as it’s more fitted for the style of play Mourinho and Conte are known for. There are still some very high quality players at Spurs and with Postecoglou’s attacking mindset, there will for sure be plenty of players worth keeping an eye on.

Kane might very well be the best FPL prospect in the league this side of Erling Braut Haaland and there are reasons to be excited about players like Son, Kulusevski, Maddison, Porro or Udogie as well, depending on who plays. Bentancur is also another player that can break out offensively, after showing some promise before his injury last season. With Celtic, it was usually the attacking trio that racked up the goal contributions however. With some pretty difficult fixtures in the first seven gameweeks, coupled with Postecoglou’s poor start with Celtic, Tottenham is a wait and see at this point.

Starting Lineups:

NB:

1. These are not GW1 lineups, but predicted XI’s for the whole season.

2. The number on the kit are predicted starts/nailed-on-ness on a scale from 0-38.

3. This will be updated until the GW1 deadline arrives.

4. Upcoming Transfers that got “Here We go” from Fabrizio Romano count

5. Any tips/help are welcome. Take a look at your favorite team and tweet me @TheFPLScope if you find any errors.

Arsenal:

XI Contenders (Starts): Zinchenko (23), Trossard (21) and Partey (19)
Other Potential Starters: None
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 29.36 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Partey or Trossard could come into midfield for Havertz. Rice can cover both CM and DM.
• Timber can cover all 4 defender positions. Mostly at either full-back position.
• Seems likely that Raya is joining. He will become #1 pretty quickly if so.

Aston Villa:

XI Contenders (Starts): Kamara (24), Konsa (22) and Mings (17)
Other Potential Starters: None
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 29.90 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Tielemans strengthens an already packed midfield. Allows Ramsey to play mostly LW.
• Emery can deploy Mings or Konsa at full-back. Will make Moreno and Cash less nailed, but more explosive.
• Moussa Diaby is an extremely good signing and is the main starting RW.

Bournemouth:

XI Contenders (Starts): Brooks (21), Tavernier (19) and Kelly (19)
Other Potential Starters: Traoré
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness (Parker/O’Neil): 27.81 out of 38 matches
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness (Iraola, Rayo Vallecano): 32.81 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Jefferson Lerma will be a big loss and needs to be properly replaced.
• Kerkez comes in at LB. Will allow Kelly to play more CB.
• Very exciting wingers with Dango, Kluivert, Tavernier and Brooks.

Brentford

XI Contenders (Starts): Schade (23), Collins (22) and Toney (17)
Other Potential Starters: Roerslev, Damsgaard
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 30.18 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Toney ban opens up spots for Wissa and record signings Schade and Lewis-Potter
• No super nailed midfielders apart from the underrated Mathias Jensen.
• Flekken hasn’t impressed in pre-season, but should be nailed and improve.

Brighton

XI Contenders (Starts): Enciso (22), Dahoud (20) and Webster (19)
Other Potential Starters: Gilmour, Verbruggen
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 28.72 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Mitoma+March+Pedro+Ferguson+Enciso+Welbeck+Buonanotte+Adingra = Rotation
• Steele has thoroughly impressed since becoming #1. Verbruggen could still be #1 eventually.
• Caicedo likely leaving. Kudus likely coming in.

Burnley:

XI Contenders (Starts): Gudmundsson (21), Al-Dakhil (18) and Twine (16)
Other Potential Starters: Bruun Larsen, Koleosho, O’Shea
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 33.54 out of 46 matches

Additional Notes:

• Zeki Amdouni fills the striker role for Burnley. Really needed a new frontman.
• Zaroury first choice, but so many choices at RW. Daramy also heavily linked.
• Zetetic investigations into the Burnley CBs tell you it’s Beyer + Ekdal/Al-Dakhil/O’Shea

Chelsea:

XI Contenders (Starts): Badiashile (22), Disasi (21) and Madueke (19)
Other Potential Starters: Nkunku when fit, Maatsen, Andrey
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness (Tuchel/Potter/Lampard): 21.63 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Very uneven squad, with several contested positions and others where reinforcements surely needed.
• Shame about Nkunku. He is a top class player coming in and part of the new core with Enzo.
• Still trying to get Caicedo in. He or any other experienced CM/DM surely needed.

Crystal Palace:

XI Contenders (Starts): Schlupp (25), Ahamada (18), and França (17)
Other Potential Starters: Ferguson
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 30.72 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Edouard has been biding his time and might finally get the chance up front.
• Zaha leaves a big hole, but Eze and Olise have been stepping up big time.
• Is it finally time for our injured Lord and Saviour Nathan Ferguson?

Everton:

XI Contenders (Starts): Garner (23), Godfrey (21) and Gueye (18)
Other Potential Starters: Mykolenko
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 29.00 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Brantwaite is a big reason why Everton didn’t sign Coady permanently
• Patience with Calvert-Lewin running out, flexible Danjuma could start up front.
• Midfield is really strong, but LB is an issue. Godfrey and Young can play there.

