The Scout's panel of experts reveal who they currently plan to pick in their Gameweek 1 squad for 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League, and explain their decisions.
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
Mat Ryan (BHA) £4.5m
The obvious cheap goalkeeper, Ryan offers exceptional value. Should Ben White (£4.5m) stay at Brighton & Hove Albion this term, the Australian will be an even better option.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV) £7.5m
The first name on my teamsheet. He is worth every penny at £7.5m. In my view, this season he will break the points record for a defender, which was set by his team-mate Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) in 2018/19 FPL, when he totalled 213 points.
Ruben Vinagre (WOL) £4.5m
A Wolverhampton Wanderers defender is essential this season. At £4.5m, he offers incredible value for money in comparison to the rest of their backline while Jonny (£5.5m) is sidelined.
Kyle Walker-Peters (SOU) £4.5m
Having made his move to Southampton permanent, I expect the attack-minded Walker-Peters to impress and really make the right-back spot his own.
Nathan Ferguson (CRY) £4.0m
At £4.0m, if he consistently starts he will be a wonderful enabler for the rest of the team. Crystal Palace’s first five home matches look promising for clean sheets.
Mohamed Salah (LIV) £12.0m
An FPL team without Salah just wouldn’t be right. He is consistently fantastic and if James Milner (£5.5m) doesn’t play as much this season then Salah will take more penalties.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS) £12.0m
Arsenal's first two fixtures against Fulham and West Ham United are just too nice to miss. After that I’ll replace him with Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m). His new position in midfield means an extra point per goal and per clean sheet, which increases his appeal.
Allan Saint-Maximin (NEW) £5.5m
His performances from Gameweek 30+ onwards last season have made me determined to own him for the start of 2020/21. His speed and energy have made him the heartbeat of the Newcastle United team and everything good comes through him.
Harry Kane (TOT) £10.5m
Kane is expensive but Tottenham Hotspur have a nice start to the season. They look set for immediate fixture congestion in the Premier League, UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup but, as their talisman, I expect Kane to start every league match and bring in attacking hauls.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (FUL) £6.0m
A tried and tested Premier League striker, Mitrovic is a really nice option at £6.0m. Fulham have a tough opening match against Arsenal but, after that, the favourable fixtures should provide him with plenty of chances.
Rhian Brewster (LIV) £4.5m
This final spot is a hard one to fill. If Brewster gets a loan move to another Premier League team then he is a great option. If not, I might have to rethink. I have £0.5m in the bank but would need another £0.5m to get the likes of Charlie Austin, Patrick Bamford or Aaron Connolly (all £5.5m).
Substitutes
David Button (BHA) £4.0m
To save money to spend elsewhere, I'll have Ryan’s understudy as my No 2, making Brighton the club for my set-and-forget ‘keeper choices in 2020/21.
Jake Livermore (WBA) £5.0m
Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) was my original choice but West Ham have a difficult run of fixtures to start. Livermore registered three goals and four assists last season and, as captain of West Bromwich Albion, is guaranteed starts, which is ideal as a fifth midfielder.
Charlie Taylor (BUR) £4.5m
Although he doesn’t play in Gameweek 1, Burnley are known for their rock-solid defence. I don’t want to have to use a transfer bringing him in afterwards, so he’ll be benched for the first week.
Bruno Fernandes (MUN) £10.5m
I want Fernandes straight after his blank in Gameweek 1. His form since arriving at Manchester United has been excellent and I expect that to continue from Gameweek 2 onwards. He'll sit on the bench ready to go, without me having to transfer him in.
Also in this series
Part 2: Double up on Wolves wing-backs
Part 3: Get Vardy from the start
Part 4: Ings spearheads Saints triple-up
Part 5: Kane can profit from early fixtures
Part 6: Double up with West Ham
Part 7: Build defence around Liverpool duo
