With another top 10k finish last season, Corey Baker has now racked up five Top 10k finishes in total — cementing himself as one of Fantasy Premier League’s most consistent performers.
As part of our Elite XI: Team Reveal series, Corey has shared the early structure of his Gameweek 1 draft.
While it’s far from final, his notes reveal a clear plan for his defensive setup, premium picks, and even a possible early Bench Boost.
Let’s break it down.
“My Gameweek 1 draft is still very much up in the air, but have some structure in place. I am going fairly large up top and in the back.”
Corey’s main source of confidence right now? His forwards.
“It feels like the forwards are much less risky, specifically Watkins and Mateta.”
Looking at the two forwards’ 2024/25 stats in the Opta Heatmaps tool, both enjoyed impressive seasons. Watkins (186 points) was the third-highest scoring forward, while Mateta (150 points) ranked sixth.
Watkins’ 32 bonus points were bettered only by Wood (41) and Isak (36) among forwards, while Mateta’s 27 bonus points put him fifth in the position.
Interestingly, Mateta took a penalty ahead of Eze in the Community Shield, and with both Rashford and Asensio no longer at Villa, Watkins could also find himself on spot-kick duty.
If both end up with penalties in 2025/26, their FPL potential would get a significant boost.
In defence, he’s going all-in on Defensive Contributions (DEFCON) as a key edge.
“They are huge differentials for some and make premium defenders on elite teams much less valuable.”
His plan is to start with:
“I feel midfield is a bit of a mess honestly because the prime assets have terrible fixtures… or are question marks due to new arrival… or role/playing time.”
He lists Fernandes, Saka, Odegaard as assets with poor early fixtures, while players like Wirtz, Mbeumo, Gakpo, Marmoush face uncertainty in role or minutes.
Injuries to Rogers, Gordon, Schade haven’t helped either.
Corey is undecided between going with Salah or Haaland alongside Palmer.
On Salah:
“Salah has pretty rough fixtures in GW2-3… could drop in price… concerned with his role, space with Frimpong… and potential to be pulled from pens… He was completely invisible in the Community Shield… 1 shot and 0 chances created.”
On Haaland:
“I think there's a bit more certainty in role and fixtures although City still don't look to be that attacking. The 0.5 also comes in handy.”
“Palmer was lackluster to end the season but Chelsea have great fixtures and he should be nailed for 75mins+ per game at least until Europe starts. He's a no brainer for sure.”
Corey is considering an early chip play.
“Ideally I could BB in GW2 to get it out of the way, but that requires Dubravka to be healthy and starting. If he isn't, I will hold onto it and reassess.”
“I like Sarr a lot and will almost certainly go with him. Will also go Baleba as my enabler unless the transfer rumors for him get too hot.”
Beyond that, he’s eyeing a long list of possibilities but admits:
“Not really confident in any of them to be honest.”
The list includes Semenyo, Ndiaye, Rogers (if healthy), Gakpo, Mitoma, Rutter, Minteh, Strand Larsen, Jimenez, Evanilson.
Corey’s team is still evolving, but his FPL best team build is taking shape — big up top, DEFCON-heavy at the back, and a measured approach to midfield chaos.
Head over to the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool — and sign up for push notifications or email updates so you never miss when Corey locks in his final Gameweek 1 team.
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