I’ve been indecisive all day regarding my team selection before we are locked in at 7pm. However, I’ve decided to stick to the team I posted yesterday.
Any tinkering that I’m doing now could go either way, the margins are so fine that it would just come down to good fortune one way or the other if I were to make some minor changes so I’m going to stick.
My biggest concerns are Colwill and Jackson but after game week 1 their fixtures improve massively. I could have gone Dunk over Colwill but I’m unsure about doubling up on Brighton defenders. I could have also gone Rashford instead of Salah and had 3.5m to spend on a defender but this would have only ended up being Walker or Varane so not a massive upgrade. I would then need to make 2 transfers for certain for game week 2 as I’d ultimately want Salah and Colwill in from then. Another option was to downgrade Saka to Martinelli and that would give me 4.5m for Colwill’s position but I do fancy Saka to do well early doors.
Due to the unpredictability of the game, I’ve decided to go with the team below, which is set up for at least the first two game weeks. If something does go wrong during game week 1, I’ve then got two transfers to address any unknown issues rather than having two already planned in.
Captain will be Haaland and I’m not using any boosters.
Team Selection 2023/2024 – fifth draft
I’ve done a massive U-turn on my goalkeeper position that has freed up some funds to upgrade elsewhere in my team so wanted to provide a quick update. Anyone who studies the game closely appears to be starting with Johnstone in goal. I ran a poll on Twitter, the Facebook group and the WhatsApp group and he is massively in favour. I had my doubts over Onana anyway so I’m now firmly on the Johnstone train. At a mere 1.5m this has allowed me to upgrade players I had big concerns over.
I’ve taken out Webster and Eze and I’ve also upgraded Martinelli. There’s definitely value in Martinelli, and I may come back to him later in the season if I need funds but for the time being I’m going with Saka.
I’ve also decided to bring in the more attacking and nailed on starter Estupinan. I’m still taking a risk on Colwill and I’ve opted for a risk on Jackson as well. I’m trying to look beyond just game week 1 by including Chelsea and Liverpool players. I just don’t feel comfortable knowing I’m going to want to make a transfer straight away by starting with Rashford and then wanting Salah for game week 2 so I’m setting the team up for the first block of game weeks. The Chelsea players have very nice fixtures after game week 1 and an additional EFL Cup fixture. This isn’t locked in as my final team but I just wanted to provide a quick update. I will of course confirm my final team in advance of the game starting tomorrow. Make sure you’re in the WhatsApp notifications group for that.
Team Selection 2023/2024 – fourth draft
I’ve been away for a week but quite a lot has changed since then. As a result, I’ve created a new draft for the season ahead, which I think is getting closer to the team I’m going to start with.
I’ve taken out Ake, Wan-Bissaka, Veltman, Mount and Jesus. Mainly due to concerns about whether some of them will start games due to injury or not being first choice. I’m moving away from Mount slightly until I see how he settles at Man Utd.
At this stage I’m certain I’ll start with Saliba, Fernandes, Grealish, Haaland and Rashford.
I’m fairly certain I’ll also start with Colwill, Martinelli and Onana. I just don’t like Chelsea’s first fixture against Liverpool despite Colwill being good value. I’m not sure on Martinelli at 4.5m as there are good options at a lower cost and I think Onana is likely to concede more than De Gea did and there are some cheaper options in goal.
If I go with the 8 above, that leaves me with three positions to fill. I’ve decided to hold back 0.5m as I may swap Rashford for Kane or Salah after game week 1 so I’ve got 9m to spend.
I’ve got big doubts about all three of these players longer term and far from set on picking them with a few more days to go to make a final decision. However, for now, I’ve dropped in Webster as a cheap 2.5m way into Brighton’s defence. Mitoma who was excellent last season although I do question if he will keep it up and Eze who has been consistently good and looks nice value at 3m considering Palace will have an extra fixture during August (EFL Cup).
