The Fantasy Premier League is relaunching for another year; players build their teams and can make unlimited transfers until the start of the new season on August 11; Sky Sports runs through the talking points as the player awards are revealed
6:51, UK, Thursday 6 July 2023
It’s back! The Fantasy Premier League returns for a new season and it’s time for the rivalry to resume.
The 2023/24 version of the game was relaunched on Wednesday, with players up and down the country starting to assemble their squads.
With unlimited changes between now and the season opener on August 11, there will be a lot of chop and change on the beaches for many fans.
With player prices now out, it’s time to get out the calculators to see who you can afford – and who will be the bargains.
Sky Sports running through the talking points as the game launches for another year…
Is Haaland perhaps too expensive this year?
Danny Cowley and Jay Boothroyd compare the qualities of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland and the impact they have for their respective teams
We all expected Erling Haaland’s price to rise – but to see a player sitting at £14.0m. is a terrifying prospect.
After 36 goals last season, the Manchester City forward is sure to be a must for every team next summer. But it raises serious questions about where to put the rest of the funds.
Is a common trait for Haaland and Harry Kane (£12.5m) is considered too much money? Kane potentially leaving Tottenham for Europe would take that problem out of your hands, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.0m) even at a high price, you can spend about a third of your budget on three players.
Decisions, decisions…
Is Salah worth it when others are cheaper?
Mohamed Salah tends to be an FPL must, but is the Egyptian forward worth the £12.5m price tag when you can get more top-flight options on the cheap?
They like Marcus Rashford (£9.0m), Bukayo Saka (£8.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m), Jack Grealish (£7.5m) and even Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m) has the potential to provide a strong return.
So is the best option to go with Salah and weaken part of your midfield? Or get more of the £7-10m options. across the board and maximize your opportunities?
Mid lane offer…
Take a look at all of Martin Odegaard’s goals in the 2022-23 Premier League season…
This is what most people are looking for on FPL launch day: which goalscorers have been moved from strikers to midfielders over the summer? See Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz from a few years ago.
Well Havertz (£7.5m) is another option again this year. The German’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal – and potential midfield role for Mikel Arteta’s side this season – has been recognized by the FPL.
There is Bryan Mbeumo (£6.5m) of Brentford, who has also made the switch from striker to midfielder. The Frenchman will be a player who needs to step up in the absence of Ivan Toney, who will not return from his betting ban until January.
Brennan Johnson (£6.0m) is another player who has moved from forward to midfielder over the summer. The Nottingham Forest star bagged eight goals last season in his debut campaign and could well improve on that tally this term, but a difficult start to the season for Steve Cooper’s side could mean he is a later-season signing.
And there are those who excelled last season who could be considered bargains in midfield. Put Bruno Fernandes and Martin Odegaard (both £8.5m) in that category, as well Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m). All three midfielders were expected to be far more expensive after last season’s exploits and should be targeted given the favorable starts to the season enjoyed by Arsenal, Brighton and Manchester United.
Are Botman and Estupinan the best defenders?
The price of Newcastle defenders was expected to rise given their defensive solidity last season – but eyebrows were raised when Sven Botman was priced at right £4.5m.
If you balance your budget right, the Newcastle man could represent a cheap, guaranteed high-level starter for a team expected to perform well defensively.
The effect of Pervis Estupinán and Oleksandr Zinchenko (both £5.0m) at their respective clubs made them attractive options throughout the previous campaign and there is no surprise, both are cheaper than Luke Shaw, Reece James and Ben Chilwell (all £5.5m).
Having a cost-effective defenseman is a good way to maximize premium talent, so these options are very useful.
Who are the top picks from the newly promoted teams?
There is always one. Which of the newly promoted sides will present the £4.0m defensive option?
Last year, Neco Williams ended up in everyone’s team with Nottingham Forest. This year is Luton Towns Amari’i Clock (£4.0m), a regular for the Hatters in the Championship last season, has been earmarked as the early option. Burnley’s Jordan Beyer (£4.0m) is another option, who should get regular playing time at that price.
Forward, Luton duo Carlton Morris (£5.5m) and Elijah Adebayo (£5.0m) are probably the most potent target threats.
Burnley should be expected to continue playing a positive brand of football under Vincent Kompany. Conor Roberts (£4.5m) has experience of being a goalscoring defender while midfielder Manuel Benson (£5.5m) has a taste for the spectacular.
Sheffield United Ndiaye Education (£5.5m) could balance the books for those looking to make expensive strikers.
Opening matches of the weekend
Here is the first round of matches for the 2023/24 Premier League season:
Friday, August 11
Burnley vs Manchester City – kick-off at live on Sky Sports
Saturday, August 12
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest – kick-off 12.30pm
Bournemouth vs West Ham – kick-off at 3pm
Brighton vs Luton – kick-off at
Everton vs Fulham – kick-off at
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace – kick-off at
Newcastle vs Aston Villa – kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Sunday, August 13
Brentford vs Tottenham – kick-off at live on Sky Sports
Chelsea vs Liverpool – kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Monday 14 August
Manchester United vs Wolves – kick-off at live on Sky Sports