Rate My Team

FPL Rate My Team surgery with five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman

The 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is almost upon us, with champions Manchester City visiting newcomers Burnley in tonight’s big kick-off.

As a result, the questions on team drafts, specific players and differentials are coming thick and fast in the comments section, so we’ve asked five-time top 1k finisher and Scout’s Deputy Editor, Tom Freeman, to answer some of your conundrums over the next 60 minutes.

He’ll be on hand to first reply to requests from Premium Members in the Hot Topic below the line of this piece and will get through as many as he can until the next article goes up. If there’s time, Tom will also turn his attention to other requests in the comments section.

If you’d like to receive an email notification letting you know when future RMT Surgery’s are live, you can now do so. When editing your profile, under ‘Alerts & Notifications‘, you’ll find a section on ‘Email Notifications‘. In there is an option for ‘Rate My Team Surgery‘, check that box and you will receive an email letting you know when the surgery is about to go live.

You can, as ever, chip in with your own opinions on the RMT requests filtering through – and naturally, you’re free to ignore the article subject matter and talk about any other wider FPL topics that you’d normally be musing on.

Don’t forget that, if it’s an algorithmic answer you’re after rather than an opinion-based one, we also have a ‘Rate My Team’ tool available in the Premium Members Area.



968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. nobwak
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Foden or Grealish, and why?
    This is the last decision I have to make for my team and then I can go enjoy the music festival I’m currently at haha

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Foden. Didn't play Community Shield and honestly I just like him far more than Grealish.

    2. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      None

      1. Royal5
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        I had Grealish for months last season. Awful pick.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Foden because he's less of a knob, but not totally so.

      Enjoy the festival.

      He also scores more goals.

  2. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    If you have 2 Arsenal selected.

    Would you keep Simms tucked away as a 4.5m or slot in Folarin Balogun?

    He's only 0.7m owned so v unlikely to drop in price and could move to West Ham or elsewhere.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I'd want to be really sure he's moving before locking up on Arsenal spot on bench fodder

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Yeah, just reached that conclusion too.

        Easy switch if he does get a move.

  3. Rbyrne95
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    A) Stones and Mbeumo (Mubama 4.5m bench fodder STR)
    B) Gvardiol and Trossard. (Mubama 4.5m bench fodder STR)
    C) Gvardiol, Jackson (Anderson 4.5 Bench fodder Mid)

  4. FPL GREG
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    First RMT. you lot are gonna hate it.

    Ortega
    James Saliba Chilwell
    Salah Saka Diaby Garnacho
    Alvarez Haaland Pedro

    Turner Anderson Baldock Kabore

    5m ITB

    Told ya.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I love it.

      Especially Garnacho(!)

      If James stays fit he's fine.

      Alvarez a decent shout to start with too.

      A step ahead of the game with Ortega. Will be looking out for your gw2 team.

    2. sirmorbach
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Definitely not a direction I'd go, but... it *could* work. What the hell. Good luck.

      1. FPL GREG
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Cheers guys

  5. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Am I a bit mad going Bruno and no Rashford?

    Think with the improvements United have made, Bruno is going to be gold, but also not 100% keen on a double up....

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      no

    2. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Not really. I think Bruno is underpriced this season.

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Same here - underlying numbers being consistently great ever since he came to the PL and all that jazz

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I think Bruno is perfect as a springboard to KDB.

  6. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Which one

    A) Salah, Chukuwuemeka, N. Jackson, Joao Pedro, Baldolk
    B) Bruno, Martinelli, Watkins, Mubama, Colwill

  7. Supersonic_
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Marti or Foden?

    Got Haaland and Saka/Gab?

    Or Bruno? Got Rashy and Nacho (to enable Salah)

    1. Nuka Girl
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Marti,
      Yes,
      Yes.

  8. Recreativo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Who will be better this season Newcastle or Aston Villa ?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      They'll be close.

