The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts discuss the main lessons they have learned from the season so far and how that impacts their plans moving forward.
Pras (@Pras_FPL)
Four Gameweeks is such a short space of time to have observable data but from what I have seen so far, Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, will be a great attacking team and are worth some investment.
It also seems that Luton are a team to target for upside hauls, whereas Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth look better than last season, so they are not teams to necessarily target against.
Finally, Liverpool look back to their best and should be invested in.
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)
Play your own game and think outside the box. No one really spoke about the likes of Jarrod Bowen (£7.1m) and Solly March (£6.6m) during pre-season and these two are the second and third best-performing midfielders.
I punted on a midfield differential in Phil Foden (£7.6m) ahead of Gameweek 1 and I'm hoping he is about to start producing similar points.
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick)
We've seen a lot of managers chase points, for instance selling Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) after two blanks and then missing his big return or jumping on Raheem Sterling (£7.2m) only for him to subsequently blank.
Often the smartest move is not doing anything, especially if there isn't anything drastic that needs changing in your team.
An example this week would be those considering selling the likes of Marcus Rashford (£8.9m) to bring in Son Heung-min's (£9.1m) points, which to me seems like chasing last Gameweek's points.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
In the early weeks of the season, I normally try to catch price rises and avoid falls. However, with Harry Kane no longer in the game and some incredible budget picks in all positions, team value is less of a worry to me this season.
I am prioritising time and knowledge in 2023/24 Fantasy, and if that means missing a price rise or failing to avoid a drop, that's okay.
Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg)
I used to say if really torn on a transfer, go for the cheaper option. This season, I've been burnt by failing to do this. I went for Pedro Porro (£5.0m) over Kurt Zouma (£4.5m) or Destiny Udogie (£4.7m), which a week later meant I didn't have enough for James Maddison (£7.8m). I need to revert back to this.
Utkarsh Dalmia (@ZopharFPL)
There are a couple of things I have learned so far. Firstly, clean sheets look sparse this season, with all teams capable of scoring, so it's important for the defensive picks to have an attacking threat.
I also think that we are going to have to be aggressive with moves this season, often selling good players for other good players when fixtures turn. This is going to lead to some short-term pain at times, which we have to learn to cope with.
Pranil Sheth (@lateriser12)
I expect Spurs, Liverpool and Aston Villa to be attacking teams that will offer good, consistent returns from their midfielders and forwards.
I've really been impressed by Spurs, who are playing attractive football and are creating a high volume of chances.
Additionally, the three promoted sides are going to take some time to adjust to the levels of the Premier League.
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
The five midfield slots this season are so important. In previous campaigns, managers have been able to have at least one £4.5m or £5.0m midfielder because they have wanted to invest more heavily in the forward line.
However, this season there are so many big performances coming from the midfield that having a bench player in that position doesn't make sense. For me, the key is always playing five across the midfield and making sure the five that you own have the best form and fixtures.
I also think this season, more than ever before, moving on and off players who are returning for others who have superior points potential could be a strategy worth risking based on what we have seen in the opening four Gameweeks.
Also in this series
Part 1: Why managers are Wildcarding in Gameweek 5
Part 2: FPL experts: When is the best time to Wildcard?