I’ve got a list of other players that I’m looking at before making a final decision and this includes:
Wan-Bissaka 3m (doubts about starting)
Cash 2.5m (tough opening fixture)
Porro 2.5m (maybe after game week 2)
Henry 2.5m
Antony 3.5m (not sure about consistency)
Mount 3.5m (unproven at new club)
Diaby 3m (new to the league, risky)
Nunez 4m (not certain to start)
Gakpo 3.5m (not certain to start)
Jota 3.5m (not certain to start)
Jackson 2.5m (new to the league, risky)
As the we progress through the first couple of game weeks, I may start to bring in some of these players if they get off to a good start. A cheap Liverpool striker is of particular interest and I’ll also want some Spurs coverage after game week 2 due to their EFL Cup fixture in game week 3. I also think Antony will benefit from the new scoring system but I’m not brave enough to go with him from the off, but he could be a nice 1m saving if I took out Martinelli.
Team Selection 2023/2024 – third draft
With roughly two weeks until the season starts, I’ve moved onto my third draft team. I’m now of the understanding that Villa’s Conference League Play-off fixtures will not score Dream Team points so I’m now not considering any of their players. We’ve also seen Onana added to the game at 4m which interests me. As a result, here’s my revised team:
Onana (Man Utd – 4m)
Man Utd have good opening fixtures and I think 4m is a good price, I’d have preferred 3.5m but 4m is tempting enough.
Ake (Man City – 4m)
For the reasons below, I think Ake is good value at 4m if he holds down a regular place at City. Almost certainly locked in my team to start.
Saliba (Arsenal – 3.5m)
Three good opening fixtures makes Saliba an attractive prospect to me. Almost certainly locked in my team to start.
Wan-Bisska (Man Utd – 3m)
I’m not overly keen to double up on Man Utd players defensively but 3m is the cheapest we are going to get for a player likely to start from a team playing in the Champions League.
Veltman (Brighton – 2.5m)
Another one I’m not sure about but when you look across this price point he does stand out as a bargain considering a lot of people are looking for a way into the Brighton defence.
Fernandes (Man Utd – 6.5m)
It’s Fernandes or Rashford from the off for me. I’ll certainly be going with one of them.
Mount (Man Utd – 3.5m)
Looks great value at 3.5m. I’m not too keen on having too many Man Utd players but they are just jumping out as good value without being too risky.
Martinelli (Arsenal – 4.5m)
Based on good fixtures and that he was a striker last season. Almost certain to start in my team.
Grealish (Man City – 4.5m)
I’m uncertain about Grealish, he can blow hot and cold when it comes to Dream Team points. Foden may be a better option given they are the same price but Foden is less certain of game time.
Haaland (Man City – 8.5m)
Has to start in the team.
Jesus (Arsenal – 5.5m)
Not sure about starting with Jesus but Arsenal do have good fixtures and he’s clearly got quality. This may be a position I rotate.
From here, I plan to look at game week two and three and start to map out where I may want to make some changes so I’ve got a bit of a plan in advance. For example, I may bring Son in for Jesus when the EFL Cup fixtures kick in during game week 3. I may also take out a Man Utd player for game week 2. I’m also going to be keeping an eye on who starts for Liverpool and Chelsea – although I don’t want to go with their players from the off, I’m very keen on the likes of Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, Colwill, Sterling and Jackson as potential bargains. When I publish my final team, I’ll probably show a team that I’ve got in mind for the first three game weeks of the season, although I’m sure this will go out the window after game week one.
It would be great to hear thoughts in the comments as this where it’s easier to have a detailed on topic discussion.
Team Selection 2023/2024 – second draft
Having had a more detailed look at the game, I’ve made some changes to my team. With a few weeks still to go until the new season starts, I can’t imagine this will be how I go into the first game but it’s getting closer. My plan is to map out my 2 transfers per week as well for the first few weeks so I have a rough idea about what team I’d like to end up with by the end of August. I’ve not managed to do this yet as I can’t settle on a team I’m generally happy with. Here’s where I’m now at (all points are based on total points from last season if the new scoring system was in place):
E. Martinez (Villa – 3.5m)
Points last season: 146
Points per 1m spent: 46
The stats from last season suggest Martinez isn’t a great pick so it’s a bit of a risk. However, he’s good value at 3.5m considering that he should have 5 games in August. If I don’t go with Martinez, I could be tempted to switch to Onana depending on his value or Kepa if Chelsea get their act together.
Ake (Man City – 4m)
Points last season: 181
Points per 1m spent: 45
Ake came out on top of points per million spent for any City defender. If he can hold down a regular place 4m is a good price. It’s worth considering that players won’t be picking up a clean sheet bonus if they come on for the last 5 minutes of a game now though so this may go against City defenders.
