During the 2016/17 season, Fantasy Football Fix (FFF) subscribers will benefit from a weekly newsletter, which will summarise FFF’s algorithm squad picks for that week. This email will enhance the FFF offering, by adding our very own expert’s opinion to support our unrivalled statistics, as well as any other pros and cons in more detail. For GW1 we will be talking about the current template team. This is the team with the highest possible ownership in the game, under the 100m budget and respecting the usual maximum of 3 players per team. At the moment the algorithm can't distinguish between players starting and on the bench, so this is why Aguero for example is sitting on the bench! Here we give a run down of the 15 template players.  

Between the sticks

Manchester United’s good opening fixtures, along with the appointment of Jose Mourinho - who possesses the best clean sheet to game ratio in Premier League history - sees De Gea as the stand out template choice. He has been selected in a whopping 42.7% of teams, a percentage unrivalled by no other.

His template understudy Jakupovic (13.6%) is currently the only visible 4.0 priced Goalkeeper that looks set to play a part in the opening games, which would explain his selection. Two away fixtures in the first four game weeks vs. a Swansea side that could lose Ayew, their biggest goal threat, and newly promoted Burnley could present some value for those looking to rotate their Goalkeepers.

At the back

The leading light at the back for the templates is Bellerin, selected in 31.2% of teams so far. A breakthrough season for the young Spaniard last year, which was justifiably capped off with a place in Spain's Euro 2016 squad. While clean sheets were plentiful for Bellerin, it was his marauding runs from Right-back that really caught the eye, where he always looked like he would bring his owners’ attacking returns. FFF is tipping him to outdo last season’s points for goals and assists (24 points) in 2016/17.

Another defender with a high percentage is Alderweireld (25.7%). Pochettino's high pressing style alleviated some of the pressure from Spurs’ defence last term, this saw a rise in clean sheet points for managers. Alderweireld's goal threat was also clear to see with four goals.

Leicester’s title winning captain, Morgan (25.4%), is another player that is a handful in both boxes and contributed two goals towards the Fox’s fairy tale title win. But, it was his clean sheet and resulting bonus points that were the main factors behind him finishing in the top 10 defensive point scorers. It remains to be seen what effect the Champions League will have on the squad, but it is likely to stretch some ageing legs including Morgan's and this may effect his clean sheet returns in 2016/17.

Watford's Paredes (19.0%) is the fourth most selected defender in the game, his similarity to fellow template teammate Jakupovic as a viable budget option is likely to end at his price tag of 4.0. Game time isn't likely to present itself as easily to Paredes this term with new signing Dja Djedje and last season’s rival Nyom both appearing to be ahead in the pecking order. This selection is one for those who wish to save 0.5 of their budget, or don’t mind having a non-playing defender.

Unlike Paredes, Stones (29.9%) actually presents some value. Priced at 5.0 based on his disappointing Everton returns from last season, Stones now presents fantasy managers with a budget route into the City rear-guard. There have been question marks around whether he will feature in City’s opener, since he hasn’t spent much time with his new team. However, his chances appear good, seeing as injuries forced Pep to start Kolarov and Fernando at Centre-back vs. Arsenal, in their last friendly.

Across the midfield

Payet (29.8%) and Mahrez (26.2%) represent the only sensible inclusions within the template's midfield, if you are looking for two attack minded players. Both have their fair share of set-pieces at their current clubs, and the capability to both finish inside the top five scoring midfielders across the game in 2016/17. Payet’s Euro 2016 form would have attracted more suitors for the new season ahead, so it’s no surprise to see him here. The West Ham star man is doubtful for the away visit to Chelsea though, having not featured much in West Ham’s pre-season. Mahrez on the other hand is fit, and raring to go. If the rumours carry any weight surrounding a move to Arsenal, then he certainly will be looking to impress from the get go. How his points will be impacted if that move was to materialise, remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, he would no longer be classed as his team’s star midfielder amongst an Arsenal midfield blessed with talent.

The remaining three midfielders with the highest ownership across the game currently are Kante (25.5%), Dier(16.5%) and Fletcher (15.7%). All three of these players ply their trade predominantly in front of the back four and their main focus is to prevent goals, not score. Definitely something to factor in, seeing as there are budget midfielders in the game that pose more of an attacking point threat. Ibe, Gradel, Fischer and possibly set-piece king Ward-Prowse, if assured of more starts, all offer more attacking potential. All four are available for 5.5.

Kante did drive forward for Leicester last year, and provided some attacking returns (one goal, four assists), but at Chelsea, new manager Antonio Conte is likely to expect more out of him defensively. Typically Kante assists the assist, and therefore often misses out on the points himself.

Dier does weigh in with the odd goal from set pieces, but again the majority of his points came from clean sheets as a result of being classified as a defender last season. Re-classified as a midfielder, it would be foolish to not assume that the lack of clean sheet points will affect his returns for 2016/17.

Fletcher finds his way into the template since he is one of the cheapest midfielders in the game, and scored more than any other 4.5 listed player last year. If you aren’t expecting much from your fifth midfielder, and are happy with two to three points each week, then he’s probably the one for you. However, the risk with Fletcher vs. another 4.5 playing midfielder is that his high ownership could pave way for a price drop if managers decide to mass sell when another viable 4.5 player shows his wings.

Up top

The second highest selected player on the game, and the most selected outfield player is none other than Aguero(40.8%). The Argentinean’s Premier League influence is as close to Ronaldo and Messi's La Liga importance as you're likely to get. With weekly captains earning double points, Aguero is always a safe pick. FFF therefore deems him essential.

New boy on the block, and the self-proclaimed "King of Paris" Ibrahimovic(39.4%), recently stated that he "admires Cantona" but he is out to be the "God of Manchester”, not the “King”. Never one to be too far from controversy, Ibrahimovic, is clearly personally driven to have a big impact on the league, if such comments are anything to go by. And, having won the domestic title at every other club he has played for, who could question him? His stats are unquestionable, contributing to a goal every 108 minutes throughout his sparkling career. That type of return is impressive across a season, let alone 629 games. A justified template pick.

The final template player goes well and truly against the “last but not least” expression. Grabban(4.6%), is in fact one of the least expensive strikers on the game. If you are wanting to plough your budget into midfield or defence, and line up with either a 3-5-2, 4-4-2, or 5-3-2 formation, then a 4.5 priced striker is an option to consider. However, looking across the 4.5 priced forwards (note: this is the cheapest price in the striker bracket) there doesn’t appear to be any selections which will feature more than a few sub minutes here and there. Grabban is at least third choice this term behind both (a recovered) Wilson and Afobe, and after King’s strong performances last season when called upon, he could now be fourth choice. It’s also worth noting that if a budget option in the striking department becomes a must, and a strong percentage of his 4.6% owners pull the plug, you could well be left with a 4.4 priced forward after a few weeks, which will be difficult to shift. If you can, try and select 15 players that are likely to play to prevent any such problems early on.