This Lineup Will Win You Your League: Must-Read Tips for Dominating FPL This Season
Goalkeepers
David Raya (Arsenal) - £5.5m
2023/24 Points: 135 (4.2 per match)
David Raya emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in FPL last season, only trailing Jordan Pickford in points. Now a permanent fixture at Arsenal, Raya kept a clean sheet in half of his Premier League appearances. He conceded an average of just 0.75 goals per 90 minutes and made 1.44 saves per match, preventing 2.03 goals overall. With no loan-related ineligibility, Raya is set to be a consistent and reliable choice for all 38 games this season. His ability to make crucial saves and the solid Arsenal defense in front of him make Raya a premium option at a mid-tier price.
Mark Flekken (Brentford) - £4.5m
2023/24 Points: 119 (3.2 per match)
For managers seeking a budget-friendly goalkeeper, Mark Flekken is a strong contender. Flekken kept seven clean sheets and averaged 3.15 saves per 90 minutes last season. While he may not be a standout performer, his consistency and Brentford’s generally solid defensive setup make him a reliable choice. At £4.5m, Flekken offers good value, allowing you to allocate funds to strengthen other areas of your squad.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - £7m
2023/24 Points: 122 (4.4 per match)
Despite a significant price drop from £8m to £7m, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a premium FPL asset. He directly contributed to eight Premier League goals last season, including three goals and five assists. His ability to deliver in attack, combined with Liverpool’s defensive potential, makes him a valuable pick. Under new manager Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold is expected to occupy advanced positions frequently, whether playing as a right-back or in central midfield. Slot’s attacking philosophy, seen in the success of Feyenoord’s right-back Lutsharel Geertruida, further enhances Alexander-Arnold’s appeal.
Ben White (Arsenal) - £6.5m
2023/24 Points: 182 (4.9 per match)
Ben White was the highest-scoring defender in FPL last season, reflecting Arsenal’s exceptional defensive performance. White contributed to nine FPL goals, with four goals and five assists. His involvement in both defensive solidity and attacking play makes him a top choice for FPL managers. With Arsenal’s defense expected to remain robust, White’s ability to generate points from multiple avenues ensures he remains a valuable asset.
Josko Gvardiol (Man City) - £6m
2023/24 Points: 123 (4.4 per match)
Josko Gvardiol’s attacking contributions in the final weeks of last season have made him a popular choice among FPL managers. He scored four goals, provided two assists, and helped keep four clean sheets in his last seven games. His performance was crucial in Manchester City’s title charge. With City boasting one of the best defensive records in the league, Gvardiol’s dual threat of clean sheets and attacking returns makes him an enticing pick. His ability to adapt and excel in the left-back role adds further value.
Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa) - £5.0m
2023/24 Points: 11 (0.9 per match)
Ian Maatsen’s low points tally last season doesn’t reflect his potential. Despite his low numbers in his time at Chelsea, he is actually one of my favorite options in FPL this season. During a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, he impressed with two goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga matches. An attacking full-back, Maatsen’s move to Aston Villa under Unai Emery should provide him with more opportunities to excel. Emery’s system favors full-backs in advanced roles, and with Maatsen’s attacking instincts there’s a very good chance he gets significant game time on the wings. Even when playing on the wings, listed as a defender, any goal contributions could translate into valuable FPL points.
Leif Davis (Ipswich) - £4.5m
2023/24 Points: N/A
Leif Davis was a standout performer in the Championship, helping Ipswich gain promotion. He recorded 18 assists in 43 games, averaging 0.43 per 90 minutes. Davis also created 125 chances, more than any other player in the division. His attacking contributions and Ipswich’s 10 clean sheets make him an intriguing budget option. He is a low risk high reward fantasy option and If Davis can adapt to the Premier League, he could provide exceptional value for his price.
Midfielders
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) - £10.5m
2023/24 Points: 244 (7.2 per match)
Cole Palmer’s rise in price reflects his outstanding season, where he scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists. Leading the Premier League in goal involvements, Palmer is set to continue his impressive form. Despite the significant price increase, his ability to deliver points consistently makes him a must have in your squad. Palmer’s role in Chelsea’s attack, combined with his individual brilliance, ensures he will be a central figure in many FPL teams.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - £8.5m
2023/24 Points: 166 (4.7 per match)
Bruno Fernandes remains a reliable FPL pick, known for his creativity and consistency. He recorded 114 key passes and created 23 big chances last season, with an expected assists (xA) figure of 10.23. With United adding to their already developing attack, expect those chances to become assists this season. Fernandes’ dominance on set pieces, including corners, free kicks, and penalties, provides multiple routes to points and with Manchester United expected to improve, Fernandes’ role as the chief creator makes him an essential midfield option.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea) - £6.5m
2023/24 Points: 29 (2.6 per match)
Christopher Nkunku had a limited impact last season due to injury, but his preseason form of three goals in three games suggests he’s ready for a breakout campaign. Nkunku averaged 0.62 goals per 90 minutes in his limited appearances, and his expected goals (xG) of 0.52 per 90 indicates he regularly finds himself in dangerous positions. Under manager Enzo Maresca, Nkunku could become one of Chelsea’s key players, making him a valuable and affordable midfield pick.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) - £6.5m
2023/24 Points: 131 (3.6 per match)
Alejandro Garnacho is poised for a breakout season after showing great promise at the end of the last campaign. After changing positions, he grew into his role on the right wing towards the end of the season. Garnacho demonstrated his potential with an xG per 90 of 0.62 from January to May. With Manchester United expected to improve on an abysmal season, Garnacho’s attacking threat and value for money make him a great addition to your midfield.
Abdul Fatawu (Leicester City) - £5.5m
2023/24 Points: N/A
Abdul Fatawu was a standout in the Championship, contributing six goals and 13 assists for Leicester. He created the most big chances with 32 in the league and had an xA of 10.75. As Leicester returns to the Premier League, Fatawu’s creative play and potential to adapt to the top flight make him an exciting budget option for FPL managers.
Forwards
Alexander Isak (Newcastle) - £8.5m
2023/24 Points: 172 (5.7 per match)
Alexander Isak’s form in the latter half of last season saw him outperform even Erling Haaland in several metrics. With 18 of his 25 attacking returns coming after Gameweek 19, Isak demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess. His shot accuracy and consistent presence in the box make him a top-forward pick. As Newcastle continues to improve, Isak’s ability to lead the line ensures he will be a significant source of points.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) - £7.5m
2023/24 Points: 165 (4.7 per match)
Jean-Philippe Mateta had a remarkable turnaround, scoring 16 goals in 23 appearances from December onwards. His strong finish included scoring in 10 of his final 16 matches, with multiple braces and a hat trick. Despite likely missing the start of the season due to representing France in the Olympics, Mateta’s potential for high returns once he returns makes him a valuable forward option.
Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) - £7.5m
2023/24 Points: 142 (4.1 per match)
Nicolas Jackson’s debut season at Chelsea saw him underperform his xG of 19.86, scoring only 14 goals. However, his xG places him third among Premier League strikers, highlighting his potential. With Chelsea expected to bounce back, Jackson’s finishing ability will be crucial. If he improves his conversion rate, Jackson could provide significant value for his price.