Estupiñán (Brighton- 3.5m)
Points last season: 169
Points per 1m spent: 48
With European football in the equation for Brighton, Estupiñán could have a decent season at a bargain price. This is probably why his ownership is reasonably high. As they start against Luton I may go with him from the off and see how they get on. I do have question marks against whether they will do as well again this season though.
Saliba (Arsenal – 3.5m)
Points last season: 146
Points per 1m spent: 42
Arsenal had a good season last time around and Saliba scored well without European football. They have strengthened again so should have a good season. Saliba looks the best price of the starting defenders for Arsenal.
Other defenders, I’m currently considering: Dunk, Wan-Bissaka/Dalot (if I knew which one was starting) and Martinez. I would like to say Trippier and Alexander-Arnold but there’s no way I’ll have the budget at the moment.
Mount (Man Utd – 3.5m)
Points last season: 113
Points per 1m spent: 32
Not a good season for Mount of Chelsea last time out but surely he improves at Man Utd this season and gets a lot of game time. Could be a real bargain but it’s a bit of a risk until we know how deep he will play.
Martinelli (Arsenal – 4.5m)
Points last season: 236
Points per 1m spent: 52
I think Martinelli is good value considering he was a striker last season. He’s also 1.5m cheaper than Saka. Arsenal have good opening fixtures and European football this season. If he can hold down a regular place and reproduce his form from last season, he could be a bargain.
Havertz (Arsenal – 3.5m)
Points last season: 185
Points per 1m spent: 53
Havertz is another player who has gone from a striker to a midfielder. At 3.5m he’s another who could be a bargain. I’ve got reservations around picking him but we are going to have to take some chances on players at the start of the season and I think he’s less risky than some of the other 3.5m players.
Grealish (Man City – 4.5m)
Points last season: 188
Points per 1m spent: 42
4.5m for a City midfielder who gets the game time that Grealish does could be another bargain. They’ve also got a decent opening game against Burnley. He should favour the new scoring system but he’s not a big goalscorer at City so I do worry about any quiet patches that he might have.
Fernandes (Man Utd – 6.5m)
Points last season: 349
Points per 1m spent: 54
When Man Utd have a good season Fernandes always scores well. He should do well again this time around. I couldn’t decide between him and Rashford but Fernandes should be pivotal to everything Man Utd do.
Other midfielders, I’m currently considering: I don’t really want to go with 5 midfielders but they do appear to provide the value at the moment. There are quite a few others that I’m considering as well at the moment though, this includes: Foden, Diaz, March, Mitoma, Casemiro, Antony (could be a real bargain as he loves a shot), Mac Allister and Sterling.
Haaland (Man City – 8.5m)
Points last season: 476
Points per 1m spent: 56
Can’t be left out, I don’t really want to pay 8.5m for him but we’ve got no other choice.
Watkins (Villa – 4.5m)
Points last season: 225
Points per 1m spent: 56
Actually has the same points per million as Haaland, so should be a solid pick for August, especially as Villa have extra fixtures. My worry is that he’s a bit of a punt because his form won’t be as consistent as some of the bigger names and could well blank for the whole month. I’m not set on starting with him yet.
Other strikers, I’m currently considering: Rashford, Nunez, Gakpo, Kane, Salah, Iska and Jesus.
Conclusion:
I’m far from happy with the formation and some of the players in my second draft but it’s tough going this season. This may be closer to the team I start game week 2 with, as I’ll almost certain go for Watkins for game week 2 and 3, but I may not start with him. The thing I’m battling with most at the moment is who starts for Liverpool up front. If we can get a regular start down the middle, this player will be great value but it could be Gakpo or Nunez. Diaz could also be a great pick at 4m in midfielder but this all comes down to game time. Luckily they start against Chelsea so I’m not keen to go with them from the off. Chelsea are another team that intrigue me, they can’t be as bad as they were last season so there could be some bargains in their team. Sterling at 3.5m for instance, but I’d need to see something from them to suggest they are going to have a good season first.
