FPL is finally back, and one of the game’s most consistent managers is almost locked in.
Tarek Balbaa, better known as FPL Egypt, has recorded ten top-10k finishes and is one of only five managers to have achieved that feat.
You can follow every change to his squad live through the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool and receive notifications whenever he updates his team.
Ahead of tonight’s 18:30 BST deadline, Tarek has moved to a triple Arsenal set-up, backed Christos Tzolis over Liverpool’s midfielders and narrowed down his final budget picks.
Here, he explains the thinking behind his latest draft.
The Community Shield significantly changed Tarek’s view of Arsenal’s FPL options.
“The Community Shield changed my mind on Arsenal, and I now have three of their players—with Mosquera not among them.”
The Gunners conceded only 27 goals and kept a league-high 19 clean sheets last season, demonstrating why Tarek wants three routes into their team.
Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) is the riskiest selection, but his attacking potential has proven difficult to ignore.
“Calafiori’s upside is irresistible. He comes with a very high level of risk, but it is a risk I am willing to take.”
Calafiori averaged 0.17 expected goals per 90 minutes last season, compared with 0.12 for Gabriel. He also recorded considerably more shots per 90, with 1.68 compared with Gabriel’s 0.92.
Regular starts are not guaranteed, but the potential for clean sheets and attacking returns gives Calafiori an enticing ceiling.
Tarek is also prepared to start the season with Ben White (£5.5m) while Jurriën Timber (£6.5m) continues his recovery.
“Timber is yet to return to training, so hopefully White is secure until the international break, provided he remains fit.”
White could offer a relatively secure short-term route into Arsenal’s defence, although the situation will need to be monitored once Timber returns.
Christos Tzolis (£6.5m) was another player to change Tarek’s thinking during the Community Shield.
“Tzolis really impressed me, so I have moved away from the Liverpool midfielders to bring him in.”
The midfielder arrived at Arsenal after recording an outstanding 41 goal involvements in 52 appearances for Club Brugge last season.
His first Premier League campaign brings uncertainty, but his previous output and encouraging pre-season performances have convinced Tarek to take the risk.
Several defensive positions could still change before the deadline.
“In defence, I currently have Shaw and Rodon, although Ajer could replace either of them before the deadline.”
Luke Shaw (£4.5m) offers a chsap route into Manchester United’s defence. He played 3,220 minutes last season, collecting 113 FPL points and ten clean sheets.
United also rank first for defensive difficulty across the opening two Gameweeks, beginning with Hull City and Ipswich Town.
However, Kristoffer Ajer (£4.5m) remains under consideration and could enter the squad if Tarek decides to make a late defensive change.
The Brentford defender averaged 9.46 defensive contributions per 90 minutes last season.
Tarek’s strategy throughout pre-season has been to target affordable midfielders who could take penalties.
“I am still trusting the potential penalty-takers in Groß and Ndiaye. However, I will be closely monitoring the latest transfer rumours, particularly around Ndiaye.”
Pascal Groß (£5.5m) achieved six FPL assists in just 19 games last season last season, highlighting the creativity he can provide even if his penalty-taking role remains uncertain.
If transfer speculation surrounding Ndiaye develops, Tarek has identified three potential replacements.
“I may move to Le Fée, Schade or possibly Gomez. Gomez is not my favourite option, but selecting him could free enough money to upgrade Shaw and Rodon to Maguire and Muharemović.”
Kevin Schade (£6.0m) recorded eight goals, five assists and 22 big chances last season, while Enzo Le Fée (£6.0m) returned five goals and six assists.
Diego Gomez (£5.0m) offers less appeal to Tarek individually, but his price could improve the overall balance of the squad. He recorded 6.11 xG and received ten big chances last season, suggesting there is still some attacking potential at the budget price point.
Tarek has confirmed that he will activate his Bench Boost in FPL Gameweek 1.
That places even greater importance on selecting 15 players capable of starting and returning points. It also explains why budget options such as Rodon, Groß and Ndiaye—and Tarek’s final defensive combination—remain crucial to his draft.
You can view his complete Bench Boost squad and follow any last-minute changes through the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool.
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