      Perhaps Villa start better over 10 games?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        I think Villa. Emery knows how to negotiate the league and Europe. Howe has no such experience.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      The Toon

  9. Bucket Man
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Had Salah in every draft but now thinking of

    Pickford, Cash, Salah, Wissa to Onana, Chilwell, Rashford, Watkins?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Its a lot of money to be able to spread around, but its a lot of work to get him in if he hits the ground running. Liverpool were toss last season and Salah still scored well

    2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Keep Salah

      1. Bucket Man
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Thanks both

  10. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Would be funny if Neto, Bailey & Benrahma all smashed it in GW1.

  11. paudy77
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    whats the thoughts guys?

    Pickford / Turner
    Chilwell, Gabriel, Estupiñán Udogie, Beyer
    Rashford, Saka, Bruno, Luiz Diaz, Bernardo
    Haaland, Watkins, Joao Pedro

    Bernardo & Diaz Are a risk?
    what do we suggest?

  12. JBG
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    "BREAKING: Moisés Caicedo has just informed Liverpool that he only wants to join Chelsea! Chelsea, set to bid again in order to get deal done with Brighton. [@FabrizioRomano]"

    https://twitter.com/ThatsFootballTV/status/1689958534731943936

    Looooool

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Must have a problem with the colour red.

      1. JBG
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Apparently money was an issue for Caicedo... not the team choice. Lol, don't believe that for one second, man doesn't want to play for Liverpool

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          Red is the colour of greed after all...

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Must want to live around London town i guess?

    2. Malkmus
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Brutal for Liverpool

  13. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Good to go?

    Pickford (Turner)
    Gabriel, Estupiñán, Botman (Colwill, Baldock)
    Salah, Rashford, Saka, Martinelli, Eze
    Haaland, João Pedro (4.5)

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Very nice. I have a very similar team except I have chilwell and trossard , might downgrade chilwell and get martinelli after seeing this

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        This is reassuring indeed. Much appreciated, mate.

        1. SpaceCadet
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          It’s been an honour Sir

    2. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I've got a draft very like this. I feel like Chilwell is a non negotiable for me though

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        You could be very right, sir. Many thanks for your feedback.

  14. lukas96lt
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Here is my final squad:

    Steele
    Stones | Gabriel | Estupinan
    Saka | Odegaard | Bruno | Rashford
    Alvarez | Pedro | Halaand

    Subs: Turner | Cash | Mac Allister | Konate

    Liverpool got Bournemouth next week so I am keeping some their players on the bench until then so I don't have to make extra transfers.

    Let me know your thoughts.

  15. No Totti No Party
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    sounds ridiculous
    But for 17m
    A: Salah + Chukwuemeka
    B: Jota + Son

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Easy B

  16. Andy_Social
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    So won't leave his house until the squabbling over pennies ends.
    Caicedo insists on Chelsea, according to Romano.
    As it stands.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      *Harry

      oops

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      110 Million is how many pennies exactly?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        1.1 billion.

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          Hahaha. That made me laugh, thank you Sir

        2. Andy_Social
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          American billions or British billions?

      2. Andy_Social
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Pennies for Charlie and the army of parasites, I reckon.

      3. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        11,000,000,000

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          Uh oh. Disagreement....

          1. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 3 months ago

            Not from me... (being right)

  17. il Brutto
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Prediction models seem to prefer non-Salah teams, probably because Haaland is just such a strong captaincy option basically every week. Without captaincy the difference in price between Salah and other mid options just means those models don't see value in owning Salah. I'm personally going with Salah and I'm not sure it's that good of an idea to get too caught up on those models at the start of the season, because we only really have last seasons data go by and so many things can change from one season to another.

    I also do wonder how fixture order effects our thinking. Would Salah's ownership change if we'd switch the two opening fixtures around and Salah would first have Bournemouth at home and then Chelsea away. In that scenario ManU for example would first play Spurs away and then Wolves at home. Would people still be hesitant to sacrifice Bruno in order to get Salah?

