The waiting is over and the new Premier League season is set to begin!
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We'll be delivering our usual head to head analysis from both division 1 and division 2 from GW2 once the fixture list for the season is determined - unfortunately that only occurs at the commencement of GW1 about an hour before kick-off in the United vs Fulham game!
However, that doesn't mean that the summer break hasn't thrown up plenty of talking points for FPL managers to consider as we head into GW1 and the early stages of the season more generally.
Clubs have been active in the transfer window which of course remains open until the end of the month meaning that high profile incomings and outgoings will continue to impact team selection.
The other major point for consideration for FPL managers is the number of players who have had little to no pre-season this year as a result of their involvement in either the Euros or Copa America. Many of the stars who featured in those international tournaments only returned to training last week and have therefore not taken part in warm-up games and tours. Will that impact their early season form?
The season's not started yet and some United fans must already be feeling a sense of déjà vu with a number of their players, including new signing Yoro (DEF), heading to the physio's room for extended lay-offs.
Pre-season has been a bit of mixed bag for the Red Devils with defeats to Rosenberg, Arsenal and Liverpool as well as the loss on penalties to City in the Community Shield.
Perhaps the biggest news coming out of those games was the reintroduction of Jadon Sancho (MID) to the squad who at £6.5mil could prove a very handy signing if he's able to achieve a level of consistency that has so far alluded him since his big money move to Old Trafford.
FPL managers will also be keen to see the early season form of Marcus Rashford (MID). After missing out on the Euros squad, he has had the whole summer to reflect on a disappointing 23/24 campaign and you feel that United will need him back to somewhere near his best if they are to progress this year. £7mil could prove to be a bargain price for a player who has passed 170 FPL points in 3 of the last 5 seasons but with ownership currently at 5%, managers are clearly waiting to see which Rashford will turn up this year.
Fulham had a number of very good FPL players in 23/24 but managers so far appear to have been dissuaded from selecting the likes of Leno (GK) and Muniz (FWD) following the inevitable price rises.
Fulham's most popular pick to date is new signing Smith-Rowe (MID) who has moved on from Arsenal after a frustrating few seasons of injuries and players moving ahead of him in the pecking order. The former Gunner gave a hint at what might be to come when he scored 7 mins into his Fulham debut. Now all he needs to do is stay fit...
A home game against the mighty Liverpool mean that Ipswich will certainly know they are back in the top flight of English football! There is a lot of excitement around a relatively young Ipswich Team and manager who have a reputation for playing good football but can they translate that into the Premier League?
We saw a Burnley team last season arrive with a similar reputation but who too frequently had their soft underbelly exposed by the ruthless nature of this division. Ipswich will need to adapt quickly if they are to avoid a similar fate.
It's probably not worth rushing to judgement too early on this Ipswich Team, particularly considering their opening 2 fixtures are this one and then a trip to the Ethiad. FPL managers clearly feel the same way, no side's players feature less in FPL squads at the time of writing than Ipswich.
Of course, Liverpool are embarking on their own new journey in the post Klopp-era. They've been very quiet in the transfer market to date but have had an impressive pre-season under new manager Arne Slot including wins over Arsenal, United and Sevilla.
Mo Salah (MID) has been heavily involved in those pre-season wins and he starts the season as the 2nd most expensive player in the FPL. Many managers seemed disappointed by Salah's performances last year and it is true that it was his lowest points haul since returning to the Premier League with Liverpool. However, it was still a 211 point season, the 7th best total for 23/24 and Liverpool have a pretty generous run of fixtures in the opening couple of months. Salah's ownership is currently hovering around a 3rd of FPL teams, could he make the doubters pay?
Is this the season for Arsenal? If it is to be then you'd feel they'll need to hit the ground running with some tough away fixtures in the first few weeks of the season which FPL managers will need to be wary of.
Given their record last year, defensive assets amongst the Gunners squad are very popular with FPL managers at the moment. You'd be brave not to have at least 1 Arsenal defender or the keeper in your initial squad but managers will also be concerned at the depth that Arteta now possess in the back line and the potential for rotation could cause a few headaches.
Arsenal have been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer with the main talking point over whether they'll bring in a new centre forward. To be quite frank, I'm sure they would look to bring someone in if there were genuine options out there but the market for strikers at the moment is very thin and it's entirely possible they'll start the new season with Jesus (FWD) and Havertz (FWD) as their forward options.
As for Wolves, they've endured another summer in which key players have left but there is not the same sense of doom and gloom that hung over the club this time last season. In fact, despite the loss of Neto and Kilmann, Gary O'Neill's team have been playing some remarkable football during pre-season (check out the goals below).
Still, picking out individual Wolves players to fit into your FPL side is tough and the fact that they face Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Villa, Newcastle and Chelseas in 6 of their first 10 matches this season also doesn't provide managers with much hope of a big points return before the autumn.
However, Sarabia (MID) and Ricardo Gomes (MID) are certainly players worth keeping an eye on early season in the hope that a more favourable run of fixtures from October onwards could deliver some rewards.
