▪️ Thoughts on what was the best fantasy assets from matchday 1 and which ones to get in for matchday 2
▪️ Predicted playstyles
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FINLAND 🇫🇮 vs RUSSIA 🇷🇺
Finland’s first ever goal and win in a major tournament obviously got overshadowed by more important events but all credit to them. The shots were 22-1 for Denmark but Finland were extremely compact and the penalty was the only big chance that they...
gave away. Finland had the 2nd least amount of possession with 30% in matchday 1 and I expect them to try and keep the ball a lot more in matchday 2 which should give the Russians more space so it still definitely feels like a fixture to target.
Should be said that Russia...
didn’t look great at all against Belgium but this will of course be a completely different type of game for them. Dzyuba (8.5) still seems like the best captaincy option on the first day but the question is whether you want to use one of your 3 forwards spots on him. Only Kane...
had more goal contributions than him in the Euro qualifiers.
The options otherwise are limited but Golovin (7.5) and especially Fernandes (5.5) are interesting assets. Fernandes is a really attacking right back that had 3 big chances in the most recent World Cup qualifiers...
and also poses a big threat from set pieces. Matchday 1 was the matchday of the attacking fullbacks (Spinazzola, Meunier, Dumfries) and I think Fernandes might be next.
TURKEY 🇹🇷 vs WALES 🏴
Except Finland, these were the 2 teams that conceded the most amount of shots in the first round so this could be a bit of an open affair judging by that. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some changes in the lineup from Turkey since they got completely...
outplayed by Italy. No team conceded more shots or shots on target than Turkey in matchday 1. Wales will be very happy with the result against Switzerland but showed that it will still be very tough for them to advance. This feels like a must win game for both teams and Bale...
(9.5), Yilmaz (8.0) and Calhanoglu (8.5) are the only options I would look at here even though they didn’t show anything in MD1.
ITALY 🇮🇹 vs SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭
Italy were the most impressive team out of everyone in matchday 1 with a very solid defense and great attacking play. Switzerland and Embolo (8.0) impressed and should probably have won against Wales but this will obviously be a much tougher...
opponent. Switzerland isn’t a team that usually can fall apart like Turkey did so something like a 2-0 win for Italy seems reasonable here. Spinazzola (5.5) was the MOTM against Turkey where his attacking potential was on display. Only Schick, Embolo and Yaremchuk had more...
shots on target in MD1. He and Donnarumma (5.5) both feel like great picks moving forward.
Nothing really changed my opinion when it comes to the front 3. Berardi (6.0) is the best budget midfielder in the game. Insigne (8.5) is a great option for the price while Immobile...
(10.0) will likely have the most goal contributions but he is hard to fit in. I suspect that Insigne will be a very popular captaincy choice yet again and understandably so with Italy looking brilliant at the moment.
UKRAINE 🇺🇦 vs NORTH MACEDONIA 🇲🇰
Just like Finland vs Russia, this definitely feels like a fixture to target. North Macedonia conceded the most number of big chances (5) in MD1 against an Austrian team that has played very negative in recent matches. Ukraine looked decent...
going forward and have a lot of interesting options. Yaremchuk (7.0) had 3 shots on target and finished with 9 pts, Yarmolenko (8.5) scored a worldie and impressed as did Malinovskyi (7.0) with a brilliant set piece delivery. I’m currently looking to own 2 of these in MD2,...
simply because of how shaky North Macedonia looked at the back.
Zinchenko (5.5) is also a great option playing OOP in midfield but it’s questionable how much that helps his attacking potential. He had the most tackles out of anyone in matchday 1 which shows how important he...
is defensively for Ukraine and I don’t know if he will be as involved in the attack as you would like. With Ukraine not really impressing in defense either, it’s hard to know if he is a great pick or not this week. Pandev (6.5) might just pop up with a goal.
DENMARK 🇩🇰 vs BELGIUM 🇧🇪
Lukaku’s (11.0) brace in MD1 made half the game very happy and with his form it’s hard to overlook him for captaincy on this day but you can definitely make a case for not going for him. This will be his toughest game in the group stage and hopefully...
Denmark has somewhat recovered from the tragic events with the good news that has followed even though it must be understandably difficult for the team to refocus. Denmark are a very solid defensive team and have been for a long time now and I think a lot depends on the...
availability of KDB in this fixture. If he is available it will be tough for Denmark to keep out him and Lukaku but if he isn’t, I think this might be quite a close game.
Meunier (5.5) was the highest point scorer in matchday 1 at the time of writing even though he didn’t...
start. Castagne’s (5.5) injury means that he will start but I don’t know if this is the best fixture for him. Belgium do have an aging and high defensive line which quick players like Braithwaite and Poulsen could take advantage of even though Denmark’s attacking potential of...
course now is damaged. Hazard (10.0) could be a nice gamble but it’s still tough to know whether he starts or not.
NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 vs AUSTRIA 🇦🇹
Two teams with two goal scoring right wing backs in MD1 face off in MD2. Lainer (5.0) and especially Dumfries (5.5) impressed with their attacking positioning. This was something that he showed in the last pre-tournament friendly and isn’t...
something he does for his club. No player had more big chances than Dumfries in matchday 1 so even though Netherlands looked shaky at the back when they made the subs in the 2nd half, Dumfries looks like an amazing option going forward.
Wijnaldum (8.0) and Sabitzer (8.0)...
also impressed with Wijnaldum taking 5 shots and Sabitzer creating the most big chances (2) in matchday 1.
The strikers in Arnautovic (7.0), Depay (10.0), Weghorst (7.0) also looked good but I probably wouldn’t go for any of them this gameweek.
SWEDEN 🇸🇪 vs SLOVAKIA 🇸🇰
Both these teams came up with shock results in matchday 1 which I with a bit of fortune predicted. Sweden kept out Spain despite only having 15% possession (!!) but did have 2 big chances and Isak (8.0) was very much involved in both. Against...
Slovakia, Sweden will of course set up a much more attacking style and get Forsberg (7.5) a lot more involved than he was against Spain. I would expect Larsson to drop out of the lineup with either Claesson (7.0) or Kulusevski (7.0) to come in which should mean that Forsberg…
will be on every single set piece so he feels like a really good pick for this matchday. It’s hard to fit in Isak but with 2% ownership, he is a great differential. I would also expect Augustinsson (5.5) to be a lot more involved going forward while Danielson (4.5) will keep…
his place after a great performance and is a good budget pick with his set piece threat.
When it comes to Slovakia, the game against Poland suited them quite nicely but it’s still very hard to know who will be involved for them if they were to score.
CROATIA 🇭🇷 vs CZECH REPUBLIC 🇨🇿
A tough game to call this one with Croatia not impressing versus England while Czech Republic put in a decent performance against Scotland and will come into this game with a lot more confidence. Talking about confidence, Schick (8.0) had an…
outstanding 5 shots on target against Scotland (most out of any player in MD1) and scored a beautiful brace. He might become what Cheryshev was for Russia in 2018, an unexpected player that can carry Czech Republic to overwhelming results. It’s hard to fit him in but you…
shouldn’t underestimate a player in such good form.
Croatia didn’t look good against England and they haven’t looked good for a very long time now which the fans know. The squad possesses a lot of quality that should beat the Czech Republic but I would probably avoid most of…
their assets in this fixture. Perisic (8.5) might be a good option but other than that, I wouldn’t look towards Croatia.
ENGLAND 🏴 vs SCOTLAND 🏴
This derby seems like it will possibly be the most hyped up game of this matchday with England impressing and coming in as huge favourites. England started off brilliantly against Croatia with Sterling (9.5) and Foden (8.0) getting most of the...
chances. Phillips (5.0) was very attacking compared to what we are used to seeing from him and would be my pick for a real budget mid this matchday.
Kane (11.5) wasn’t involved at all except the big chance that he got, but with his incredible record in qualifying and being...
on penalties, he is the clear number 1 captaincy option on this day.
I would be very surprised if we saw any changes in the starting XI for England in this fixture which means that Mings (4.5) will keep his place if Maguire doesn’t come back in time. A great option as a…
budget defender.
When it comes to Scotland, it’s hard to say what they could potentially bring in this game, but I have to mention the fact that Robertson (5.5) played the most key passes (6) out of anyone in the first game. England will definitely know about this.
HUNGARY 🇭🇺 vs FRANCE 🇫🇷
At the time of writing, these two teams haven’t played their first games yet which makes it difficult to write about them but if you are on a limitless chip, 3 French players looks like the way to go here. There are some concerns about what looks to…
be problems in the dressing room between Mbappe (12.0), Giroud (8.0) and possibly Griezmann (11.0). Benzema (10.0) should be a 100% fit for this fixture and it’s a bit of a lottery between who you would pick for this fixture. Some might go for 2 attackers and 1 defender and…
some go for 2 defenders and 1 attacker. In midfield there honestly aren’t many options with Pogba (8.5) not really being one that I fancy. Not much separates the fullbacks Pavard (6.0) and Hernandez (6.5) but I would prefer Pavard because Hernandez can potentially get subbed…
early for Digne (6.0)
For Hungary, I wouldn’t recommend any of their assets for any of the group stage games, simple as that.
PORTUGAL 🇵🇹 vs GERMANY 🇩🇪
I haven’t obviously seen any of these teams play either and similar to the Germany vs France game in MD1, I would likely avoid the assets in this fixture just because of the uncertainty. Ronaldo is of course still Ronaldo and he can easily score…
against anyone but I wouldn’t really recommend anyone here.
SPAIN 🇪🇸 vs POLAND 🇵🇱
Spain had 85% possession in MD1 with the most big chances created out of any team and should probably have won the game but they now face a Poland team with no real identity or playstyle with a manager that is massively questioned after the loss to...
