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,
This is where I am at right now. I know that theo is a risk and costa is a liability but with Giroud out and batman of chelsea being new to the prem I am taking a chance on them to start with. Ibra was damaging my bankroll too much so I have passed on him for now. Any feedback appreciated. Apologies for my lack of posts but I have been checking in.
Cheers,
Matt
I personally am not a fan of the Wally punt. Hazard’s probably all the Chelsea coverage you need, I would probably do Costa -> Lukaku and then get either Sterling or Coutinho but that’s just me
This might just be me. But if avoid Sigy I don’t like what is going on at Swdnsea currently. Selling Williams for 9 million to me is pressing the self destruct button. I also dislike Walcott there are question marks of him starting this week let alone next week when everyone is back
:ok:
Evening all
Splendid game of football on Sky tonight, I’m sure you all watched it with intent 😉 COYH!!!
Anyhoo I’m going for the short term gamble (Pressers permitting)
???
Great result. I like the team I don’t really see the risk. Maybe Bolasie starting from the bench. Well and Amat but by the sounds of it he could start
Hey Smash
I will want Spurs and Pool cover going forward so it might end up being an early WC if i can’t do it without taking hits
Snap
Lock and load
I cant wait till 11.31am on Saturday when we’ll go back to just wondering about 1 or 2 spots in our teams and not the 14 players we want to play with Kun, times will be easier
+14
Rambo I can’t wait I always wait for Kun to be injured then we can spend money on our teams. :smiling:
Right, I feel like I’m getting somewhere with this now. What do you clever folk think? My concerns are Bolasie and the GK situation.
Hello mate
Yeah i had a similar team to this as i wanted Spurs and Pool cover but i hate Pools fixtures until GW6 and Sturridge will come into play soon which will lessen Firmino’s appeal. If u keep this midfield i would downgrade Baines and upgrade Foster … Williams and Schmeichel or Friend and Courtois
Hi MH, I think I’d rather mess with the midfield than the defence. Lamela was the last in there, but Bolasie scares me. I’m also very tempted to take a punt on the keepers and leave as is tho!
Could very well work out for you mate. Good luck
Thanks mate. You too. Cracking result tonight btw.
Cheers Fella
Leeds at home next!…
That should be feisty! Our cup run was over before it began. Fingers crossed we can both get out this bloody league this season (pompey btw).
Be a surprise if Pompey don’t get out this season mate, strong team!
We’ve been saying that for a couple of years now, so I’m not getting too excited just yet.
We both got Shafted by the F.A!
I take it your down South like me then? I’m Chichester
Did we ever! My uncles Luton so I’ve heard all about your story too. I really fancied us to both get out last year. I had you lot tipped for the title! I know Chichester well, I lived in Bognor for a few years. But yea, I’m in Fareham.
You have a wise Uncle! 😉
Looking great BM! Keep an eye on press conferences on Friday, if Maloney is out for GW1 maybe take a look at Capoue/Watson from Watford, just to have a fully playing 15, you never what how many spanners can be thrown into the works in GW1.
Cheers Rambo. I did have Fletcher as my safe sub, but changed to Maloney after reading on here! What’s your opinion on the weak GK situation? Needs addressing or worth a punt?
I’ve the same two mate. I’m playing for the first 3 GWs and cant find anyone else at 4.5m other than Foster for 3 fixtures he has!
I think you’ve just made my mind up!
Is Valdes definately number one do we know?
No idea. You’d imagine so. I’d also love to know who Palace’s number one will be.
I’m fairly sure he will be but I may just avoid just in case
I’d be surprised if he wasn’t first choice. Best they have… Spanish manager… surely.
Mahrez and ibrahimovic
Or
Sanchez and vardy
Tough one. For me Ibra has to be in there, so I’d probably go option one.
First one for me, 2nd one could be an option further down the line though!
Mahrez and Ibra for sure.