THE FPL SCOUT - GAMEWEEK 1

FAVOURABLE FIXTURES:

Last season's 1st & 2nd runners up Liverpool & Chelsea look like favourites for the opening gameweek of Fantasy Premier League. While Liverpool pay host to a rather depleted Southampton side, Chelsea face newcomers Burnley away. Also, a new look United side can also be expected to get all three points from visitors, Swansea City.

Spurs, as always are definite favourites. ;)

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BARGAIN BUYS:

David Nugent of Leicester, Glen Murray of Palace &  Lukas Jutkiewicz of Burnley have all been prolific in preseason, scoring 4, 5 & 6 goals respectively. With their cost as low as 5 or 5.5, they can prove to be good buys for managers looking for a cheap third striker. Ashley Young of United, priced 5.5 is likely to retain his postion as the left wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation, after impressing with 3 goals under Van Gaal. 


TEAMS AND PLAYERS TO AVOID:

Southampton, as mentioned earlier, face a tough task against Liverpool on the opening day, with many of their former players expected to line up against them. The saints side might find it difficult to avoid relegation this season after the offloading of several players and losing their manager to other PL clubs. Newcomers Leicester can be chosen at the managers' own risk as they face a vastly improved Chelsea side. 

Kyle Walker, Didier Drogba, Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Negredo, Luke Shaw & Adam Lallana are some of the big names that are likely to miss the first few matches with injury. Fantasy managers are advised to make the necessary substituitions.


PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Stevan Jovetic : With all other forwards of the citizens either in bad form or out with injury, the Montenegro international has grabbed his chance to impress the gaffer by netting five times for the champions. Jovetic had missed almost the whole of the 2013-14 season with injuries and would be eager to make his mark in the opening gameweek. Priced at just 8.0, this one has the potential to be 'the man' of this FPL season.

Erik Lamela : The 30m transfer from Roma is all set for the new season. Like Jovetic, the Argentine also had a tough first season in England, but with new manager & fellow country-man 'Poch' at the helm, has likewise impressed in pre-season. Played on the right wing or behind the striker, in a 4-2-3-1, he netted three times over the summer; more than any team-mate. West Ham's poor defensive record over the summer is also worth noticing.


OTHER TIPS:

Avoid using defensive midfielders as FPL doesnt reward many points for defensive actions.



About the author:
Amal Mukandan
Twitter @Amal_Imhere