Slovakia. Alba (6.0) created 2 big chances and played 4 key passes against Sweden and could be a great pick for this week but it’s still hard to know who will score the goals for Spain. Moreno (6.5) will likely get the start now after a poor performance from Morata (9.0) and…
I expect Spain to punish Poland a lot more than what they did against Sweden. If Spain wants to win this group, they can’t drop points here yet again. I would expect Poland to try and keep more possession than what Sweden did which might give Spain more space to exploit.
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🔹 All 20 predicted lineups
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ARSENAL 🔴
1. Saka (10.0m)
Bukayo is back from the euros and has already played 45 + 77 mins in preseason. Arsenal looks like they will get better and better and so does Saka. 0.65 xGI per 90 last season was his best underlying stats ever. 10.0m is a lot but he would be my Arsenal pick of choice.
2. Saliba (6.0m)
With the signing of Calafiori and the return of Timber, Arsenal have the ability to set up the back four in many different ways. In ways which might mean that Gabriel eventually can get rested in some games. Saliba however will probably play everything and even though his attacking threat is not as great, I prefer the certainty of minutes.
3. Odegaard (8.5m)
The Norwegian has had a rest all summer and will be a solid midfield option with a high floor, just like every season. He probably won’t reach the highs of your Saka or Salah but the consistency of minutes makes him a good option.
ASTON VILLA 🟣
1. Rogers (5.0m)
Impressed towards the end of last season when he got the chance due to an injury to Ramsey. In preseason he has built on those performances and might have been Villa’s best player. Could start on the left or behind Watkins. Villa do have some options in Ramsey or Philogene that could play in a similar role, especially when CL starts. But for his price Rogers looks like an amazing selection.
2. Watkins (9.0m)
Despite not playing a minute in preseason it looks likely that he is back and starts in GW1 vs West Ham. The first two fixtures are not great but the fixture run after that might be too good to ignore. lei, EVE, WOL, ips is a fantastic run and managers will struggle to get to him. 18 assists last season was a massive overperformance but now has an outside shot at penalties with Douglas Luiz leaving.
3. Konsa (4.5m)
Villa’s defence last season was far from the best and it hasn’t looked better in preseason. With them missing Kamara the defensive numbers have dropped. But the fixtures are very nice and Konsa is a nailed on 4.5 defender with good potential for bonus points. He was fouled the most out of any defender in the game which means the new bonus system might be to his advantage.
▫️ Updated predicted lineups for every team
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▫️ Every fantasy option you need to know about ahead of Matchday 1
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GERMANY 🇩🇪
Pens: Gündogan, Havertz
Corners: Kroos
Fixtures: SCO, HUN, SWZ
Predicted XI:
Maximilian Mittelstädt (4.0m DEF) 🇩🇪
Starting off with perhaps the best hidden gem in the entire game. The left back who looks to have played himself into the starting XI after a good season for Stuttgart
Germany who will play at home with the fans behind them now have a decent team to try and get revenge from the failures in the previous few tournaments.
Looks to be ahead of Raum and should be part of pretty much every team. Germany have one of the best clean sheet odds in MD1 and MD2.
▫️ Predicted XI
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These threads will be updated after the friendlies being played next week!
GERMANY 🇩🇪
Pens: Havertz/Fullkrüg/Gündogan/Kimmich
Corners: Kroos
Fixtures: SCO, HUN, SWI
Background: Qualified automatically. In their latest friendlies they won against both France and the Netherlands.
Top three fantasy options:
Mittelstädt
Wirtz
Havertz
Predicted XI:
SCOTLAND 🏴
Pens: McGinn
Corners: Robertson, McGinn
Fixtures: GER, SWI, HUN
Background: Finished 2nd in their qualifying group behind Spain and ahead of Norway. Lost against Spain away, drew against Norway at home and Georgia away. Won the rest.
Not on a good streak with the last 7 games without a win, losing the latest friendlies against Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
Top three fantasy options:
Robertson
McGinn
McTominay
Estupiñan, Gabriel, Stones and Chilwell all have above 50% ownership among engaged managers
But most of you will only start three defenders. Should you have all four? Which one should you leave out?
Gabriel £5.0m (24.4%)
Arsenal had an nPxGC per 90 of exactly 1 last season putting them third in the league behind Man City and Newcastle. They have kept the same back line and added Rice, Timber and possibly Raya. All signings to improve the team defensively.
The highest xGI per 90 among their defenders did Gabriel have with 0.14. He was also the second best for xG among defenders in the entire league. He missed a total of 11 minutes last season and should be pretty much as nailed this season with no real competition at LCB.
Top 5 system changes ahead of the new #FPL season (THREAD)
Klopp making Trent play in midfield, Pep doing the same with Stones and Xhaka getting into the box while scoring goals
Things change from season to season, these are my top five changes that will impact FPL this season
LIVERPOOL
In GW30 last season, Klopp changed the system and started to play with Trent as an inverted fullback. It worked well for them, but this season with the signings of Mac Allister and Szobozslai it so far in preseason seems like that system has changed. It’s not a...
massive change in its own right but it could be big for two players and their output in FPL, Salah and Trent.
After GW30, Henderson played the majority of games as the right sided central mid. His heatmap usually looked something like this.