The Scout has spotted a number of trends in tactics and selections during pre-season.
After revealing the unleashed potential of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, attentions turn to those catching the eye under Frank de Boer at Crystal Palace.
Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace) £5.0m
Fantasy Premier League managers searching for budget options should consider Luka Milivojevic (£5.0m).
He is taking free-kicks and penalties under new manager Frank de Boer and has already produced a goal and an assist in pre-season.
Yet the Serbian midfielder sits in only 0.8% of FPL squads, while new team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£4.5m) claims more than 15% ownership.
De Boer has opted for a 3-4-3 formation in his three matches in charge.
The versatile Milivojevic has been used on the right of a three-man defence in Palace’s last two friendlies, allowing Loftus-Cheek to earn starts in central midfield.
But Loftus-Cheek’s role will be in question if Milivojevic returns to his regular midfield berth.
Elsewhere in the Palace line-up, Andros Townsend (£6.0m) has been deployed as a right wing-back, with Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) and Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.0m) alternating on the left.
Schlupp started the first two friendlies before dropping to the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Metz.
This allowed the 4%-owned Van Aanholt to stake his claim for a starting role.
Having scored 11 goals in the past two seasons, the Dutchman’s Fantasy potential would be boosted at wing-back.
In attack, De Boer has started Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) and Christian Benteke (£8.0m) as part of a front three.
Zaha has been quick to make an impact, matching Milivojevic’s goal and assist.
He is the third-most popular midfielder in FPL, sitting in 23% of squads ahead of home matches with Huddersfield Town and Swansea City in the first three Gameweeks.
The new manager is clearly attempting to get more from Zaha in the attacking third, allowing him to come in from the flank to link up with Benteke.
His price tag could offer real value, but for those managers seeking an even bigger bargain, Milivojevic is an option to consider.
Crystal Palace's opening Gameweeks
| GW | Opponent | FDR (1=Low 5=High) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huddersfield Town (h) | 1 |
| 2 | Liverpool (a) | 4 |
| 3 | Swansea City (h) | 2 |
| 4 | Burnley (a) | 3 |
| 5 | Southampton (h) | 2 |
| 6 | Man City (a) | 4 |
The Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1 deadline is on Friday 11 August at 6.45pm BST
