I've never done an updated draft anywhere close to as quickly as this, but after a few days soaking up all the analysis out there, carrying out research myself, I've shuffled my team around significantly and want to show where I'm up to now and why. Is anyone else feeling fairly unsettled with their team? They've absolutely nailed the pricing for once, and there aren't any obvious picks, depending on who you ask, anyway. Personally, there's not a single player that is a lock currently.
If you're new around here, welcome! I've been 1st in the world before in FPL during the 22/23 season, and last season finished 3,400 out of 11 or so million.
🥅 In Goal
I've shaved off 0.5m from the initial draft as Sanchez comes in, who looks to have cemented himself as Chelsea's #1. Including most recently at the Club World Cup, he started all but one game, when Jorgensen started against Tunisian side Esperance, and 3 days before they played Benfica with Sanchez back in goal. Pulling up my data table, 47.97 xGC ranked fifth best last season, they conceded the third fewest goals, fourth fewest shots conceded.
🛡️ In Defence
The double Arsenal is retained with Saliba joining instead, Gabriel, Aina, Saliba back 3. A 1-0 win over AC Milan in their most recent pre-season friendly and the likes of Zubimendi added to the squad which in theory should only shore them up further, and they were already the best defence for xGC as that table showed, Liverpool kept 1 more clean sheet however. I'm conscious of being flexible when it comes to defensive contribution points and who the best picks are now, the likes of Tarkowski, Milenkovic, Bednarek got the most because teams get at them more than the likes of Gabriel, Van Dijk, Gvardiol who also cost more. The top teams control the games more simply put, and therefore are spending less time defending. Going back to that table earlier, Gabriel would have gotten 4 DC points, Saliba an extra 12. Tarkowski was top with 44 extra.
Aina was mentioned in the best cheap players article, that will be on screen at the end if you haven't seen it. 3.7 points per match last season which places him in the top 10 defenders, 2 goals, 1 assist. We'll have to see how Forest adjust to a busier schedule plus a few sales.