Who are the most-popular early picks in Fantasy?
The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is in full swing, and managers are already making their early decisions on who to pick for their squads. With a record-breaking price rise for Cole Palmer (£10.5m), managers are rushing to own him, making him the most-popular midfielder. However, the same can’t be said for Erling Haaland (£15.0m), who despite being the highest-priced player of all time, sits in only 30% of squads. This trend of spreading funds throughout the lineup is impacting all positions, with managers looking for value picks in every area.
- Cole Palmer is the most-popular early pick in Fantasy Premier League, with over 53% of managers selecting him as their midfielder.
- Erling Haaland, despite being the highest-priced player at £15.0m, sits in only 30% of squads due to his expensive cost.
- Managers are spreading funds throughout their lineups, looking for value picks in every position rather than investing heavily in one player.
- The appeal of high-scoring midfielders like Cole Palmer is evident, with other popular choices like Mohamed Salah falling short of his dominance in ownership percentage.
- Erling Haaland’s high price tag has made him a differential captain choice this season, with many managers opting for more affordable alternatives.
The Midfield Maestro: Cole Palmer’s Dominance
Cole Palmer’s £5.5m price hike this season, following his impressive 244 points last campaign, has made him a coveted asset for FPL managers. He’s quickly become the most-owned midfielder, with over 53% of managers selecting him in their squads. This dominance is a testament to his potential and the belief managers have in his ability to rack up points.
Compare this to Anthony Gordon (£7.5m), the second most-popular midfielder, who boasts only 36% ownership. This significant gap highlights the appeal of Palmer, who’s considered a premium pick for his scoring potential and ability to rack up points.
The other midfielders on the list, including Eberechi Eze (£7.0m), Phil Foden (£9.5m), and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), are also popular choices, but their ownership percentages fall short of Palmer’s dominance. This highlights the early trend of managers prioritizing a high-scoring midfielder, and Palmer has emerged as the frontrunner in this race.
Haaland’s High Price Tag: A Differential Captain
Erling Haaland’s price tag of £15.0m has caused a stir among FPL managers. His high cost has prompted many to seek alternative options, resulting in a relatively low ownership of 30%. This trend is particularly interesting as Haaland was the runaway favourite last season, often exceeding 90% ownership.
Despite his high price, Haaland remains a strong contender for captaincy, especially if his ownership remains low. This could make him a valuable differential pick, potentially giving you a significant advantage over other managers.
Finding Value in the Forward Line
With Haaland’s high price, many managers are opting for budget-friendly alternatives in the forward line. Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) and Alexander Isak (£8.5m), the two most-owned strikers, are popular choices for their scoring potential and favorable fixtures.
The most-chosen budget forward to play alongside Haaland is Joao Pedro (£5.5m), who has 22% ownership. However, Rodrigo Muniz (£6.0m), with a more favorable schedule, could be a great cut-price differential.
Investing in Premium Defenders
The high cost of Haaland has also impacted the defense. Managers who are opting out of Haaland are instead investing in premium defenders. William Saliba (£6.0m) leads the pack, offering a secure route into Arsenal’s solid defense. Josko Gvardiol (£6.0m) and Pedro Porro (£5.5m) are also popular choices, each boasting over 25% ownership.
Budget Defenders: Finding Value in the Back Line
While premium defenders like Saliba and Gvardiol are popular, budget defenders like Dan Burn, Joachim Andersen, and Ezri Konsa are also attracting attention. These players offer value at £4.5m and have favorable early fixtures, making them an attractive option.
Goalkeeper Decisions: Finding Value and Clean Sheets
David Raya (£5.5m) is the most-owned goalkeeper, benefiting from Arsenal’s strong defensive record. However, managers are also exploring value options, with Brentford’s Mark Flekken (£4.5m) and his backup Hakon Valdimarsson (£4.0m) offering a cost-effective solution for achieving clean sheets and bonus points.
Conclusion
The early stages of the FPL season are marked by strategic decisions and a search for value in every position. Cole Palmer’s dominance in midfield, Haaland’s high price tag, and the emergence of budget-friendly options in all areas highlights the key trends shaping managers’ squads. As the season progresses, these trends could evolve, but these early selections provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of Fantasy Premier League.
