Rate my team
Logic + rational for the above team below.
Opening few fixtures are strong. I can start a team that I like for the first 4 game weeks.
Strong bench for any potential injuries + early bench boost…
• The defence -
Too many people are sleeping on having a good defence this year. Last year Gabriel scored 209 points: 26 points less than Bruno Fernandes, of whom also has poor goal threat outside of pens. You can own Gabriel for £4mil cheaper. This can allow you to free up significant funds to boost the rest of your team.
As for the rest of the defence, I see an array of clean sheets (Arsenal defenders).
People may argue that Calafiori (Arsenals best LB) and White (their best UNINJURED RB) are minutes & injury risks, however given neither played international football all summer and, Arsenal only have 6 fit senior defenders (including MLS), I think they have a very decent chance of getting good mins.
Vušković = Defcon Monster + Goal Threat
Kelleher ~ Incredible Pen Saver + always gets saves and has the potential to get a massive haul made up of: penalty save, clean sheet, save points + bonus points.
• The midfield -
Schade + Sarr = Goal threat + gets chances. Happy to take the punt on both. Could Sarr take pens if Mateta is off the pitch?
Gross - reliable minutes, cheap, and likely to take pens
Sangaré Cheap Defcon Monster - the new Elliot Anderson??
Wirtz has the potential + talent. Liverpool will significantly going forward, and will be playing faster paced, more fluid attacking football, which massively suits Wirtz. the majority of the midfielders in the 7.0-7.5mil are made up of explosive haul potential players (Wirtz), vs more consistent players who have several routes to points: defcon, set pieces, 90 minutes, some goal threat and potentially pens (Szoboslai). I prefer the Haul potential.
• The Attack
Joao Pedo has been smashing in the goals in preseason (+ a few asssits) off the back of being Chelsea’s best player last season. Only downside is no pens, unless Enzo Fernandez leaves/is not playing and Palmer is not playing, he may be first choice pen taker.
My favourite part about Joao Pedro are the potential captaincy options dependent on his and Haaland’s form/fixtures.
Isak - Such a natural two footed finisher, can link up well and drop deep, make threatening runs, and use the space so intelligently + likely on pens.
The only reason he’s so low owned, yet so highly priced is that IF Isak starts well, stays fit/sharp and can get a connection going his teammates + (two potential Ex-PSG players), he could become one of the highest scoring players in the game this year.
Injuries have been prevalent with Isak, with his fitness being at an arguable low point low last season. However, with no real competition for the Striker spot at Liverpool and his ability to be a ruthless assassin in the box, I believe he could be THE differential pick in FPL this year.
Haaland - not much, just the occasional captaincy option…