Fulham:

XI Contenders (Starts): De Cordova-Reid (20), Vinicius (18) and Lukic (17)
Other Potential Starters: Jiménez, Tosin
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 30.54 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Tosin looks likely to leave and Calvin Bassey seems to come in to replace him.
• A fit Harry Wilson offers a lot of options for Fulham.
• Mitrovic still hanging on and got some minutes in the last pre-season match.

Liverpool:

XI Contenders (Starts): Gakpo (24), Jones (22) and Elliott (18)
Other Potential Starters: Thiago, Bajcetic
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 26.72 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Mac Allister a big upgrade, but still looking for a Hendo/Fabinho replacement. Lavia in?
• An embarrassment of riches in the attacking positions.
• Salah is nailed, but Diaz, Jota, Gakpo and Darwin fight for 2 or 3 spots.

Luton:

XI Contenders (Starts): Clark (21), Doughty (20) and Ogbene (18)
Other Potential Starters: None
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 35.72 out of 46 matches

Additional Notes:

• Kaminski shores up the PL starting XI. Need to scrap to stay up.
• Issa Kaboré the latest RB loanee in. Giles a great improvement at LWB.
• Adebayo is more than ready for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

Man City:

XI Contenders (Starts): Álvarez (21), Aké (19), and Kovacic (19)
Other Potential Starters: Walker, Lewis
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 23.63 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Uncertain futures at City for Laporte, Cancelo and Walker. Mahrez off to Al Ahli.
• Álvarez will be a lot more involved this season.
• Pep’s new CBs usually play quite a lot straight away. Gvardiol a definite starter.

Man Utd:

XI Contenders (Starts): Sancho (22), Garnacho (20) and Eriksen (18)
Other Potential Starters: Lindelöf, Dalot
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 29.54 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Fernandes and Mount seem to rotate between the #10 and the #8 role.
• Højlund in is bad news for Garnacho, but good news for Rashford and Fernandes.
• Wan-Bissaka and Dalot in a tight competition for the RB spot.

Newcastle:

XI Contenders (Starts): Wilson (24), Gordon (20) and Burn (20)
Other Potential Starters: Anderson
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 31 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Harvey Barnes in means Isak and Wilson won’t start together as much. Isak slightly preferred.
• Tonali strengthens an already good midfield. Anderson’s pre-season form = another option.
• Livramento gives Newcastle a lot more options, heading into a hectic UCL-filled season.

Nottingham Forest:

XI Contenders (Starts): Mangala (24), Elanga (20) and Boly (19)
Other Potential Starters: N. Williams
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 22.90 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Goalkeeper saga dragging on. Horvath seems preferred out of the current options.
• A lot of players at CB and CM.
• Brennan Johnson has been linked away all summer. Would be a major loss.

Sheffield United:

XI Contenders (Starts): Fleck (20), Robinson (19) and Osborn (17)
Other Potential Starters: Osula, Jebbison
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 27 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Big blow losing their best players Ndiaye and Berge right before the season.
• Incredibly thin squad, especially up front. Benie Traoré has to hit the ground running.
• Will surely sign someone, right? Right?

Tottenham:

XI Contenders (Starts): Sarr (22), Højbjerg (22) and Davies (17)
Other Potential Starters: Emerson, Lo Celso
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: (Conte/Stellini/Mason) 27.00 out of 38 matches
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: (Postecoglou, Celtic) 28.00 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• With Micky van de Ven coming in, the XI is fairly settled.
• Udogie and Pedro Porro are a really exciting full-back duo, but can they play at the same time?
• Who fills in for Bentancur? Bissouma, Højbjerg, Sarr, Lo Celso, Ndombélé and Skipp options.

West Ham:

XI Contenders (Starts): Cornet (23), Downes (19) and Kehrer (17)
Other Potential Starters: Areola, Mubama
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 27.90 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Transfer window has been a mess for West Ham. Still looking for CB, LB CM and LW.
• Antonio still first choice striker. Cornet, Mubama, Ings or New CF could also start.
• 50/50 on Fabianski vs Areola. No news about it and Moyes stuck in his ways.

Wolves:

XI Contenders (Starts): Doherty (19), Gomes (17) and Kalajdzic (17)
Other Potential Starters: Hwang, Toti, Aït-Nouri (LW)
Last Season XI Nailed-on-ness: 24.81 out of 38 matches

Additional Notes:

• Wolves are in the middle of a rebuild, the Adama Traoré era is over.
• Not a lot of strong starters, but a lot of depth.
• Podence about to leave and Moutinho gone. Could’ve really used Morgan Gibbs-White.