    My logic for picking Salah is that it's super easy to switch from Salah to Bruno or whoever in GW3 if I need to, on the other hand if Salah is on fire at the start of the season you're looking at hits or wildcard to get him. There seems to be this perception now that going without Salah is somehow the sensible play that offers more flexibility, but how? I just don't se it.

    What are peoples opinions? Mo Salah or No Salah?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I'm very torn

      1. il Brutto
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        No right or wrong choice here imo. Just need to do what feels right and live with what the game gives you. We'll only know in 5-6 game weeks what was the "right" decision.

    2. FPL_trail_runner
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      He will be my week 2 captain

      But then again im having some fun this year

      Bench boost week 1, FH Week2, WC week 3

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Mad

        But it could work early on

        1. FPL_trail_runner
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          You can see my reasons in previous posts. Its my 17th year and will probably not play beyond week 4 unless i get super close to top 1k rank

          But i think there is a nice fixtures turn for it this year

          BB week 1: Triple United, Arsenal, City , Brighton , Everton (cheap defenders)
          FH week 2: to get Salah (c) Jota TAA Watkins + template (No haaland for one week)
          WC week 3 : Load up on Chilwell, James, Jackson, Maddison Richardilison + Template options (Saka, martinelli, Rashford, Haaland etc)

      2. il Brutto
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Go wild and good luck. I'm not quite wild enough for that kind of fun 🙂

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Mo Salah...

      He's going to get 230+260 points and maybe more with late goals if he stays fit.

      Screw the xPoints models.

      1. il Brutto
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Cheers to that

    4. No_Mo_Salah?
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Keep switching between the two - struggling to decide. Currently on Salah but bench is awful and not sure what to do with Joao Pedro if he flops.

      1. il Brutto
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        I've gone with Chilwell as the first bench option to somewhat mitigate that problem. Joao Pedro flopping is no doubt the biggest risk factor in a Salah team though. Could be tricky situation if he doesn't start strong. In that sense No Salah definitely a bit safer, although not really too high on any of the forward options apart from Haaland.

        1. No_Mo_Salah?
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 3 months ago

          Agreed. I may downgrade Martinelli to Maddy or a second 6.5m and then upgrade defence (potentially an Arsenal duoble up with Gabriel and Saliba).

          1. il Brutto
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 3 months ago

            I'm currently on the Arsenal double up with Gabriel and Saliba.

            Flekken
            Saliba, Gabriel, Estu
            Salah, Saka, Eze, Rashford, Mbuemo
            Haaland, Pedro

            Turner, Chilwell, Beyer, Archer

            Haven't changed it today an feel I'm unlikely to touch it before the deadline. Eze vs Mitoma is the only one I'm still debating.

  18. Royal5
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Maddison or Richarlison is the question now.

    1. Urban Cowboy.
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Maddison. Should be the heartbeat of the attack.

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Some heartbeat, but not breathing...

    2. FPL_trail_runner
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Both from week 3

    3. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Not which striker will Levy spend the money on? I mean if Lukaku comes in, Rich will be as useful as he was last week.

      1. Royal5
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Could take a while to find a new striker.

    4. No_Mo_Salah?
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Really want Maddison but only way to get him in my team is to replace Martinelli. Probably a watch and see for me and then perhaps Martinelli to Maddison gwk 3...

      1. Royal5
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Think Madders could be a great pick

      2. FPL_trail_runner
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        My week 3 team will be (Ill WC)

        Pickford
        James Chilwell Tarkowksi
        Richarlison Maddison Saka Martinelli Rashford
        Haaland Jackson

        And Money to turn Tarkowski to Trippier in week 5

  19. Urban Cowboy.
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    No matter how much I tinker I end up with this. Not revolutionary but good to go?

