The Scout's four-part analysis of each position for 2017/18 gets under way with an early view on the likely Fantasy Premier League goalkeeper options.
Burnley's Tom Heaton has demonstrated that FPL managers need to look beyond clean sheet potential when considering their chosen targets.
Despite earning just 10 shutouts, the Clarets skipper finished the season as the top-scoring goalkeeper on 149 points, thanks to 21 bonus points and another 32 from saves.
With that in mind, Stoke City's Jack Butland could present a compelling contender for 2017/18.
Jack Butland, Stoke City
Hampered by an ankle injury for the vast majority of last season, Butland failed to feature until Gameweek 34 with his absence allowing Lee Grant to cement a starting role.
Having been priced at £5.0m, Butland should hold that value or be reduced to £4.5m. That would offer a budget route into a Potters defence that returned 11 clean sheets in 2016/17.
In his five Gameweek appearances, Butland produced four save points, two clean sheets and two bonus points, signing off with a 10-point haul away to Southampton in Gameweek 38.
Ben Foster, West Brom
Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion's Ben Foster could retain his starting price of £4.5m after managing just six clean sheets.
Although team-mate Gareth McAuley began the season priced at £4.5m, the six-goal centre-back would seem likely to earn an increase in price for the new campaign. That could make Foster the preferred route into a Baggies rearguard that will be expected to show improvement.
One of only two ever-present goalkeepers, Foster, who claimed 15 shutouts in 43 appearances over his two previous campaigns, could rival Butland for early-season value.
In-form goalkeepers
Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel and Liverpool's Simon Mignolet should also be monitored.
Schmeichel produced an average of 4.07 points per match (ppm) from Gameweek 26 onwards under manager Craig Shakespeare, while Mignolet claimed five clean sheets in the final six Gameweeks.
Similarly, Manchester City supplied four shutouts in the final seven Gameweeks with the fit-again Vincent Kompany (£6.0m) improving their resilience.
But with Willy Caballero departing in June, we need clarity on Pep Guardiola's first-choice goalkeeper before ramping up interest.
First-choice uncertainty
Elsewhere, the uncertainty surrounding Everton and West Ham United's preferred stoppers could prove beneficial to FPL managers should a favoured option emerge.
Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg both started 19 Gameweeks in Ronald Koeman's first year in charge at Goodison Park and could battle it out for next season's starting berth.
For the Hammers, Darren Randolph edged Adrian by 22 starts to 16 and could renew their rivalry next season.
"I wanted to wait until the last moment"#FPL champion Ben Crabtree explains how he made the most of his Chips: https://t.co/bysYbQB45B pic.twitter.com/7hJxRMJwcQ
— FPL (@OfficialFPL) May 29, 2017
Managerial changes
A change in manager is another factor that could provide a shake-up.
The appointment of Marco Silva as Watford head coach could boost the potential of Heurelho Gomes, while Sam Allardyce's departure from Crystal Palace casts renewed doubt over their likely number one.
The promoted clubs could also be a source of FPL value, as Heaton's returns demonstrated.
The newcomers
Karl Darlow and David Stockdale were the main protagonists for Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively and could prove popular early season budget targets.
But Jordan Pickford (£4.2m) may yet be a factor, despite suffering relegation with Sunderland.
Second only to Heaton for saves (135 to 142), Pickford earned more save points (36) than any goalkeeper in 2016/17 and, with Premier League suitors circling, he could yet be a factor for the new season.