Credit: Big shout out to buildlineup.com for providing a great XI maker. Several team subreddits, transfermarkt, football-lineups.com, whoscored.com, footballcritic.com ++

Team:	Penalty	Free Kick (Shot)	Free Kick (Cross)	Corners (Left/Right)
Arsenal	Saka Martinelli Jorginho	Ødegaard Martinelli	Saka Ødegaard Trossard	Saka Martinelli Trossard
Aston Villa	Watkins Tielemans	Douglas Luiz Digne Bailey	Douglas Luiz McGinn Bailey	Douglas Luiz McGinn Bailey
Brentford	Toney Mbeumo Wissa	Toney Jensen Mbeumo	Mbeumo Jensen	(Jensen/Mbeumo)
Bournemouth	Solanke Christie	Billing Tavernier	Tavernier Christie	Tavernier Traoré Christie
Brighton	João Pedro Groß Welbeck	March Groß Dunk	March Groß	Groß March
Burnley	Amdouni Rodriguez Brownhill	Twine Gudmundsson Brownhill	Brownhill Gudmundsson	Brownhill Gudmundsson
Chelsea	Nkunku James	Nkunku James Enzo	Chilwell James Nkunku	Chilwell Nkunku James
Crystal Palace	Eze Edouard	Eze Olise	Olise Eze	Olise Eze Hughes
Everton	Danjuma Calvert-Lewin Gray	Gray McNeil	Gray McNeil	(Gray/McNeil) Garner Iwobi
Fulham	Mitrovic Andreas	Andreas Willian Wilson	Andreas Willian Wilson	Andreas Willian Wilson
Liverpool	Salah Mac Allister Szoboszlai	Alexander-Arnold Szoboszlai Mac Allister	Alexander-Arnold Robertson Szoboszlai	(Szoboszlai/Robertson) Alexander-Arnold
Luton Town	Morris Adebayo	Chong Doughty Lockyer	Giles Chong Doughty	(Chong/Giles) Doughty
Manchester City	Haaland De Bruyne	De Bruyne Foden	De Bruyne Foden	De Bruyne Foden
Manchester United	Fernandes Rashford Mount	Rashford Fernandes Mount	Eriksen Fernandes Mount	Eriksen Fernandes Shaw
Newcastle	Wilson Isak Schär	Trippier Tonali Schär	Trippier Tonali Targett	Trippier Tonali Targett
Nottingham Forest	Gibbs-White Johnson	Gibbs-White Neco Williams	Gibbs-White Neco Williams	Gibbs-White Neco Williams
Sheffield United	Norwood Berge Brewster	Norwood Berge	Norwood Fleck	Norwood Fleck
Tottenham	Kane Maddison Son	Maddison Son Kane	Maddison Son Pedro Porro	Pedro Porro Son Maddison
West Ham	Benrahma Paqueta	Benrahma Cresswell Paqueta	Emerson Bowen Cresswell	Bowen Emerson (Fornals/Cresswell)
Wolverhampton	Cunha Hwang Nunes	Matheus Nunes Neto	Neto Podence	Podence Neto

The first and most obvious place to start when finding FPL accounts to follow is FPL’s own official account. In the last few years, the account has also started posting FPL advice, along with being the first to let you know whenever a new player is added or a fixture is officially rescheduled to a different Gameweek.

Follow @OfficialFPL

Going hand in hand with FPL is the fantastic Fantasy Football Scout. It’s the FPL site everyone checks out for FPL articles, pre-season updates, and weekly picks. If you want a place to start when it comes to helpful FPL tips and dialogue, this is it.

Follow @FFScout

You know The Oracle in The Matrix, that knows that Neo will knock over the vase and then she goes like “don’t worry about the vase”? That’s who Ben Crellin is in terms of the FPL schedule. Don’t worry about the blanks and doubles, Ben Crellin has you covered.

Follow @BenCrellin

Staying up to date on injuries is vital when keeping up your FPL squad. Injury info used to be hard to come by and often you’ll need people who can figure out what “indefinitely” possibly means. Ben Dinnery is the man to do it. Yet another helpful Ben, who’s an expert on injuries and injury data, who will be more helpful than you can imagine, trust me.

Follow @BenDinnery

Do you wanna know the latest FPL status updates? Match updates, bonus points, statistics, and availability, then this automated account should help keep you up to date:

Follow @FPLStatus

Team news before the deadline has been harder to come by ever since they moved the deadline to be an hour and a half before kick-off, but sometimes, Teamnewsandtix has the lineup info you crave. Always reliable, even when leaking the fixtures before they came out, this guy is a great follow.

Follow @Teamnewsandtix

If you wanna win Fantasy Premier League, then why not follow last year’s winner Ali Jahangirov? Not only is he amazing at FPL, he’s also a really nice guy who is keen to offer his insights even when going for #1.

Follow @FplGunz

He might not be an FPL champion, but he is the champion of FPL content. Let’s Talk FPL, or Andy as he is known among his loyal viewers, consistently puts out great FPL content with live streams and update videos each week throughout the season. I think he’s forgetting the “Antonio when fit” rule though.

Follow @LetsTalk_FPL

You can’t prepare for the next gameweek without looking at what happened in the last one and that’s where AbuBakar Saddiq comes in. His gameweek reviews are top-notch and will catch you up on all the finer details from each game in the previous gameweek.

Follow @BigManBakar

—

Lastly, why not follow the fine folks who made and will continue to update this FPL guide? As well as providing thoughts and analysis for FPL throughout the season, we will be posting more FPL articles leading up to the first deadline.

Follow @TheFPLScope

Follow @KevNissanka

Last Update: August 9th (6:26 PM BST)

New This Week:
Template Squad Updated
Zombie Squad Updated
Starting XIs: All 20 XIs (+Video!)