Fantasy Premier League 22/23: Gameweek 1 tips and advice from experts
Fantasy Premier League 22/23: With the start of the 2018 Premier League season quickly approaching, Sky Sports News has begun a weekly piece giving you crucial recommendations from the world’s finest Fantasy Premier League managers.
Holly Shand and FPL Heisenberg, who have 5 top 10k finishes and more than 20 years of fantasy experience between them, examine this year’s must-have players, explain who they are avoiding, and discuss who their captain is for the first game week in our debut column.
Who are the premium assets you must own?
Salah has to be the first name on our team-sheets: the top goalscorer in three of the previous five seasons, he looked invigorated and eager for goals in Liverpool’s Community Shield triumph on Saturday, scoring from the penalty spot and assisting.
After a grueling season in 2021/22 with obligations for both club and nation across a number of competitions, he has completed a full pre-season and signed a new deal. This season, he should get off to a fast start.
FPL Heisenberg: When it comes to premium players, it’s essential to decide how many you want before choosing on who you want. Two premium players bring more balance to your squad, three premium players are viable but will stretch you thin, and four premium players is a mistake due to the lack of points from the rest of your team.
Harry Kane is my preferred forward, ahead of Haaland, and Salah is vital in midfield.
Who are the premium asset(s) you must not select?
You can make a case for any premium selection – they’re premium players for a reason – but I wouldn’t waste your money on Bruno Fernandes or Jamie Vardy. I don’t mind either as FPL alternatives, but as I previously stated, you can only have two or three premium players, and I’d rather have Salah, Heung-Min Son, Kane, or Kevin De Bruyne.
Holly Shand says: I’m avoiding Cristiano Ronaldo (£10.5 million), who appears dissatisfied at Manchester United. He missed most of preseason since he did not accompany the team on their international vacation. Erik ten Hag will be seeking to revitalize United’s team, and while there is no doubting Ronaldo’s talent, he may not be the appropriate fit in the new system that has been created during pre-season.
What is your best season tip?
Stop caring about your mini-league opponents, FPL Heisenberg. Don’t attempt to build your FPL team absolutely distinct from theirs. Similarly, don’t strive to create your team the same as theirs. Simply concentrate on what you have control over, namely your own team, and aim to maximize your own score. Allow them to be concerned about what you’re doing; your Overall Rank and mini-leagues will take care of itself.
Holly Shand: Be more open to new forms than you have been in the past. Traditionally, 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formations were the go-to options, but football has evolved, and FPL reflects this. With their defensive consistency and high quantity of offensive returns, modern-day full-backs have revolutionized the game. I’ll almost certainly start the season with a back four or five.