Team Selection 2023/2024 – first look
I’ve just started pulling together some thoughts about my initial team selection for next season. With all the changes to the game, I must admit I’ve found it very difficult. Player pricing is very competitive this season meaning it’s virtually impossible to have all of the big guns from the off. This is where I’ve got to so far:
E. Martinez – not convinced by this one long term but Villa do have 5 fixtures in August so he’s a good cheap option for the immediate short term.
Ake – 4m appears to be a good price for a City defender who should return a decent points total for next season.
L. Martinez – performed well last season, appears to be slightly underpriced at 4m. Although I would prefer a wingback for a greater chance of bonus points.
Wan-Bissaka – a cheap option at 3m but I’m far from convinced he will actually make my starting line up when we reach game week 1.
Mount – given how tight the pricing is we are going to need a bargain or two. Mount should play a lot for Utd so 3.5m jumps out as generous.
Martinelli – has been switched to a midfielder and looks good value at 4.5m considering how far forward he plays.
Grealish – should massively favour the new point scoring system and is coming off the back of a fantastic season last time around.
Havertz – another one I’m not convinced on in the slightest but he is cheap and Arsenal have good opening fixtures.
Haaland – first name on my team sheet and likely to be my game week 1 captain.
Rashford – second highest scoring player last season and Man Utd have a good opening fixture.
Watkins – did well last season, but is only selected due to having 5 fixtures in August.
This is a very quick draft to get the discussion going and it’s likely to change massively before the game officially starts. It would be great to hear how everyone else is getting on with building their first draft in the comments below.
How have you changed formation as I seem to be stuck with 442
It took me a while to figure that out as well but you just select players in different positions and it changes automatically.
I’m guessing your expecting big things from United this season, team stacked with more United players than any other team?
I think a few of their players just stood out as a bargain. I doubt I’ll start with that many of them as I’ve made that mistake in the past.
This season is going to be difficult as I usually have 2-3 teams a season, one that I follow of yours Paul then I usually pick my own team or maybe 2 , but one of them gets dropped fairly early, 2 teams is enough for anybody lol
I normally do 10 just in case one of them does really well. I’m glad it’s only one this season as it makes it a more level playing field.
Aside from Haaland, I think we need a list of those players who are magnets for the new points system. Off the top of my head I would be thinking players like bruno, saka, rashford, and grealish will be must haves in that regard
The next question is do we:
A) focus on getting points magnets in, and fill the rest with 2-3m fillers
B) try to have an even balance across the board as Paul has done above
Personally I’m leaning towards option A currently but I have no idea how this new system will pan out in reality. 🤷🏽
I’ll be putting a lot more thought into it towards the end of the week. Not sure on the approach yet, I just picked a team fairly quickly to get started but I’ll be looking to refine it with a more defined strategy before long.
Just rejoined for the new season Paul, waiting for the link for the new WhatsApp group thanx In advance.
Thanks Dave – glad to see you back. I’ve not long emailed over the details. If you don’t pick them up, please let me know.
hi Paul usually put my team in
then my wife puts a team in. hard as i try
it wont let me put her team in.
thought last seasons format was ok.
Hi Don, you’re only going to be allowed to enter one team this year. Your wife would need her own account to enter her team.
Mount was a standout for me too. He’s at his poor season Chelsea price whereas he will be first choice for United replacing Eriksen.
Martinez as keeper a good shout too as Villa’s form since Emery took over suggests they’re a Top6 side this season.
I’m baffled which players to go for re the new set up though. Casemiro and Rice good shouts as may have more influence points wise even though likely more defensive minded?
Sure to be some high scoring but low value gems out there.
Season long Trent would look a good bet though from past experience he’s tended to drop in value early doors before picking up later. Liverpool must have a better season than last term surely and he’ll play majority of games plus pushed more into midfield.
It’s a tricky one, I still think Mount is a gamble but probably a worthwhile one given his value. Will certainly need plenty of bargains this season to accommodate some of the big hitters. Man Utd players stand out as bargains in some areas but I fell for that trap last season as well and they started very badly.
this season is driving me nuts.
try as I might just cant seem to get who I want in.
steel.
Mings. cash. Dunk.
Mitoma. Fernandes. Martinelli. Grealish.
Haaland. Rashford. Watkins.
this is what I have come up with but dose not feel right.
I’m also finding it very hard to settle on a team I’m happy with. Very competitive pricing.
Villa have 5 games in August but against some top teams , so I am unsure of having any to start with, However, they are also a good team. Maybe they will be a good choice after august when their values have dropped…….
