Are you ready to dominate your Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team this season? If you're still tinkering with your lineup, consider these eight players who could be game-changers, according to our FPL experts. These picks offer a blend of value, potential, and strategic advantage, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-competitive FPL landscape.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool
Wirtz, at £7.5m with around 14% ownership, is a mid-priced differential with significant upside. Under new manager Andoni Iraola, Wirtz's role is becoming clearer. Deployed as a number 10, he operates close to striker Alexander Isak, allowing him to touch the ball more in the final third and contribute to Liverpool's goal-scoring efforts. This shift in position, combined with Iraola's determination to maximize both players' potential, makes Wirtz a solid investment. At this price point, he provides a more accessible entry point into Liverpool's attack compared to other midfield options.
Pascal Gross, Brighton
Gross, a £5.5m midfielder, is a compelling budget option, currently owned by fewer than 11% of teams. His importance to Brighton's attack has grown significantly this summer. With Danny Welbeck now at Chelsea, Gross takes over penalty duties, having converted a spot-kick in pre-season. His involvement in set-pieces, including corners, adds multiple avenues for returns that most £5.5m midfielders lack. Brighton's continued generation of chances and Gross's central role in progressing the ball and attacking dead balls make him a reliable choice.
Antonin Kinsky, Tottenham
Kinsky, at £4.5m, is a standout budget goalkeeper option. He finished last season strongly, starting every game under Roberto de Zerbi and producing several excellent performances. While there's some uncertainty with Guglielmo Vicario still at the club, Kinsky is De Zerbi's first choice. His consistent starting role and low price make him an excellent option, offering clean sheet potential, save points, and a reliable floor.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool
Szoboszlai, at £7m, is an intriguing option after an excellent individual campaign last season. He finished as Liverpool's second-highest-scoring FPL player with 160 points, only behind Virgil van Dijk. With a very appealing opening five-gameweek schedule, including matches against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Fulham, and Bournemouth, Szoboszlai has multiple routes to points. His versatility, goal-scoring ability, and assist potential from set-pieces make him a valuable addition to any FPL team.
Joao Pedro, Chelsea
Joao Pedro, at £7.5m, is a key pick for fantasy forward lines after an impressive debut season for Chelsea, where he scored 15 goals and nine assists. With the summer off, he's well-placed to replicate this output under new boss Xabi Alonso. Chelsea's lack of European football also provides an advantage. Joao Pedro comes in £2m cheaper than Cole Palmer and is the clear focal point in the Chelsea attack, though summer signing Danny Welbeck could compete for minutes.
Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest
Neco Williams, a £5m defender, is an intriguing defensive selection. With a potential change in formation, he benefits from Nottingham Forest's expected defensive solidarity under new manager Oliver Glasner. Williams ranked third for fantasy points among Forest players last season, with five goal involvements and the most shots (46) among defenders. His potential to play more advanced and the team's improved defensive record make him a strong choice.
Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal
Calafiori, at £5.5m, is a cheap route to the elite Arsenal defense. While Piero Hincapie is a quality challenger for the left-back position, Calafiori's place in the XI feels secure if he stays fit. With a full pre-season under his belt, he's expected to provide immediate rewards from an attacking-minded full-back position. Calafiori is the better long-term hold, especially with the absence of William Saliba.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds United
Calvert-Lewin, at £6m, is the third most-owned forward, behind only Erling Haaland and Joao Pedro. Leeds impressed last season but under-performed their expected values. Calvert-Lewin's finishing was responsible for some of this, scoring 14 goals from 15.57 expected goals and earning 33 big chances. Nevertheless, he gets the chances and is a handful for any back line. His penalty duties, low substitution rate, good fixtures, and arguably under-priced status make him a valuable addition to any FPL team.
These players offer a mix of value, potential, and strategic advantage, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-competitive FPL landscape.
