Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Game-week 1
Welcome to Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Game-week 1
Pre-season friendlies are bizarre affairs. They give Pep, Jose, Jurgen et al the chance to manage their teams like Frank Zappa would probably play Football Manager. Team sheets read akin to the mad ramblings of a deranged coach trolling fans because, “It’s pre-season so if I want Dave from Marketing at left-back, you can’t stop me”. Things escalate further during the game itself, as personnel are rotated in and out like the hokey-cokey shaking it all about on LSD. The 4th official, overworked by a myriad of substitutions, froths uncontrollably at the mouth and falls limply to the turf, incapacitated. Eventually the game stumbles to a shambolic ‘controllers out of the window’ video-game finale. All this happens while most of the star players (the players that people actually want in their FPL side) take picturesque selfies of themselves reclining in deckchairs, sipping on pina coladas.
Despite this, FPL managers cling to every assist and every goal, in the search of uncovering an under-the-radar gem to get the edge in Gameweek 1. But will we ever learn not to read too much into a deflected Josh Cullen shank against The Goat & Tricycle? Probably not, and neither should we, especially when the alternative is watching dressage or the modern pentathlon.
By now the nucleus of your squad will be taking shape and thoughts shall turn to the final piece in your FPL puzzle, the captain. For those playing with a straight bat, it’s a fairly easy choice this week, but the gamblers out there may fancy rolling the die to get out of the blocks sharpish. And if that’s not mixing metaphors, I don’t know what is.
5. RIYAD MAHREZ (away vs Hull City)
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[/three_fourth]The reigning PFA Player of the Year had a quiet European Championship. Those with a basic grasp of geography will argue that isn’t too surprising however, as Algeria is in Africa. 240 points put Mahrez streets ahead of the rest at the FPL summit last campaign, with 17 goals and 11 assists. A late start to preseason has allowed little indication as to what shape he’s in, but he encouragingly completed the full 90 in the Community Shield, suggesting he’s ready to pick up where he left off at a promoted Hull City. With Steve Bruce departed and injuries aplenty, the Tigers seem like a club determined to return to the Championship at the first attempt. They won’t get much sympathy from the current Premier League champions.
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4. ANDRE GRAY (home vs Swansea City)
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[/three_fourth]If judging players on pre-season form is your thing then shut the door, lock it, barricade with plywood and mummify yourself, cos you ain’t gonna need to go anywhere else. With a staggering nine goals, Gray has scored in every one of Burnley’s six friendlies, most notably a hat-trick at Ibrox. It’s worth mentioning that Sean Dyche’s men remained unbeaten throughout pre-season and will carry plenty of confidence into their opener hosting Swansea. Having just lost Andre Ayew, the Swans will be hoping their own excellent preparation hasn’t been ruined. The point is rather moot as in current form, last season’s top scorer in the Championship will feel he can score against anyone.
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3. HARRY KANE (away vs Everton)
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[/three_fourth]Harry Kane. Remember him? He’s that fella that couldn’t take a free-kick or trap a bag of cement during the Euros. Well he’s back, and a brace against Inter Milan last week suggests we’ll get the Spurs version of ‘Arry and not his international imposter. In a rejuvenated Koeman-led Everton, Tottenham have the trickiest task in this top five, but Kane’s 25 goals gave him the Golden Boot in May and has shown time and again that he falls into that coveted category of ‘fixture proof’, just so long as the fixture isn’t against Russia or Wales… or Slovakia… or Iceland. One striking fact about his… striking… is that he had a ridiculous 158 goal attempts last season compared with next best Aguero’s 119. Everyone loves a trier, right?
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2. EDEN HAZARD (home vs West Ham)
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[/three_fourth]2015/16 will be known as the season when the Eden project went temporarily offline. Then, with Hiddink’s tenure winding down, the Hazard lights suddenly flickered into life. Like Jimi Hendrix finding his favourite Stratocaster; or Brian Clough being reunited with Peter Taylor, the Belgian had shaken off his Kryptonite and his mojo was inexplicably restored. 4 goals in his final 5 games propelled him belatedly back into the FPL limelight and no doubt left a bittersweet taste in Chelsea fans’ mouths. A goal and 4 assists at the Euros gives good reason to think the 2015 Player of the Year is going to be back in business, starting at Stamford Bridge as new boss Antonio Conte takes on Bilic’s Hammers in Gameweek 1’s final matchup.
