PLAY Togga Euro Expert draft league

Written by John Wallin (@FantasyGaffer)

Earlier this week 12 FPL accounts gathered digitally, huddled communally around laptops and mobiles across three continents to participate in the 2016/17 Togga Euro Expert draft league. You know the names: FantasyYIRMA headlined a group including Ben Dinnery and hosted by Togga’s own John Wallin (@FantasyGaffer). If you’re new to the idea of draft, leagues of 4-12 players take turns selecting EPL players round-robin for 16 rounds until each team has a full XI plus five substitutes. Every team is 100% unique as each EPL footballer can only play for one FPL manager. Consider it Football Manager mixed with FPL, in a warm Pot Noodle.

The full draft included nearly 200 players selected . If you’re wondering how we track all that action – check out the CheatSheet at Togga. Gotta draft ’em all! And create or join a league using Tog.ga/draft. Below we’ve selected a highlight from each manager’s team!

1. The Eagles Beak (@TheEaglesBeak)

Strong out of the gate, The Eagles’ Beak crew boasts one of the strongest midfields in the league. having Selected Mesut Ozil first overall, they followed up with Willian, Albrighton and  pair of their own: Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon. This approach left them woefully short up front where only Marko Arnautovic was selected. Unquestionably will be active in early transfer business.

2. Tony Jameson (@TonyJameson)

The man with more Football Manager experience than the rest of this league combined, put together an impressive squad in his sophomore Togga season. Tony drafted Sergio Aguero early and made the proper decision late to handcuff the Argentine hitman with his presumptive injury replacement, Kelechi Iheanacho. Having both Man City forwards rostered will provide cover and allow for the late swap on those days Kun can’t go.

3. Joey Bacon (@FPLBacon)

One of the Togga crew, Joey was able to temper his Manchester City love and only draft in Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling. Sterling was a late round pick, being selected after more than 100 other EPL players had been drafted. That’s a quality selection late as no one knows when or if the England international will be able to force his way into Pep’s plans. Worth adding to your roster late-on to provide key value in those weeks when he does get the nod.

4. FantasyYIRMA (@FantasyYIRMA)

Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud have team #ScoreYIRMA heavily invested in Arsenal hitting the back of the net. Loads of value picks made here with Chris Brunt, Stewart Downing, Joel Mitap and Antonio Valencia all being selected by YIRMA with each of those players having considerable points potential in Togga’s comprehensive scoring system. With 18 Opta-tracked statistics earning fantasy points, players who win tackles, make successful clearances and crosses can rack-up significant points and this roster is full of potential.

5. DazBlue

Ain won the Rotoworld Perfect XI group at Togga last season – Togga’s weekly game similar to the official Premier League game. He swung for the fences in this draft selecting Wilfried Zaha, Alberto Moreno, Theo Walcott, Nolito and Leroy Sane. Every one of those players has the potential to be a fantasy star – and everyone could struggle for impact minutes this season. If he hits on two out of five, he’ll be fine. If he hits on five for five this is DazBlue’s league to lose.

6. Ben Rolfe (@BenRolfe15)

Ben writes for Fake Pigskin and knows a thing or two about fantasy football – on both sides of the Atlantic. With midfielders Mahrez, Silva and Bolasie there are minutes to be had.  With both Lallana and Henderson drafted in the depth disappeared quickly. A striking core including Shane Long, Solomon Rondon and Fernando Llorente could click and provide 50 goals, or struggle to make any impact and need to be replaced early on. If the stars don’t click, this could be a long fake season.

7. TheSecretGamblr (@TheSecretGamblr)

The anonymous scout for all things FPL, the Gamblr is our reigning, returning league Champion. Building from the back can make the team look less impressive on paper, but Otamendi, Bertrand and Vertonghen are all quality fantasy point providers. With Liverpool’s newest signing Georginio Wijnaldum and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard this team has sizzle, but it’s the under-appreciated talents of Manuel Lanzini and Erik Lamela which will drive this team to compete every week.

8. John Wallin (@FantasyGaffer)

Another Togga insider, John took advantage of Jamie Vardy’s freefall and snagged the Foxes striker in the second round to pair with Roberto Firmino. The strength here is the bench of this side with Antonio, Yedlin, Mendy, and Benteke. A late pick on Juan Mata could turn out to the key to this draft with fewer 10′ appearances and half-hearted hugs being replaced with a transfer to a team where the Spaniard can prosper.

9. Banterbury (@BanterburyH2H)

This team is all about Zlatan. The Swede anchors a lightening attacking with Gerard Deulofeu and Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes. Jordan Ibe? Dele Alli? Alex Iwobi? This is a dynasty which could reign for years, but will they have enough impact to get this team over the finish line in 2016/17? Banterbury will need points ever week from defensive trio Alderweireld, Kompany and Baines.

10. FPLPriceChanges (@FPLPriceChanges)

Loads of talent in a team which has the most risk of any team in this draft. New signings Negredo, Feghouli and Mhkitaryan join transfer Andre Ayew, last winter’s January signing Charlie Austin and Gaston Ramirez and rumored outgoing Oscar. Of course, most of those players were added to new teams with the expectation that they will claim a spot in the starting XI. If that proves true this side goes from the most risk to a formidable attacking force.

11. Hayley Jameson (@Hayley_Jameson)

Very little surprise that The Liverbirds manager selected Daniel Sturridge (and a lifetime supply of bubble wrap), Dejan Lovren and the recently departed Joe Allen, as well as Marko Grujic late-on. In fact, it was a Merseyside striking cadre with Romelu Lukaku also making the first XI of Hayley’s side. This side will be riding Top 6 fortunes all season with Courtois, Cahill, Eriksen, Dier and Matic all inked to the fantasy squad. A well-rounded squad that belies the fact that this was Hayley’s first FPL draft; a blueprint for first-time managers to follow.

12. Ben Dinnery (@PremierInjuries/@BenDinnery)

Some people say he transferred his in his good looks from Russell Crowe, all I know is I stole this bit from YIRMA. Ben Dinnery, the brains behind PremierInjuries – just go get the app already! – selected a squad that defies definition. Fraser Forster and Steve Mandanda are formitable between the posts; Rose, Clyne and Bailly are a solid defensive trio; Mane…Shaqiri, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Snodgrass? As well-connected as Ben is, these are likely picks more of us should be making.

Interested in playing in a draft fantasy Premier League? Try Togga’s FPL App, read about it right here on FantasyYIRMA and check out Togga’s FPL Cheatsheet!