The Scout shares essential dos and don’ts for setting up your team for the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season.
Building a Strong Start Whether you’re new or have struggled in past seasons, these tips are designed to help you create a well-rounded opening squad. Additional “FPL basics” resources are linked below.
Budgeting Wisely
After registering, FPL managers have a £100.0m budget to assemble a 15-player squad: two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders, and three forwards, with up to three players allowed from any one Premier League team. Key factors to consider when picking players include their form, fixtures, history, price, and popularity.
Choosing Players Over Clubs
It’s essential to look beyond just the team and evaluate the player’s specific role and position. For example, while Liverpool’s Wataru Endo is a budget-friendly £5.0m, he plays a defensive role. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, also £5.0m, has more attacking potential, with three goals and two assists in preseason.
Playing the Fixtures
Picking players from teams with favorable schedules can give your team an early advantage. Fulham, for instance, has a series of easier matches to start, making Antonee Robinson (£4.5m) a promising pick after he tallied six assists last season. Likewise, consider Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m) and Rodrigo Muniz (£6.0m) for their early season potential.
Avoiding Unnecessary Risks
Build a squad that minimizes uncertainties. If a player’s availability is questionable, it’s safer to opt for someone more reliable. When it comes to captains, choosing proven stars like Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) or Erling Haaland (£15.0m) offers a safer route for maximizing points, with both facing favorable opponents in Gameweek 1.
Allocating Bench Funds Efficiently
Focus your budget on your starting XI, reserving the bench for lower-cost players you can rely on in emergencies. Goalkeepers, for instance, can be set with a single £4.5m starter backed by a £4.0m substitute, or you might rotate two £4.5m keepers based on fixtures. Budget defenders from promoted clubs, such as Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, provide affordable depth at £4.0m.
Planning Price Points
Structuring your squad with flexible price points lets you adapt quickly without needing excessive transfers. For instance, selecting Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) alongside Haaland in a 3-5-2 formation allows easy single transfers to other forwards. Similarly, having Cole Palmer (£10.5m) in midfield means you can switch to most other players with one transfer.
Doing Research
To maximize your chances of an early advantage, keep track of preseason form, set-piece takers, recent signings, and any coaching or tactical changes.
Practicing Patience
Avoid planning transfers in advance for Gameweek 2. An unexpected injury or lineup change may require different moves than anticipated. Set up your initial squad with flexibility, allowing for two free transfers by Gameweek 3 to make meaningful adjustments if needed. You can now save up to five transfers, making September a prime time for broader adjustments.
With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to make the most of the new Fantasy season.