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1. SERGIO AGUERO (home vs Sunderland)
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[/three_fourth]One thing that has been particularly apparent to anyone watching the pre-season Manchester City is that they are in even more defensive disarray than last season. Encouraged to play the Guardiola way and pass their way out of trouble, City’s defence has struggled to adapt. Thankfully, the Citizens look as dangerous going forward as ever, and while new signings Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane will give FPL managers a midfield rotation migraine, it means our boy Kun will be getting chances served on a plate. With Big Sam gone from visitors Sunderland, Pep could hardly have wished for a gentler introduction to life in the Premier League and we could hardly have wanted an easier captain choice. It’ll be a bold move not to give the armband to a man who bagged 24 goals in just 30 games in 2015/16.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Game-week 1. This article was written by Bryan Munich
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Fixture Tracker – the first 6 games
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Hi Everyone, could someone please rate my team. I think its pretty strong, I just hope all players start….. Thanks
Schmeichel
Williams Stones Friend
Tadic Siggy Pogba Bolasie
Ibra Vardy Aguero
Subs: Jackupovic Fletcher Parades Smith
Ken,
I doubt Pogba starts this weekend as he has little or no preseason.
Bolasie looks to be on his way to Everton, not sure what that means for his gametime this weekend
Your bench is very weak, Pardeds & Smith are unlikely to start.
Strike force is excellent but it costs a shit load!
Any suggestions ??
Sell Vardy and turn Pogba into Hazard. Use any leftover cash to improve Paredes & Smith
Kop I already had Bolasie this buggers things up a bit if he might not start , do you think he will be a regular starter ???
Silvers, he will be a regular starter but I’m just not sure if he’ll start this weekend.
That’s some strike force. I feel you need at least one 4.5 defender as they might not all play this week.
Pogba to Ayew
What do you mean ?
Smith or Paredas needs upgrading to a 4.5.
Ramsey Coutinho (Benteke or 7.5 striker)
or
Ayew, Henderson, Vardy
Neither, but if I had to choose I’d go for the first lot.
Ok thanks i currently have….
De Gea
Simpson, Walker, Stones, (Pieters), (Smith)
Sigurdsson(Pogba GW3), Ayew, Henderson, Dier (Fletcher)
Kane, Vardy, Aguero
Midfield is very weak any ideas?
I’d probably downgrade either Kane or Vardy to a £6.5m striker and use the cash to improve Henderson & Dier.
Yeah i think Benteke going to Palace could be a good move in a few weeks, also think Origi could pay off as a big gamble for 7m only problem is does he get enough minutes?
Think i might go with negrado or Carroll to start off with and see how that goes and upgrade Ayew, hendo dier to firmino, Payet and Redmond/Bolasie
Thanks for advice.
Ok guys, this is the team I would like to have. Too bad I’m 0.5 over the budget…
Any ideas where I can get the extra 0.5? Or should I go with Lamela instead of Eriksen? That would leave me with extra 1.0. Where should I spend it?
Soover
Eriksen to Lamela and Deulofeu to Ayew?
Hey guys, how’s it going? Bryan, thanks so much for the Captain’s article!! I’m still working on my draft but I’m getting closer, how are your teams coming along?
If you had to pick 2 of the following 5.5 defenders, who would you choose to go with a Heaton/Foster combo in goal and Morgan, Friend and Amat in defense? If I’ve missed any decent 5.5 options please let me know!
Baines
Valencia
Shaw
Van Dijk
Coleman
Walker
Personally would go Baines and Valencia. Valencia has been great pre-season, and Baines should hopefully get back to some form after Martinez’s defensive nightmare. If you have doubts though, then would throw in Van Dijk. Excellent defender and a sure starter. Plus will always be a threat from corners.
Thanks milo, much appreciated man. Might have to go with Valencia and Van Dijk to start and see how Baines and Everton look against Tottenham in GW1. Still not sure though, I’d really like them all, ha!
Sounds solid to me Red. Good luck to ya!
Baines probably on free kicks, corners and penalty duty? For 5,5 a bargain.
Thanks milo, good luck to you as well mate. Hope you get off to a good start!
Hey Raz, how’s it going? Liking your new powerhouse computer? Who would you stick with Baines then? Valencia? Shaw? Van Dijk?
This is what I got right now Red, unsure if it helps.
Still tweaking though.
Looking good Raz, defense could use a little beefing up maybe but I’m not sure where you’d get the cash! Kun/Ibra and a premium keeper makes it tough.
Hi Red
I would go for Valencia and Walker – two very attacking full backs in teams who should have their fair share of clean sheets. Tottenham do have some nice fixtures for an extended period.
VVD and Baines are not bad ideas either mind you but United and Spurs would be my preference.
Thanks Gallant, much appreciated. So many good 5.5 defensive options this season, hard to pick two!
Hi Red. Valencia and Baines for me. My two 5.5’s are Valencia and Dann but i wouldn’t expect anyone to be too interested in Dann. i’d probably pick Terry over Baines though.
Thanks NIN, I like those picks. Wish I could get 3 of them in somehow but you can’t have everyone!
Hey guys, good to be back after a long absence. Though it actually feels like last season only ended a couple of weeks ago. Nice to see the site up and running and in full flow again, and some great pieces been written already. Cheers for all your work guys!
Any chance some keen eyes would be interested in being cast over my bunch of misfits? Got a very good feeling about Valencia, he’s been on fire over pre-season, assisting for fun. So he’s probably the only one people can’t dissuade me from picking!