Everton supporters will be hoping for a less eventful season both on and off the field than last year provided. It would appear that the potential for further points deductions is not going to be an issue for 24/25 and if that's the case and the Toffees can continue to improve under Sean Dyche then the comfort of a midtable finish might await.
However, in attempting to balance the books, Everton have needed to sell Onana while there are still question marks over the future of Calvert-Lewin (FWD) and Branthwaite (DEF). The later was a popular pick last year and you'd imagine that most FPL managers will be looking to include a defensive asset from Everton given how difficult they are to break down.
Everton also have a relatively decent run of fixtures in the first part of the season with away matches at Spurs and Villa within the first month looking like the toughest games until they reach December. If that does tempt you into an Everton attacking player then McNeil (MID) has performed consistently around the 120 point mark in the Premier League. Even a modest increase in his output to 140-150 points would make his £5.5 mil price tag very reasonable.
23/24 was a bit of an anti-climax for Brighton. The club's first ever foray into European competition made it difficult to manage their squad and ultimately the rotation that ensued put a lot of FPL managers off picking the Seagull's players. However, they'll be no such distractions this season and unlike last summer, the squad is more settled than it appeared 12 months ago.
It means then that Brighton players could play a very significant part in FPL squad building this season. Barco (DEF) at just £4mil looks set to deputise for the injured Estupinian for at least the first few weeks of the season and given that he may well have some set piece duties too then having him in your squad is a bit of a no brainer.
Of course, what Brighton have been excellent at in recent years is brining in previously unheralded players on the cheap and turning them into Premier League stars. Mitoma (MID) looked likely to be the next example of that before injury cut his 23/24 season short but he'll be back and alongside several other Brighton players like Adringa (MID), Minteh (MID) and Joao Pedro (FWD) who are all priced at £5.5 mil they could become key assets for FPL sides.
A relatively tough first few games from the Seagulls is followed up by back to back home fixtures against Ipswich and Forest which might well prove the time to jump on the above names.
Last season was pretty tough going for a Newcastle side that endured countless injuries in a year where they were also competing in Europe's elite competition. The fact that they won't be playing in any European football at all this year makes their players far more attractive, particularly if they can stay fit!
Amongst the attacking options Gordon (MID) and Isak (FWD) will be very popular picks at reasonable price points. The former was particularly lethal at home last season while Isak is currently the most selected player in the game and only pick in more than 50% of FPL teams.
This time last year, having a Newcastle defender in your initial squad was a no brainer but they leaked a lot of goals during 23/24 and that lack of confidence is represented in the fact that even Dan Burn (DEF) at a relatively cheap price of £4.5mil is included in just 19% of teams. That of course could all change if the Toon Army start the season well and keep their key players fit.
As with all the promoted clubs, there aren't many FPL managers going for the unknown players in this Saints squad. Harwood-Bellis (DEF) offers a budget bench option and the potential of some attacking returns from full-back.
Southampton have also acquired the services of Brereton Díaz (MID) who scored 6 goals in 14 appearances for Sheffield United last season. At just £5.5 mil, he could prove a very effective differential, particularly as the Saints have a couple of big home games against the likes of Ipswich and Forest early in the season.
Like Everton, Forest will be hoping that they can leave their off-field problems behind them and focus on their football this year. New boss Nuno tightened up a weak Forest defence towards the end of last season so it's perhaps surprising to see that managers haven't selected more of their defenders for what looks like a decent opening 3 games of the season.
Further forward, the likes of Gibbs-White (MID), Elanga (MID) and Hudson-Odoi (MID) all impressed at times last year while Wood (FWD) is a constant goal threat when he's fit. Anderson (MID) has joined from Newcastle and if the preseason is anything to go by will be delivering set-pieces.
Ultimately, Forest players are reasonably priced without there being those 1 or 2 real bargain options which would surely attract more attention (think Nico Williams back in 22/23).
The same could be said of Bournemouth who of course have lost by far their most popular FPL player in Solanke. All eyes will be on who the Cherries bring in to replace their star striker but in the meantime, a player like Semenyo (MID) might be thrust into a more central position and could therefore prove to be a good option. The midfielder provided 12 goal contributions from just 25 starts last season.
West Ham have been backing their new manager in the transfer market this summer with big name signings across all areas of the pitch. How long it will take those players to adapt to the EPL and the Hammers squad more generally to the new boss' ideas remains to be seen. With just a solitary win during pre-season and that coming against non-league Dagenham and Redbridge then it does suggest FPL managers should be cautious on investing at this stage.
If you are inclined to go in for a West Ham player then Kudus (MID) looks the best value for money at £6.5mil. With no AFCON to break-up this campaign, the Ghanaian will be keen to improve on his already impressive haul of 137 fantasy points from just 25 starts last season.
Villa meanwhile will want to learn from the struggles of Newcastle last season as they embark on their first ever Champions League campaign. The Midlands club did however play European football last season and have the experience of Unai Emrey to help manage a squad that has added a little bit of depth despite the financial challenges.
Watkins (FWD) will of course be the man that FPL managers are looking to. 18 Assists alongside 19 goals was a brilliant return. It's also worth noting that he's never failed to hit double figures in a Premier League season, making his £9mil price tag look like value for money.
