With the new Premier League season underway, Sky Sports News has launched a weekly column bringing you essential advice from the best Fantasy Premier League managers in the world.
In our second column, holly shan, FPL-Heisenberg Y FPL Family – who between them have ten top 10k finishes and over 30 years of fantasy experience – look at what we learned from Gameweek 1, discuss Erling Haaland’s instant impact, and reveal some of the cheaper players who caught his eye.
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Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith reflect on their Fantasy Premier League teams’ performances on the opening weekend of the new season
What did you learn from GW1?
Holly Shand: Gameweek 1 provided a good indication of where certain teams stand: Manchester City appear to be their title to lose, with the link between Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland already visible. On Manchester’s red side, we saw a shaky start from Manchester United at Old Trafford – we may have to wait until later in the season to get value from their assets.
FPL_Heisenberg: It is clear that Aleksandar Mitrovic can do it in the Premier League. He intimidated one of the best defenses in the league and could provide real value at just £6.6m. His Fulham teammate and ultra-budgetary option Andreas Pereira (£4.5m) was also impressive. He took free kicks, corners and was very attacking from open play, so he kept a close eye on the Fulham pair.
FPLFamily: When it comes to teams and players like Man City and Haaland (£11.6m), FPL managers should be less worried about the match. On paper, West Ham’s visit should have been a difficult game for Haaland, but he scored a brace and showed that he can return points against anyone. As mentioned, Periera also shone and was Fulham’s most advanced player against Liverpool with 22 touches in the final third, more than anyone else.
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Roy Keane, Karen Carney, Micah Richards and Gary Neville discuss Manchester City’s Erling Haaland’s performance after the striker scored twice in his first Premier League game
Is Haaland now an essential player?
FPL_Heisenberg: Must-own is a strong statement, but Haaland is very close to it. With a good string of matches to come, including Bournemouth at Gameweek 2, I wouldn’t want to be without the Norwegian, that’s for sure.
FPLFamily: Haaland was only outclassed in Gameweek 1 by two players and his run of matches from now until facing Liverpool in Gameweek 11 is very attractive. Haaland will also get a good break in the middle of the season as he will not travel to the World Cup. For me, this makes it a must own.
Holly Shand: Absolutely! I already made the (Harry) Kane trade on Sunday night, while both players were priced at £11.5m. Haaland on penalties is a game changer. I didn’t expect him to get off to a fast start on a tough trip to West Ham, but he proved me wrong. He had five shots into the box and four great chances, more than any other Premier League player.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Manchester City’s win against West Ham in the Premier League
What would you do if you had Kane but didn’t trade Haaland before the price changed?
Holly Shand: Despite the price changes, I still think Kane to Haaland is an important move, even if it means taking a four-point hit. Haaland is entering a period with three home games in his next four, two of them against promoted teams. Kane failed to impress against Southampton, failing to record an attacking comeback despite Tottenham scoring four. Midfielders Heung-Min Son (£12m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£8m) seem to be better options at the moment.
FPL_Heisenberg: I agree and would take the minus four point hit when Kane takes on Chelsea this week. You would make this move by freeing up some cash from a player you no longer want. For example, maybe he has Leon Bailey on his bench who he could trade to Pereira to free up £0.5m in funding. Or if he doesn’t have the only £4m starting goalkeeper yet, Danny Ward, then he could bring him in.
FPLFamily: Kane hasn’t become a bad pick overnight. After Chelsea this week, Tottenham are on a hot run, including games against Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest. Managers should also keep in mind that players may see more than one price change in a week, and therefore should be careful that Haaland’s price does not go up again before Gameweek 2.
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Sue Smith and Stephen Warnock discuss Haaland’s sensational Premier League debut
Are three viable at the helm: Gabriel Jesús, Haaland and Darwin Núñez?
Holly Shand: I wasn’t convinced by Jesus’ £8m performance against Crystal Palace, but we saw a lot of potential in Arsenal’s attack and with promising games ahead I’m ready to give him more time. Núñez (£9m) looks to be quite the fantasy asset already, with three shots on target and a higher xG without a penalty (1.46) than any other player, despite playing just 39 minutes. However, I already have three times as many Liverpool players, so making the switch will not be easy.
FPLFamily: Absolutely! Managers could invest in Periera or Josh Da Silva (£4.5m) in midfield, as well as Neco Williams or Nathan Patterson (both £4m) in defence. Doing this will free up the budget to have three expensive pickups at the top. But in the clamor for premium strikers, managers must be careful not to overlook cheaper options in form such as Ivan Toney (£7m) and Mitrovic.
FPL_Heisenberg: Absolutely, it may not be easy for most who already have three Liverpool assets, but these three looked great in Gameweek 1 and are a solid trio. I won’t personally move for Nunez as I’m happy with my three Liverpool players, but I agree he is a great option and should surely start after impressing against Fulham.
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Fantasy expert @FPL_Heisenberg highlights the Arsenal players you need in your FPL squad after their win against Crystal Palace
Aaronson turned heads, but what other cheaper midfield assets impressed? And which one doesn’t?
FPL_Heisenberg: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds) looked amazing and was unlucky not to come out with a goal against Wolves. I mentioned it before, but Pereira really caught my attention. In the open game, he is well advanced supporting Mitrovic and can be a viable starter in his team, especially when Fulham’s fixtures turn more favorable on Gameweek 8.
Holly Shand: Jack Harrison (£6m) also put in an impressive performance at the heart of Leeds’ midfield. He seems to be taking on the mantle of Raphinha as the creative force on this side, with seven key passes and two big chances created putting him at the top of these metrics. Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) failed to impress, with Man Utd without a focal point for most of the game with Christian Eriksen playing the role of false nine.
FPLFamily: There are a number of good options in midfield. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli (£6m) was in fantastic form, as was Pascal Gross (£5.5m). At £6.5m with his set piece threat, James Ward-Prowse also appears to have continued the strong performances we saw from him in 2021/22. However, managers can get away cheaper with Da Silva and Periera.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the draw between Fulham and Liverpool in the Premier League
Is it too early for the wild card?
FPLFamily: Yes, it’s too soon. I like to have another Gameweek of data at least before making any big decisions. Historically, some Premier League teams always start slower than others. I’d be looking for a wildcard on or around Gameweek 5 and will probably be looking to tie my wildcard to the international break. However, if you’re looking at your team and want to trade eight or more players, then the early wildcard might work.
FPL_Heisenberg: In a regular season I would say yes, however with the unlimited transfers we have during the World Cup, plus the usual two wildcards, you can definitely use your wildcard now and still be absolutely fine. Don’t be afraid to use it if you need it.
Holly Shand: As mentioned, the early wild card is not a bad thing this season. However, I would be inclined to give it at least another week. By that time, each team will have played a home game and the summer transfer window will have brought more consideration for our fantasy teams.
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Source: www.skysports.com