The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts reveal which formation they favour for the start of 2023/24.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
Five in midfield looks nailed on, such is the value across the middle. I'll likely pair Erling Haaland (£14.0m) with a mid-price forward and go 3-5-2. This is especially attractive as there are a couple of good £4.0-£4.5m defender options to fill in the gaps at the back. Players like Sven Botman (£4.5m), Luton Town's Amari'i Bell (£4.0m) and Burnley's Jordan Beyer (£4.0m) all look great.
Pranil Sheth (@lateriser12)
Given the pricing of players, there just seems to be too much value and optionality in midfield. There are also a couple of forwards outside of Haaland I fancy a lot. I see myself likely going with a 3-5-2 formation to start the season.
Holly Shand (@HollyShand)
I'm fairly settled on a one premium line-up right now and I feel like 3-5-2 optimises the number of kindly-priced midfielders. However, a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 might be the way to go if I do try and fit a second premium into my squad.
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick)
I'll be starting with a 3-5-2 formation. There are just a wealth of midfield options that means there is greater flexibility to make changes within your team. In defence and attack you're more limited in terms of depth when it comes to selecting the best players.
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)
The 3-5-2 will be the most popular formation because there are a wealth of midfield options. However, I am not ruling out a 4-4-2 knowing there are so many good £5.0m-£5.5m defenders.
Andy Park (@FPLSonaldo)
At the start of the season it’s important to have as much price-point flexibility as possible. We don’t actually know how teams will perform given all the transfers and changes within squads over the summer.
With the plethora of great midfield options available between £6.0m and £9.0m, a 3-5-2 seems the best formation from the get-go as within a few weeks I expect the best mid-price options to emerge. But having £0.5m in the bank initially also comes in quite handy, especially if you want to tweak your formation.
Pras (@Pras_FPL)
I reckon 3-5-2 will be popular given how many nicely-priced midfielders we have in the £6.5m-£9.0m category. If anything, I wish we could have six midfielders!
Harry Daniels (@FPL_Harry)
For me, the best formation is either a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2. There are good £4.5m defenders and some £4.0m defenders, meaning three at the back is best. A 3-5-2 allows for five midfielders, the position with plentiful options. Whereas a 3-4-3 allows for a stronger first sub without much investment with a £4.5m midfielder. Currently I'm just favouring the 3-5-2.
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Ali Jahangirov (@FPLGunz)
We have been spoiled with great options in the midfield department. Having five is a must for me. 3-5-2 will be the most popular formation even though there are many great defensive options as well. 4-5-1 with Haaland leaves us with very little room for flexibility up front, as it would be really challenging to move up from a non-playing £4.5m forward to one in form.
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
The midfield this season is filled with fantastic options, so 3-5-2 looks great. However, I will try and build my team with the flexibility to move from that to a 3-4-3 formation, or a 4-4-2, easily. Balancing the bench in the early weeks and moving fluidly through the formations could be key to success in the early weeks and not needing an early Wildcard.
Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral)
With so many great midfield options this season, coupled with the lack of a standout £4.5m midfielder, I'll be starting the season with a five-man midfield. It's very likely to be a 3-5-2 with Haaland and a forward from the £8.0m price bracket alongside him.
Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg)
There are so many great value midfielders that a 3-5-2 looks the best at the start. With Callum Wilson (£8.0m) having tough fixtures and Harry Kane (£12.5m) being too expensive alongside Haaland, many of the forward options aren’t that appealing.
Also in this series
Part 1: Which premium stars to pick in 2023/24?
Part 2: Who are the best-value picks?