Hey milo, that defense looks a little punty with (2) 4.0 defenders, but I understand you need to save money someplace to get Kun/Ibra and a premium keeper. I don’t think I’d be comfortable with any more than (1) 4.0 guy though. Also wondering about Mkhi’s playing time after his 2 minute cameo in the Community Shield. Is Martial a safer pick to start? If you’re definitely going for a couple 4.0 guys and most likely none of them will play, I’d go for ones with the least amount of ownership so they don’t drop in value and cost you money if people sell. Bruce at 4.0 is injured, does anyone know if he’ll be protected from price changes if he’s red flagged?
Mkhitaryan is in for me as I can’t see him not playing, he’s a top quality player and can’t see why Mourinho would bring him to not start him. But i get your point, if he doesn’t start the first game then i’ll certainly be considering Martial. The defence; do you mean the two 4.0 defenders being Paredes and Jakupovic?
I was looking at Smith and Parades. Isn’t Smith 4.0?
Yip, he is. Is he even a starter? I think Parades is?
Hello milo
I think you need to spend a little more on at least two of Fletcher, Hojbjerg and Paredes. Smith you could probably carry as he may well make the cut for Bournemouth.
I would look to upgrade Hojbjerg to Redmond and Pardes to Kelly of Palace or Friend of Middlesbrough. I’m unsettled about going with two 4.5 midfielders and two 4.0 defenders.
I fear to do this you may need to lighten either Hazard or Mkhitaryan mind you.
Hi Guys;
I have been an avid closet reader for about 3 years now. Thanks! really like what you guys have done, very helpful articles you guys put out each week and year.
A little bit about me… I have been player this frustrating game for I think close to 7 years now. Not to sure what my best placement was overall. But I have finished second in my mini league three or four times. Big whoop I know! lol. I ‘m from Northern Ontario Canada. Oh ya the time change makes this game even more challenging because you have to finalize your team Friday nights. I put 2 teams in my mini league one is my Gf’s team (always seems to do better) and a team for myself. So if you don’t mind could you please RMT’s?
My team
Valdes
Williams – Stones – McAuley
Hazard – Siggy – Sanchez – Pogba
Musa – Auguero – Carroll
(Jakupovic – Flecher – Nuse – Smith)
GF’s Team
Foster
Schlupp – Valencia – Baines
Willian – Firmino – Erikson – Bolasie – Redmond
Ibra – Aguero
(Jakupvic – Negredo – Smith – Lenihan)
Any comments are greatly appreciated.
Willian to ummm someon elike Lamela? And I would like to see H azard in the team.
Thanks Raz!
So would you double up on Spurs Mid? I would have Lamela and Erikson or would you change Erikson to someone else?
Posted my team up, those are the mids I am looking at. I think Firminho, Hazard are both musts but I don’t like Pools fixtures, so I am pondering, hard. Siggy being on set pieces and penalty duty also makes him very interesting, now Ayew is gone, I am sure he will go up even further. Redmond is a good and cheap option, will have to see how he does. I hope Soton does well, maybe he can fill Manes boots?
With respect to Lamela I have fallen into the Lamela trap a couple of times now. Has a great pre season and then shits the bed.
Hey G
Welcome to FF247 and thanks for posting.
I think in your team first of all, there is a slight concern on the GK front – I think he may be OK but there is a trail of thought that Valdes may not be No. 1 – well at least he is going up against two other competent keepers and Hull back up isn’t hugely clever. Rest looks OK in yours if you fancy Pogba and the Sanchez pick from the off looks good to me. I worry Pogba may not start straight away mind you.
The GF’s team may be a little light at the back if Schlupp doesn’t play – Smith might and Lenihan probably won’t so it looks a bit short of cover there to me. I would downgrade Willian to Townsend and upgrade Lenihan to Friend/Nsue or Gibson of Boro.
Hey GP;
Thanks for having me! Should have signed up years ago.
Yeah I wasn’t to sure on Valdes either but at 4.5 who do you go with (Foster, but he`s in my other team)? Was thinking Valdes should get save points (if he starts). I was worried about Pogba not starting off the hop also, so it was more for a place holder. I most likely will swap him out before week 1 and bring him in once he’s in the squad with that being said should I replace him with someone from ManU just to cover that option… punt on Mata maybe. Sanchez I really hope he kicks off as he`s do IMO.
Team 2 I was thinking Schupp should play as ppl don`t realize how good he is and he was injured for the most part of last season, and makes a great differential as ownership is low, but I don’t know much about last years champions. Would a safer bet be to go with Stones for now? Willian is in there just for Chelsea coverage and I guess now that Bolasie is on his way to Everton, I won’t be doubling up on Palace players. Back to the drawing board with this team. Question: Will Bolasie start for Everton on the weekend? Thanks for the advice!