    Turner Johnstone
    Chilwell Estu Pinnock (Kabore Beyer)
    Salah Rashford Eze Mitoma Saka
    Haaland Jackson (Muamba)

    1. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Think you'd be just fine with that. Solid

      1. Urban Cowboy.
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Thank you.

  20. K4pril
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Just thought about something
    City played sunday, gonna play today then wednesday.
    Is Haaland a rotstion risk then? Might be subbed 60"

    1. Urban Cowboy.
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Came off early on Sunday. I reckon he's grand.

      1. K4pril
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        He do start but if city is up 3-0 HT he could be subbed then, even more probability at 60".
        When likes of Rashford probably will play 90.
        Extra CS, more possibility for 3 bonus and extra point for goal

  21. Raise_the_Roof
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    First time posting for RMT:

    Thoughts on how to balance this up a bit or should I just go for it hoping Turner is no1 and I get no injuries of note

    Turner (Areola)

    Gabriel Tark Estup (Baldock, Kabore)

    Rashy Salah Barnes Saka Mitoma

    Watkins Halland (Balogun)

    1. Boz
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Asking for trouble with the GKs. Find the 0.5

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Sounds like Forest want another GK so I think you'll be in trouble after a couple GWs

    3. Zimo
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Mitoma to Pedro.

      1. Raise_the_Roof
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Cheers

    4. Raise_the_Roof
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Thanks folks, I am playing with fire a bit. I'll find .5 somewhere
      Cheers for the comments

  22. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Havertz or Grealish? Plenty of other options but think it's down to these 2 for the final spot.

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Foden / Maddison

    2. Nuka Girl
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't be so keen on either as FPL assets.

  23. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Which trio ?
    A. Richarlison Rashford Stones
    B. Odegaard Bruno Colwill

    1. Fpl_Ludwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      A

  24. Boz
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Mbuemo fit?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Yep

      Only a dead-leg

      Anyone with Henry news?

      1. Malkmus
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 3 months ago

        Has it been confirmed Mbuemo is fit? I haven't seen anything.

  25. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Anything worong? 0 ITB
    Onana
    Chilwell Gabriel Stones
    Eze Foden Bruno Rashford Saka
    Watkins Haaland
    Turner-Botman-Beyer-Mubama

    A.Onana + Chilwell + Foden
    B. Pickford + Shaw + Jota be better

    Thanks for looking

  26. outernational
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Last piece of the puzzle:

    A: Kabore + Meyer + 0.5 ITB for price rises
    B: Kabore + Colwill

  27. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    Choosing 4.0 def, Baldock really the best one? Ain't Burnley def better?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Burnley probably better, so Beyer.

      Luton might do better earlier on but tough fixtures too.

      Sheffield United will need a blitz spirit.

  28. Eddie Nketamine
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 3 months ago

    I’m sure this question has been asked multiple times but I need an answer.

    Rashford or Bruno + 0.5m itb

    1. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Rashford easily for me

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I'm on Bruno, but just because I like having that £0.5m ITB

    3. Malkmus
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Rash wasn't great in pre-season but will be up top probably with hoijlund injured. I'm going Bruno personally, but it's close.

  29. Evol29
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    How about my team for GW1 and GW2?

    Steele, (Turner)

    Baldock, Estupiñán, Gabriel, (Mings, Bell)

    Rashford, Saka, Salah, Bowen, (Anderson)

    Haaland, João Pedro, Watkins

    GW2 -
    Rashford out for Jota
    or/and Bowen out for Diaz

    GW3 ---->>>> WC

  30. AIRMILES
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 3 months ago

    On the first day of the season it feels right to go back and read the best post I've ever read on FFScout. For those who haven't had the joy, I'd highly recommend it:

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/09/09/moving-target-joleon-lescott/?hc_page=6#hc_comment_11187245

    1. AIRMILES
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      Of course, it bottoms...

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      😆 Cheers, that's awesome

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      1 year, 3 months ago

      I never saw that before. Brilliant they should give him lifetime membership and have him reading FPL poems at that fest thing.