FPL 2024/25: Key Player Picks and Prices

With the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season approaching, it's time to strategize on picking the best players for your team. Here's a comprehensive guide to some top picks and their prices for this season, ensuring you get the most value and points from your squad.

Key Players and Prices

Forwards:

Erling Haaland (£15.0m) - As the most expensive player in FPL history, Haaland remains a dominant force, having scored 36 goals last season. His hefty price means you’ll need to balance your budget carefully if you want him on your team.

Alexander Isak (£8.5m) - Isak had a stellar season with Newcastle United, scoring 21 goals despite limited starts. With a favorable early fixture list, he’s a strong option for managers looking for a reliable forward.

Midfielders:

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) - Salah continues to be Liverpool’s main man, having delivered over 200 points for seven consecutive seasons. His price reflects his reliability and high scoring potential.

Bukayo Saka (£9.0m) - Saka remains a key player for Arsenal, contributing significantly with both goals and assists. His price increase reflects his growing importance and output for the Gunners.

Phil Foden (£9.5m) - Foden is expected to have a big impact this season for Manchester City. His ability to score and assist makes him a versatile and valuable pick for any FPL team.

Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) - Gordon had a breakthrough season with Newcastle, and his price rise reflects his contributions. He’s a good mid-priced option with a favorable opening schedule.

Defenders:

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) - Despite a challenging season, Alexander-Arnold remains one of the best attacking defenders in FPL. His ability to create chances and take set pieces ensures he continues to be a popular pick.

Fabian Schar (£5.5m) - Schar’s attacking returns and solid defensive performances make him a good option for those looking for a dependable defender at a reasonable price.

Goalkeepers:

David Raya (£5.5m) - Raya is likely to be one of the top-priced goalkeepers this season. His consistent performances and ability to keep clean sheets make him a strong choice for FPL managers.

Strategies for Team Selection

Balancing Star Power with Value Picks: While it’s tempting to load up on superstars like Haaland and Salah, balancing your team with mid-priced and value picks is crucial. Players like Isak and Eze offer good returns at more manageable prices.

Favorable Fixtures: Early season fixtures are a key consideration. Newcastle, for instance, has a favorable opening run, making their players particularly attractive. Targeting teams with easier fixtures can give you a strong start.

Avoiding Overpriced Players: Be cautious with players who might be overpriced relative to their expected performance. For instance, while Haaland’s price is justified, fitting him in means making sacrifices elsewhere.

Suggested Team for First Matchweek

Here's a suggested Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team for the first matchweek of the 2024/25 season, based on current stats and analysis:

Goalkeeper

David Raya (£5.5m) - Brentford
Consistent performances and a good chance of clean sheets early in the season make Raya a solid choice.

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) - Liverpool
Offers significant attacking returns in addition to clean sheets.

Fabian Schar (£5.5m) - Newcastle United
Strong defensive presence with the potential for goals and assists.

Ola Aina (£4.5m) - Nottingham Forest
Budget-friendly option with a good chance of starting and contributing to clean sheets.

Midfielders

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) - Liverpool
Reliable point scorer with goals and assists, essential for any FPL team.

Bukayo Saka (£9.0m) - Arsenal
Key player for Arsenal, capable of providing both goals and assists.

Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) - Newcastle United
Coming off a great season and facing favorable early fixtures.

Leon Bailey (£6.5m) - Aston Villa
Provides good value with his potential for attacking returns.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£15.0m) - Manchester City
The most expensive player but a consistent goal scorer, essential despite the high price.

Alexander Isak (£8.5m) - Newcastle United
Offers great value with his goal-scoring ability and favorable fixtures.

Bench

Goalkeeper: Jason Steele (£4.0m) - Brighton - Budget goalkeeper option.

Defender: Dan Burn (£4.5m) - Newcastle United - Inexpensive defensive cover from a strong team.

Midfielder: Morgan Gibbs-White (£6.5m) - Nottingham Forest - Decent mid-priced option with potential for attacking returns.