FPL Best Midfielders 23/24: Top Picks & Analysis
Selecting the best midfielders is crucial for a successful Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season. These players often provide a consistent stream of points through goals, assists, and clean sheet contributions. Identifying the top midfield options early can give you a significant edge over your rivals. In this article, we'll dive deep into the standout midfielders for the 2023/24 season, analyzing their potential based on form, fixtures, and underlying stats. We'll explore both established stars and hidden gems who could become differential picks in your FPL team.
Premium Midfielders: The Reliable Point Scorers
When it comes to premium midfielders in FPL, you're looking at players who consistently deliver high scores week after week. These are the guys who are usually nailed on in their teams, play in attacking roles, and have a proven track record of goals and assists. Investing in one or two of these players can provide a solid foundation for your midfield and overall FPL team. In the 2023/24 season, there are several premium midfielders who stand out as excellent options.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Arguably the top FPL midfielder year after year, Mohamed Salah is a must-consider. His goal-scoring record is phenomenal, and he's also on penalty duties, further boosting his appeal. Despite his hefty price tag, Salah's consistency and explosive potential make him worth every penny. He's always a threat to score multiple goals in a game, and his assist potential is also high. Selecting Salah provides a reliable captaincy option each week. Guys, don't overlook him!
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): When fit and firing, Kevin De Bruyne is an FPL goldmine. His vision, passing range, and ability to score spectacular goals make him a constant threat. De Bruyne's assist numbers are consistently among the highest in the league, and he also chips in with his fair share of goals. The only concern with De Bruyne is his fitness, as he has been prone to injuries in recent seasons. However, if he can stay fit, he's an elite FPL option.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Bruno Fernandes is the talisman of Manchester United, and his FPL returns reflect that. He's the team's penalty taker, and he's heavily involved in their attacking play. Fernandes is known for his creativity and eye for goal, and he's capable of producing big FPL scores. While his form can be inconsistent at times, his overall potential is undeniable.
These premium midfielders come at a significant cost, but their potential for high scores justifies the investment. When selecting your FPL team, consider allocating a good portion of your budget to secure at least one or two of these reliable point scorers. Their consistent returns can make a big difference in your overall rank.
Mid-Priced Marvels: Value for Money
The mid-priced midfield bracket is where you can find excellent value for money in FPL. These players offer a good balance of affordability and potential, allowing you to strengthen other areas of your team while still having reliable midfield options. Identifying the best mid-priced midfielders can be crucial for maximizing your budget and achieving a well-rounded squad. In the 2023/24 season, several midfielders in this price range stand out as promising picks.
- James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): James Maddison is a creative midfielder with a knack for scoring goals and providing assists. Now at Tottenham, he will be a key player in their attacking setup. Maddison's set-piece delivery is also excellent, further enhancing his assist potential. He is a great option in FPL because he is relatively affordable and has a high ceiling for points.
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal): Martin Ødegaard has established himself as a key player for Arsenal, and his FPL potential is growing. He is the creative hub of the team, and his passing range and vision are exceptional. Ødegaard is also capable of scoring goals, making him a well-rounded FPL option. His price point makes him an attractive choice for managers looking to balance their squad.
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Eberechi Eze is an exciting talent with the potential to become a star in FPL. He is a skillful dribbler and has an eye for goal. Eze is also capable of producing assists, making him a versatile FPL asset. If Crystal Palace can improve their attacking output, Eze could become a standout performer in the mid-priced bracket. He is a good option, guys!.
These mid-priced midfielders offer excellent value for money and can provide a solid foundation for your FPL midfield. When selecting your team, consider including one or two of these players to balance your budget and maximize your points potential. Their consistent returns and explosive potential can make a significant difference in your overall rank.
Budget Gems: The Hidden Treasures
Finding budget gems in midfield can be a game-changer in FPL. These are the players who are priced low but have the potential to deliver surprisingly high scores. Identifying these hidden treasures can free up funds to invest in premium players in other positions. In the 2023/24 season, several budget midfielders could emerge as valuable assets.
- Andreas Pereira (Fulham): Andreas Pereira is a budget-friendly midfielder who has the potential to provide decent returns. He is a hard-working player who is capable of scoring goals and providing assists. If Fulham can maintain their attacking form, Pereira could be a bargain FPL option. He is also on set pieces which greatly increases his chances of returns.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford): Bryan Mbeumo is a tricky winger who can play as a striker. He is a threat on the counter-attack. He is quite cheap and has the potential to haul in certain gameweeks. Don't sleep on him, guys!.
- Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa): Jacob Ramsey is a promising young midfielder who has the potential to become a star in FPL. He is a dynamic player who is capable of scoring goals and providing assists. If Aston Villa can continue their progress under manager Unai Emery, Ramsey could become a valuable FPL asset.
These budget gems offer excellent value for money and can provide surprising returns. When selecting your FPL team, consider including one or two of these players to free up funds and maximize your points potential. Their unexpected contributions can make a big difference in your overall rank.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Midfielders
When selecting midfielders for your FPL team, there are several factors you should consider to make informed decisions:
- Form: Assess the recent form of potential midfield targets. Look at their goal-scoring record, assist numbers, and overall contribution to their team's attacking play. Players in good form are more likely to continue delivering points.
- Fixtures: Analyze the upcoming fixtures of the teams your target midfielders play for. Favorable fixtures against weaker defenses increase the likelihood of goals and assists. Use fixture difficulty trackers to identify promising fixture runs.
- Playing Time: Ensure that your chosen midfielders are regular starters for their respective teams. Players who are consistently in the starting XI are more likely to accumulate points. Check team news and predicted lineups to assess playing time security.
- Goal Threat: Prioritize midfielders who have a good goal-scoring record or play in advanced positions. Goal-scoring midfielders offer a direct route to points and can provide a significant boost to your FPL score.
- Assist Potential: Consider midfielders who are known for their creativity and ability to provide assists. Players who deliver accurate crosses, through balls, and set-pieces are more likely to rack up assist points.
- Underlying Stats: Delve into the underlying stats of potential midfield targets. Look at metrics such as shots per game, key passes, and expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA). These stats can provide valuable insights into a player's potential for future returns.
- Set-Piece Duties: Identify midfielders who are responsible for taking set-pieces, such as free-kicks and corners. Set-piece takers have a higher chance of scoring goals or providing assists from these situations.
- Team's Attacking Style: Consider the attacking style and tactics of the teams your target midfielders play for. Midfielders in attacking teams are more likely to be involved in goal-scoring opportunities.
- Discipline Record: Be aware of the disciplinary record of potential midfield targets. Players who accumulate yellow cards or red cards can lose points through suspensions.
- Value for Money: Evaluate the price of potential midfield targets in relation to their potential for points. Look for players who offer good value for money and can provide a solid return on your investment.
By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when selecting midfielders for your FPL team and maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion
Choosing the right midfielders is essential for FPL success. By considering premium options like Salah, De Bruyne, and Fernandes, value picks like Maddison, Ødegaard, and Eze, and budget gems like Andreas Pereira, Mbeumo and Ramsey, you can build a well-rounded and high-scoring midfield. Always factor in form, fixtures, playing time, and underlying stats to make informed decisions. Good luck, guys, and may your midfield selections bring you many FPL points!