Fantasy Premier League team selection tips

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By Benjamin Newman

Published: June 23, 2021 1:02 pm

Last Updated: June 23, 2021 1:13 pm

Table of Contents

2021-22 FPL template XI

Following the launch of the 2021-22 Fantasy Premier League game, FPL managers are beginning to coalesce on the template XI for the start of the new campaign.

The new Premier League season begins on Friday, August 13, 2021.

Some notes on the FPL template XI

When it comes to selecting your FPL team, there seem to be two avenues to take this season.

Some managers will want to pick Tottenham’s Harry Kane. The Spurs and England striker is the most expensive forward in the game at 12.5.

If you pick Kane, then it becomes incredibly difficult to also have two of Mohamed Salah (12.5), Bruno Fernandes (12.0) and Kevin De Bruyne (12.0): arguably the three best players in FPL.

For that reason, the FPL template XI below is opting to go down the second route: no Kane, but heavy in prized midfield assets instead.

Revealed: FPL template XI

Without further ado, the 2021-22 FPL template XI seems poised to look something like this.

Keep reading for some of the key takeaways underlying this formation.

FPL Tips: Template XI analysed

Goalkeepers

Most FPL managers like to keep it cheap when it comes to a keeper. What you’re after is the cheapest nailed-on starter for a team that don’t concede too many goals.

Emi Martinez (5.5) was the go-to goalie last season, but he’s now above the sought-after 4.5 price point.

Accordingly, Robert Sanchez (4.5) is in the template XI. Brighton’s opening fixtures are against Burnley, Watford, Everton and Brentford.

Defenders

Perhaps the biggest name being talked about in defence is Leicester’s Wesley Fofana (4.5), who could well prove underpriced. Fofana was a regular for Foxes last term, making 28 Premier League appearances.

Other budget defenders being considered include Wolves captain Conor Coady (4.5) and Arsenal’s Rob Holding (4.5). While some are bigging up Watford’s Chilean international centre-half, Francisco Sierralta (4.5).

At the other end of the value spectrum, Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.5) and Andy Robertson (7.0) are the priciest defenders in FPL. Most managers will only budget for one of them, and TAA seems more popular.

After that, there’s plenty of choice and value in defence.

Proven FPL assets, Everton’s Lucas Digne and Man United’s Luke Shaw, can both be bought for 5.5 each.

Alternative picks at similar prices include John Stones (5.5), Harry Maguire (5.5), Toni Rudiger (5.5) and Kieran Tierney (5.0).

Midfielders

As previously stated, most FPL managers are likely to find themselves having to pick two from Salah, Fernandes and De Bruyne.

Alternatives in this price bracket include Sadio Mane (12.0), Son Heung-min (10.0) or the seemingly overpriced Raheem Sterling (11.0).

After settling on the big-hitters, however, FPL managers have plenty of choice in their remaining midfield slots.

Leeds United’s Raphinha (6.5) seems like a hugely attractive option. However, if Jack Harrison (6.0) signs for Leeds from Man City this summer, following a season-long loan at Elland Road last year, then Harrison could be the one to pick instead.

Another alternative is Watford’s Ismaila Sarr. Sarr scored 13 goals and chipped in with 10 assists for the Hornets in the Championship.

Finally, there’s Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish, who is arguably the premium third midfielder in any FPL team. But the problem with Grealish is he costs 8.0, which could be too much for some.

Forwards

The FPL template XI is built around three mid-ranged forwards.

With opening matches against Watford, Newcastle and Brentford, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (7.5) seems a sensible choice.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (8.0) is more expensive this season. Yet, Everton have one of the kindest starts to the season, which makes his selection a no-brainer.

Finally, Brentford hitman Ivan Toney (6.5) looks like a great punt after he scored 31 goals, plus 10 assists, in 45 Championship matches last season.