Haaland Leads Early FPL Plans

A guest Q&A weighs Haaland against Salah, a 4-5-1 shape, and 4.0m Leeds defenders as managers plan for Gameweek 1.

Haaland Tops Early FPL Plans with Salah Providing Flexibility

With the Gameweek 1 deadline looming, a panel of writers answers key questions on the season start. The focus is on Erling Haaland versus Mohamed Salah, the viability of a 4-5-1, and the appeal of cheap Leeds defenders. The discussion covers how strong Haaland remains as a season starter and how Salah continues to offer captaincy potential for managers seeking flexibility. The piece also explores whether a double or triple Leeds defense could work if a Free Hit is used in Gameweek 4, and how DEFCON style scoring could lift defenders from Leeds and similar teams.

Beyond this, the Q&A weighs the merits of a 4-5-1 with Watkins and two 4.0m forwards. While the formation is viable, it can be inflexible in later weeks, and managers should expect to move forwards as the season unfolds. The writer notes that Watkins is worth holding for several gameweeks, while a crowd of mid priced forwards could emerge to lure transfers for bench boosts. The Leeds 4.0m defenders are dissected in detail, with Rodon seen as a leading option if he starts, Bijol suspended early, and Gudmundsson as a potential open play threat. The piece also outlines the likely impact of a tight defensive plan at Elland Road on DEFCON points.

The Q&A also covers forwards under 7.0m and the risk of relying on a single plan. Evanilson and Strand Larsen are highlighted as the strongest budget forward options, with Welbeck and Rutter discussed as minutes and role risk. The article emphasizes that preseason form can hint at potential but is not a sure predictor, citing past examples while warning that injuries and rotation can change the landscape quickly.

Overall, managers are reminded to balance the lure of Haaland with Salah’s flexibility and to stay alert to evolving fixtures, price changes, and emerging options from the lower price bands. The start of the season will test how well this mix works on the ground.

This piece leans into a core truth of fantasy football: the best plans survive only when they stay adaptable. Haaland remains the anchor for many squads, but Salah offers a path to a flexible structure that can evolve with fixtures and price shifts. The Leeds 4.0m options illustrate how low investments can power wide options elsewhere, yet they carry clear risk if fixtures tighten or rotation bites. The DEFCON mention signals a shift toward defensive points trumping pure attacking returns, a dynamic that could redefine early season captains and bench strategies. Managers should not chase preseason vibes alone; they need a stable core, room for movement, and a plan for GW4 and GW6 as the fixture list changes.

Highlights

The season will test which gambles pay off as injuries and form rewrite expectations.