2018/19 Fantasy Premier League First Draft Gameweek 1
Our 2018/19 Fantasy Premier League First Draft is now available.
England’s World Cup hero, Harry Kane, is left out of our FPL team for Gameweek 1.
Before checking out the Gameweek 1 draft, make sure that you join the community in our Mini League. Prizes will be revealed within the next week! To be a part of The FF Community Shield, manually enter our league code 1739-786, or click the graphic below.
Forwards
We’ve started at the front, with two premium options and a mid-priced forward. Roberto Firmino (9.5) has gone from strength to strength each season, third for forward points last season. Liverpool have the kindest opening four fixtures of all the top six teams and with just a smattering of substitute performances in the World Cup, he will be raring to go for Gameweek 1. Alongside Firmino, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (11.0) is given the nod as our Arsenal player. He had an impressive half season and will be the focal point of their attack. Our last space is currently handed to Charlie Austin (6.0). He’s had a couple of seasons hampered by injury, but has the potential to score plenty of goals.Midfielders
With an incredible 300+ points last season, Mo Salah (13.0) was the first name on our team sheet, despite the steep price tag. A kind early run of fixtures made it an easy decision. His ownership is currently hovering around 50% and it was felt that it would be too risky to go without him. Our next premium midfielder is David Silva (8.5), who looks set for a string of starts early in the season, with De Bruyne and Sterling involved in the business end of the World Cup. His playmaker spot should be safe early on.
We were hoping to have Sanchez for Manchester United, but funds have meant a downgrade to Antony Martial (7.5), who could lead the line for the opening few games, in the absence of Lukaku and Rashford.
With Mahrez gone to Manchester City, we expect Demarai Gray (5.5) to fill his shoes at Leicester. He’s a great talent in their side and is due a strong breakout season.
Defence
We wanted a Chelsea player in the side, with Marcos Alonso (6.5) likely to provide the best value in their squad. He’s been among the top scoring defenders in back to back seasons. Everton also have a strong early fixture schedule, with fit again Seamus Coleman (5.5) at a much lower price tag than normal. He was preferred over Baines given his more advanced positioning and fitness. Stephen Ward (5.0) looks to be our favoured choice in a Burnley back line that amassed 12 clean sheets this season. We will be hoping that Europa League involvement doesn’t hamper their record this season. De Gea had a poor World Cup which could hangover into this season, so we went for value between the sticks in Matt Ryan (4.5). He was second in the save points chart last season and should rack them up again in the harder games.Bench
In order to save funds, Steele (4.0) takes up the substitute keeper spot in a Brighton pairing. He’s unlikely to be needed though. Daniels (4.5) and Tomkins (4.5) have kind opening fixtures and both have strong attacking capabilities. They will be used sparingly in this 3-4-3 formation. Gunnarsson (4.5) takes the budget midfield slot. His long throw ins tend to upset defences. He is a placeholder for now and likely to be replaced as we gather knowledge in pre season.BEFORE YOU GO… In making this draft, we focused on the Fixture Difficulty Ratings charts for the opening four Gameweeks, which can be viewed here.
?Fixture Analysis?
— Fantasy Football Community (@FFCommunity_) July 9, 2018
Here’s our perspective on the early season Fixture Difficulty Ratings, including:
?? Salah’s worth
? Kane in August
? Early wildcard
6️⃣ Top six teams
? Squad targets
It’s all here…?https://t.co/LeouLjCRR7
