FPL - Rate My Team - 4 weeks to go

A strange thing happened to me today, I picked and FPL draft squad I actualy quite like!

Foster/ Begovic

Trippier, Cedric, Lindoelof, Bellerin (Rangel)

Ramsey, Pogba, Coutinho (Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek)

Defoe, Lukaku, Kane

Goalkeepers

Your basic two low value 4.5m keepers. I’m not sure If these two will be my end selections but it’s very possible. I’d like to buy David De Gea to double up on the Manchester United defence as they have great opening fixtures but that would require me to drop either Pogba or Lukaku.

Formation

As you can see for now I’m playing 433, not the most popular formation historically in fantasy football. Playing 4 at the back is never something that comes comfortable as we can never have too many potential goal scorers or assist makers in our teams can we. Still, I think there is growing value in the defence with full backs becoming more and more attack minded and responsible for providing teams width.

I can’t say I will stick with the formation and if I do I would prefer to find a way to get penalty taking James Milner into my side.

Limited midfield

Two 4.5 middies is not a normal plan but while Chelsea may not rate their young English players, I have seen enough of them in England’s under 21’s to know there is talent. Having the pair is blocking a more eye catching player, but if I pick just one, I’m sure to get it wrong. By covering the pair I may get lucky if my judgement on their ability is right.

Of course if I have Chalobah, Loftus-Cheek on the bench and that means I can guarantee the fantasy gods provide a goal and assist from them in week 1. At least my options are open for week 2 onwards.

Meanwhile, I am one of those convinced on Pogabs improvement and Coutinho’s brilliance. For Aaron Ramsey his price is great, I feel Lacazette will feed him chances and Rambo finished last year hot, with improved performances and his winner in the cup final. I don’t think the Xhaka/Ramsey pair works with neither strong at the defensive side of the game and both having a natural tendency to push forward. Should Arsenal add a new defensive midfield player I will move Ramsey out as I think he may be the one under threat.

Also I think the current Arsenal system plays to Mesut Ozils strengths and takes away his weaknesses. Of all the Gunners players I like him to improve the most this season. Right now he is out of my price range without giving up a player I would prefer not to.

Power forwards

I love Harry Kane and still am just too scored not to have him (he will score this August). I’m less convinced on Romelu Lukaku but I can’t argue with his stats or opening set of opposition. Jermain Defoe is such a quality player at his level and the Bournemouth playing style should suit him down to the ground. Gareth Southgate has opened the door to a World Cup England squad place and Defoe may take the chance.

Concerns

No Manchester City. I t think they will start fast and impressive, just as they did in 2016/17 and I wanted at least two players from them. My problem is I just don’t know who starts and how often. If Sergio Aguero leaves and no big name comes in then I will bring in Gabriel Jesus despite my gut feeling he will find this season much harder. If Kun leaves and Sanchez comes in I’m not sure what I will do.

City currently have Kun, Jesus, Sane, Sterling, KDB and 2 Silvas all playing for 4 possibly 5 positions. I’m assuming Bernardo Silva was bought to play the right hand side (he had his success in that role at Monaco) and Kyle Walkers raiding runs will open space for him to cut inside onto his left foot. My guess is Sterling is at the back of the line and that leaves Sane. Jesus and Kun fighting over two spots, which cries rotation. David Silva and KDB should sit behind and supply the chances, but all in all City could share the fantasy points around too much.

Hopefully preseason will help confirm some points but right now I have no city attacker. When I fancy a couple goals per game for the opening fixtures from them, that very frustrating.

• How do you see my squad, any holes, concerns or thoughts?
• How are your squads looking?

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