Fantasy Premier League Insights Ahead of New Season
With the introduction of a new point-scoring system, rising prices, and the addition of new clubs featuring some of last season's standout players, there is much to consider as Fantasy Premier League (FPL) prepares to return next week.
In anticipation of the season's start, BBC Sport's panel of FPL experts—Pras, Holly Shand, Gianni Buttice, and FPL Heisenberg—along with Statman Dave from the BBC Sport FPL Podcast, discuss key topics to assist players before the deadline on Friday, August 15.
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Can Salah Repeat His Success, and Is He Worth the Investment?
Last season, Mohamed Salah set the all-time FPL points record, scoring 28 goals and providing 19 assists, totaling 344 points.
He is now priced at £14.5 million, marking a £2 million increase from the previous season, making him the most expensive midfielder in FPL history.
Gianni: Salah is the key player for the league's top attack, and I firmly believe he is worth the high price tag. Captaincy plays a crucial role in this game, and Salah will often be the best choice for the armband.
Holly: While I have reservations about Salah replicating his extraordinary performance from the 2024-25 season, I anticipate a strong start that will justify his price in the early weeks. He has never failed to score in the first gameweek, averaging 12.25 points per game, and Liverpool has bolstered their attack this transfer window. However, his momentum may be affected by the Africa Cup of Nations.
Pras: Liverpool has already signed world-class players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, which should enhance their attacking capabilities this season. While there are benefits to diversifying your spending, captaincy remains vital in FPL, making Salah an essential player. In the first five gameweeks, I expect him to be the top captain choice in Gameweek 1 (Bournemouth at home), Gameweek 4 (Burnley away), and Gameweek 5 (Everton at home).
It is wise to start with Salah, as adjusting your budget later is easier than trying to fit him in afterward.
Heisenberg: I expect another stellar season from him, and he doesn't need to match last year's performance to remain a valuable FPL asset. I wouldn't be surprised to see him among the top point scorers again, especially considering captaincy factors.
Can Mbeumo and Cunha Shine Again at Manchester United?
Matheus Cunha (178 points) and Bryan Mbeumo (236 points) were key players for Wolves and Brentford last season. However, can they replicate that success amid Manchester United's competitive attacking lineup?
Holly: Both Cunha and Mbeumo (£8 million each) are understandably popular choices, given Manchester United's vast fanbase. However, I am skeptical about their potential output in the early season due to their integration into Ruben Amorim's system during challenging opening fixtures. I believe Bruno Fernandes (£9 million) remains the optimal midfield selection due to his set-piece duties.
Pras: Both players contributed significantly to their clubs' goal tallies last season, particularly as penalty and set-piece takers. This dynamic may not be replicated at United. Pre-season observations suggest that Fernandes will continue to handle penalties and be the primary chance creator, which could diminish Cunha and Mbeumo's FPL value relative to their previous roles.
Heisenberg: I consider both players a wait-and-see situation; United's early fixtures are mixed, and there are numerous other strong options to start the season with. If I choose a United midfielder, it will be Fernandes due to his penalty responsibilities, assist potential, and consistent playing time.
Statman: I would avoid both players for the first eight matches. This season could be unpredictable—United might either be leading the table or facing a managerial change after eight games.
Gianni: Both players will likely lose penalty duties, which reduces their appeal. However, if United finds their rhythm, they could become valuable FPL assets. Given the tough opening fixtures and uncertainties, it's best to take a wait-and-see approach.
Holly: I do favor Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu (£4.5 million) as picks from United. Fernandes may play slightly deeper this season, but his potential for defensive contribution points could be crucial. He would have earned 22 additional points last season, the highest among midfielders priced above £5.5 million. Wing-back Dorgu proved to be a consistent threat down United's flanks last season, accumulating 10 shots and 12 key passes across 12 Premier League appearances. He is developing strong chemistry with Cunha on the left flank.
Are Any Manchester City Assets Worth the Investment Besides Haaland?
Pras: Manchester City has made several significant signings this summer, complementing the return of Rodri and Oscar Bobb. Most of these acquisitions were completed before the Club World Cup, providing an early glimpse of Pep Guardiola's potential lineup. A total of 24 players started at least one match in that tournament, indicating that Pep Roulette may be in effect.
Gianni: Erling Haaland (£14 million) is arguably the only Manchester City forward you can count on to start every week when fit. I would also consider Omar Marmoush (£8.5 million), who has been reclassified as a midfielder. Since arriving in Manchester, he has started 14 of 16 league matches, with only Josko Gvardiol logging more league minutes than the versatile attacker. Tijjani Reijnders at £5.5 million is also worth considering.
Heisenberg: I don't plan to start the season with any City attackers, but I find Marmoush intriguing. If Haaland were to get injured, you could have an £8.5 million midfielder playing as a center-forward. However, given the potential for rotation among City's midfielders, it may be best to wait and see how they fit into the lineup.
Holly: This is one of my biggest dilemmas heading into Gameweek 1. Guardiola is notorious for rotating his squad, and with additional attacking options arriving this window, players like Marmoush and Phil Foden become riskier choices. Haaland is in less than 20% of teams, making him a valuable option, as he averages over seven goal involvements in the first four gameweeks. He is included in my latest draft alongside Salah.
Pras: One could argue for Marmoush, who played 90 minutes 13 times last season after his arrival in January. However, many of those starts occurred when Haaland was injured or when Foden was out of favor. I remain cautious and prefer to avoid all City attackers.