I don’t think I’ll be looking at them after August – their playoff fixtures should be easy and I always tend to go for fixture volume.
Jota at 3.5 could be a huge bargain, especially with his recent words about how well him and MacAllister have linked up already in preseason. I think Nunez and Diaz will rotate on the left and Gakpo could play in the midfield three as he impressed at the end of the season when playing behind the forwards. That leaves Salah right and Jota in the middle (proved he’s good in the middle and heads well). He’s certainly in my radar at that price!
For Ake you say ‘ It’s worth considering that players won’t be picking up a clean sheet bonus if they come on for the last 5 minutes of a game now though so this may go against City defenders. ‘
Surely you mean the last 30 minutes not 5?
Yes sorry, I was speaking more broadly when I said 5 minutes. What I meant was “players who come on late on, won’t get the clean sheet bonus”
I wouldnt be overly keen on a 3-5-2 formation with only Watkins partnering Haaland. I’d prefer 3-4-3 with Anthony in there somewhere and Rashford upfront.
I swapped Rashford for Bruno, in this case I think they will score a similar amount across the season so it shouldn’t matter either way but I agree it does feel uncomfortable not having three big name strikers.
Just noticed your 2nd draft Paul, I have most of your selections in my team also, but I have opted for Zincenko above Saliba, if he’s a regular under the new PTS system he has to outscore Saliba comfortably, waiting to see what Onana’s price will be, have currently shelled out 4 million on Martinez, if gvardiol is same price as Ake, he will be a straight replacement.
It’s a tricky one as Zinchenko missed quite a few games last season. I think they are both good value. I’m also waiting on Onana’s price but I can’t see him being less than 4m. I’d predict 4.5m
Paul seems that putting new names on the list are taking forever
last season was much quicker.
we need a fast turnover to get our team going
no good waiting for the last minute.
I’m not sure what you mean by new names on the list? Do you mean Dream Team adding new signings etc? Or me putting up draft teams?
If it’s me putting up draft teams, I did 4 and a final team going into the start of the new season and given the time until the season starts, I’ll be on track to do the same this time around.
sorry Paul its the dream team list.
for new transfers.
should have worded it a better.
bit clumsier these days me brain is not so good
at
thinking strait knower days. 🤔
No worries Don, I think we all think the same thing. Keen to see Onana’s price as a prioirty.
Think your Points per 1m spent of 46 for Martinez is a big high. Should be 42
You’re right, that’s a typo. He’s coming out now anyway, the rules now say Villa’s conference league fixtures don’t count.
Hi guys
My team so far
Steele
Europ ( Brighton )
Saliba
TAA
Diaz
Bruno
Gelish
Foden
Antony
Jackson
Haaland
Jackson could be a real bargain
Thoughts?
I agree about Jackson he is in my team.
not to sure about just to up front though
anyway we all have to work something
out to get some expensive players in as
well as some cheaper options .
its a mine field this season.
Good team, I think we are all going to have to take some risks. I’d have question marks against Steele (is he number 1? Think they’ve bought a new keeper), Diaz (is he certain to start?), Antony (has the potential to score well but not convinced by his form from last season), Jackson (first game is Liverpool and is he a certain starter?)
Thanks pal I can’t come last again !
any opinions DF MF STK
out of the three which one
do you think will generate most points this season.
Difficult one, I think this season is all about finding a bargain regardless of where they play. I think strikers will come out on top in terms of points but that doesn’t mean they are good value if there points per million is poor.
dream team invited my wife to join
because she likes to do a team for herself
so she signed in picked her own team
it was working for 3 days fine now she cant log in
anymore. she has been doing her own team for years.
after all they sent a email for her to join.
we no this season says one team.
she only had one team.
No idea on that one Don, I’d suggest contacting there support. Mines been working fine since I set it up.
so is mine working fine
my wife’s one was for three days now its blocked.
the only thing I can think of is one team per household.
after all they did invite her through her own email
that she has used for years.
contacted them 4 times over 4 weeks
not a dicky bird.
Paul, what are your thoughts about going with both Rashford and Fernandez from the start? Its possible with a back 4 of Veltman, Ake, Colwill and Wan Bissaka?