Elsewhere, Rogers (MID) has attracted attention following a strong conclusion to last season and further goals in pre-season. The youngster joined from Boro in January and might be set to have a big impact on the Premier League this season.
https://www.facebook.com/avfcofficial/videos/three-in-a-row-morgan-rogers/3710477092563224/
Brentford have a reputation for making strong starts to a Premier League season while Palace were one of the form sides at the back end of last year and have gone unbeaten in pre-season.
Star players and popular FPL picks on both sides still have question marks hanging over their futures, particularly that of Ivan Toney (FWD). His final destination will be of interest as will the question of who takes over as the main attacking threat and penalty taker for the Bees. Wissa (FWD) and Mbuemo (MID) have both been consistent FPL performers and providing they can stay fit might be the main beneficiaries of Toney's departure.
At the back, Flekken (GK) represents decent value for money as a starting keeper for £4.5mil but he did only keep 7 clean sheets last season. By contrast, Palace hit double figures for CS last season and so it's no surprise that defensive options like Andersen (DEF), Guehi (DEF) and Hendersen (GK) have been heavily selected. There was also some decent offensive output from their full-backs Mitchell (DEF) and Munoz (DEF) under new manager Glasner's tactical switch and both represent cheaper options than many of the other potential high pointing score defenders available.
Glasner's arrival also revitalised Mateta (FWD) although his significant price rise to £7.5 mil and his involvement in the Olympics has put most managers off backing him at this stage. That leaves Eze (MID) as the man that most FPL sides are backing to be Palace's main man this year although managers will no doubt keep an eye on new signings Sarr (MID) and Kamada (MID) who have the attacking prowess to be effective fantasy players.
The real glamour tie of the opening weekend sees Chelsea host champions Man City. After a decent end to last season where it looked like the Blues might finally be heading towards some stability, the departure of Poch and arrival of Maresca alongside 10 new players and counting suggests another period of turmoil in West London.
Their season preparations have seen some humiliating pre-season defeats including getting thumped 4-2 by the same opposition during their tour of the US this summer.
Palmer (MID) , a must have player from last season, has shot up in value to £10.5mil but managers are still backing him to perform. He is currently the most popular midfield pick in the game and 4th most popular overall.
Those who didn't have the budget for Palmer have been inclined to go for Nkunku (MID) who has fallen to just £6.5mil. If he can stay fit and become a first team regular then that looks like a very good price for a talented player in a 'Big 6' club.
The popularity of Chelsea players despite the uncertainty around the club is no doubt increased by their run of fixtures early on. After this City game, they have 6 matches in a row rated 'green 2' for difficulty.
How much you're inclined to use that particular metric when picking players is up to you but I'd be very careful of using it to measure the likelihood of success for this Chelsea side at the moment. Are they really going to be going in as big favourites away at Wolves, Bournemouth and West Ham? Let's not forget their home form has also been dire over parts of the last couple of seasons so the fixtures against the likes of Palace and Brighton are not foregone conclusions in my opinion.
As for City, the £15mil price tag for Haaland (FWD) means he's not in everyone's squad this August but he does appear in 45% of teams, making him the 2nd most popular player in the game. Beyond the 489 FPL points he's acquired in his 2 EPL seasons to date, is the attraction of a player who had the summer off. It's entirely possible that later in the season managers will look at other, cheaper City assets who were away with their national teams over the break but for now, Haaland appears the most likely starter and consistent point scorer for the champions.
At the back, Gvardiol's (DEF) glut of goals and assists at the end of last season has seen him feature heavily in FPL squads. Personally I'm always nervous about City defenders, they tend to ship sloppy goals and Pep has plenty of options back their to rotate amongst. For £6mil, I want to be sure the guy's playing week in week out.
Monday night see's Leicester return to the Premier League and you can bet the King Power Stadium will be rocking for this one against Spurs.
Compared to the other promoted clubs, Leicester have a significant advantage in as far as the number of players who have EPL experience in their squad. However, a few of those key men in Vardy (FWD), Coady (DEF) and Daka (FWD) appear to be struggling for fitness early on.
The Foxes, much like Sheffield United last season, have also been hampered by financial issues meaning that rather than strengthening their squad, they've had to sell to other Premier League teams in the hope of avoiding a points deduction later in the season.
The most popular pick for Leicester this season is former Spurs man Winks (MID) whose price of £4.5mil has attracted managers. I personally think there are better options at that price for a player who has 6 goal involvements in 6 previous Premier League seasons.
As for Spurs, Porro's (DEF) eye for goal and involvement in set-pieces makes him an attractive asset especially considering his value compared to some of the other attacking full-backs that are available.
Spurs new summer signing Solanke (FWD) is also a popular pick following a strong season with Bournemouth. While Richarlison (FWD) remains at the club there is the possibility of some rotation in the centre-forward position, something that was never an issue for FPL managers throughout The Kane era.
One man to keep an eye on will be new signing Bergvall (MID) who has impressed in pre-season particularly in the friendlies against Bayern Munich. The young Swede might have to wait to get his chance in the Premier League but if he does break through then £4.5 mil will be a steal.
A reminder that GW1 begins at 6:30pm BST this Friday!
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