With 10× Top 10k finishes, 6× Top 5k, and 2× Top 1k, Tarek Balbaa is one of the most decorated Fantasy Premier League managers in the game.
Two weeks after his original team reveal, he’s back with an updated second draft as part of our Elite XI: Team Reveal series — and there are some big changes across the pitch.
“Two weeks after making my first draft and after a lot of information since then it's now time for an updated second draft. It's still work in progress but as of now I now have a clearer picture on where I might end comes the 15th of August.”
Let's dive in!
“I have now landed on Sels, he is a good option and the second highest keeper last season just 8 points shy of Pickford. He got 13 clean sheets, 11 bonus points and 120 saves.”
Most FPL managers prefer a set-and-forget approach with goalkeepers, as using transfers on them rarely offers much upside. That’s why seeing Sels top the Predicted Points & Stats tool for goalkeeper points over the first six Gameweeks only strengthens Tarek’s decision to back the Tricky Trees' shot-stopper.
Tarek sees real upside with Sels under Nuno’s Forest side, especially with the new save-related bonus updates.
“With the update to the bonus points for the saves from shots inside the box, Sels could benefit a lot.”
He pairs him with Dubravka, who could offer exceptional value if his rumoured transfer goes through:
“At just £4.0m… he could join Burnley, and a starting £4.0m keeper at Burnley is a no brainer.”
“Gabriel is still nowhere to be seen so I replaced him with Van Dijk who is predicted to benefit from the new defensive contributions points.”
Tarek’s backline now includes:
Van Dijk – primed for bonus from defensive contributions
The Liverpool defender performed well for Defensive Contributions (DEFCON) in 2024/25, averaging 10.68 per game according to the Opta Stats Sandbox.
He also returned a solid 3.9 FPL points per game, as shown in the Opta Heatmaps tool — the fourth-highest among all defenders.
Milenković – scored 5 goals last season, the joint most for defenders.
“In the second half of last season he got similar defensive contributions points to Murillo.”
Konsa – for Aston Villa’s favourable early fixtures
Estéve (Burnley, £4.0m) – “Could do well with the defensive contributions and plays Sunderland at GW2.”
“If I need cash [Milenković] could always be Neco Williams who is still great value at £5.0m.”
Salah, Palmer, and Rogers remain in his squad:
“Salah & Palmer are still locked in for now.”
“Rogers is in good form in preseason and even though Malen is cheaper at £5.5m I still prefer Rogers as he is more nailed.”
Tarek sees strong potential in both points and reliability:
“I think he could match or even exceed his last year's tally of 8 goals and 11 assists.”
According to the Insight Live tool, Salah (56.8%), Palmer (53%), and Rogers (24.4%) are currently three of the five most-owned midfielders in FPL.
He’s also added:
Ndiaye (£6.5m, Everton) –
“With penalties he's a good option and Everton start their campaign with Leeds and have an easy run.”
“The final piece of my midfield is a bit maverick… he scored 15 goals and got 4 assists with Milan, and I believe he could soon be safe pick...”
And if anything fails? He’s already thinking ahead:
“If [Ndiaye] fails there is always Kudus to jump to whom with the departure of Son and injury to Madison could be a great pick.”
Tarek is going back to one of his most trusted assets:
“I prefer to start with the well and trusted Watkins who outscored Haaland the last 2 seasons.”
“[He] could easily move Gyokeres if he hit the ground running.”
He’s also taking calculated risks with his other two picks:
Evanilson starts on the bench due to a difficult opening fixture, but he also features in our recent Top 5 Differentials article.
“Even though they start with Liverpool away but after that they have a good run.”
However, there are two names he’s cooling on:
“Even though I was really bullish on Joao Pedro & Solanke I am bit not sure now…”
“Pedro is without penalties now and could come out early for Delap. Also Solanke is still out injured and is yet to play in the friendlies which doesn't bode well with me in the start of the season.”
This team is still a work in progress, but it’s already packed with insights from a 10× Top 10k manager who takes chip strategy, early fixtures, and value seriously.
Head over to the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool and discover every pick – and make sure you’re signed up for push notifications or email updates so you don’t miss his final Gameweek 1 draft.
Hurry! Limited time 50% Off Premium Plus – See the Elite XI: Team Reveal Gameweek 1 drafts now! ⏳
Join 89% of members who won their main Mini-league last season.
Get 50% offAlready a Premium user? Login here
© fantasyfootballfix 2024 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