I’m not keen on Colwill to start with as they play Liverpool – also don’t want too many Man Utd players as they can always put in the a really poor result here and there.
I think we have to find a way to get a creative defender like TAA in. He’ll get all the standard defender points, but also clean up on chances created, crosses, shots etc. Looks like he might play in midfield too. I’d be happier downgrading the keeper, or other defender to get him in. Thoughts?
I also think Jackson could be huge value.
I like Jackson, but I’m going to see what happens after the first few games. We can’t forget all the other strikers who have flopped at Chelsea and he’s only good value if he gets point. If he starts well and so does TAA then I’d consider it but I’m happy not having him considering they play Chelsea first game.
I think Onana is an unknown entity in the Premier league whereas Ramsdale you know what you’re getting for the same price.
I’d agree to a certain extent but I didn’t think Ramsdale did overly well last season in terms of points. I think if I was going to switch, I’d go for a cheaper option
I’ve looked at Brighton’s possible starting 11 for their opening game of season, I think Webster will be more of a definite than Veltman, on the midfield mine field, I’ve opted for Saka, Grealish more guaranteed game time than Foden even with Mahrez going, Bruno, & last midfielder will be McAllister the linchpin in Liverpool’s midfield or a double up on Man utd in Casemiro, not sure yet, both could score well with the new PTS system, like Diaz but need players who are guaranteed to start & the others mentioned will.
There’s a few I’m looking at but what to wait until after game week 1 – such as Nunez, Diaz, Gakpo, Colwill and Jackson. Who’s your enablers going to be?
It changes frequently, once I see charity shield lineups, which should be man city’s & Arsenal’s strongest starting 11, I’ll have a better idea of funds.
I think we will know a bit more after game week 1 as well
my tip for the season is Matty cash AV.
6ml for trippier only 2ml for cash.
if you have been watching the summer series
cash has been brilliant he gets so far
forward he scored a great goal. to me
he looks as good as trippier, if AV can
stop leaking goals, he is a bargain that
we are all looking for.
Could be a good one to consider – I must admit I was more keen on Villa players when their additional fixtures counted in August.
Cash has had a top pre-season and has been extremely attacking from full back. Could be great value at a team I’d expect to have a good season.
Another in a similar boat, is Eze at Palace. He’s been flying in pre-season (1 goal & 4 assists). He’s also going to be on set pieces and penalties.
Leaves a mil in the bank, tempted to upgrade estu to someone like akanji? Also gamble on saka cap again?
I think it leaves 0.5m in the bank and no one stood out as worth upgrading for that. I’ll be captaining Haaland I think rather than Saka.
Yep you’re right
I like the balance of your latest team. The only one that worries me is Colwill. Will he be a starter? It’s probably Silva and one other. They just spend another 30+m on a CB. If we can’t get a CL starter for that price, I think a Villa defender would be a good shout. Cash or Torres? They have reasonable fixtures too
I think he will start the first game but not sure longer term. I agree with the concern but he’s probably the best of the bunch from 3m and below.
I really ballsed up by trying to be clever & different, with a drastic change to a Villa defensive block, with the news that KdB started. None of my drafts were like this, until the moment of madness.
Of course, I’ve now got to get rid of KdB & Mings & will still have to stick with 3 Villa players for game week 2. I’ve got to pray that Villa keep a clean sheet against Everton & then decide what to do ?
I don’t listen to my own advice, to others, saying to play it safe, as I think Paul’s selection is not too much of taking a risk & many other teams, that I’ve seen.
The captain choice is going to be crucial, but saying that, is anyone going to be brave enough, not to captain Haaland most weeks ??
I think you’re right – my team is definitely playing it safe. Which means it will be steady for the season (hopefully) and have a respectable finish but probably won’t challenge for a top 100 finish. But I’m happy with that as I’d rather have a respectable finish than have an awful finish because I’ve taken a lot of risks – especially with one team. I think Haaland will be captain for me most weeks as well.
Part of the enjoyment of Dream team is being able to view other teams. I’m unable to view any other teams – Is anyone else having this problem?
It’s the same for everyone, I don’t think anyone is clear on whether it will be like this all season or if they will become visible at some point.
this may be the fact that united have not played yet.
when new transfers where available last season you
had to wait till every game had been played.
It could well be Don – think it will be a case of waiting to see.